Date:13/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/13/stories/2008101358060200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Celebrating a bright Deepavali with equally brilliant philanthropy

Staff Reporter

Underprivileged children usher in the happiest of festivals with utmost joy

— Photo: R.Shivaji Rao

Emitting empathy: The Anandha Deepavali organised by ‘Udhavum Ullangal’ for underprivileged children in Chennai on Sunday was yet another occasion to bring smile on their faces.

CHENNAI: As the multicoloured lights emitted by firecrackers brightened the faces of 1,111 young underprivileged children at the Anandha Deepavali celebrations organised by ‘Udhavum Ullangal’ here on Sunday, the benevolence of many good-hearted people working with various organisations in the city shone even brighter.

Udhavum Ullangal, a registered public charitable trust, started celebrating Anandha Deepavali in 1998 for socially deprived children including orphans, mentally retarded and physically challenged.

Speaking on the occasion, Member of Legislative Assembly S.Ve. Shekher advised the underprivileged children from 21 charitable organisations in and around the city, to work hard and achieve excellence in life.

“You have to help other underprivileged children get proper education and health after achieving success in your life with a wonderful career,” he told the children.

He added that education without morality was of no use. Mr.Sekar cited former President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam as an example of success with education and morality.

Jyothi Lakshmi, a VIII standard student of Avvai Homes Adyar said, “I want to help underprivileged children after becoming an IAS officer.”

Founder Trustee of Udhavum Ullangal, Sankar Mahadevan said, “We are contributing towards the educational and health needs of the underprivileged children. We are also actively promoting blood donation. Udhuvam Ullangal will focus on rural education and interaction between students of rural and urban schools for greater awareness,” he added.

G. Narayanan, Executive Director, Indian Overseas Bank, assured more funds for organisations which help to tackle the social challenges faced by orphans. Neel Sathasivam, Chairman and CEO, eNoah I Solutions India, P.G.Raghuraman, Accenture-India BPO Lead, V.Shankar, vice-president, CSC-India, Anil Kumar Thekkepat, Director, CSC India, spoke.

Many employees of various private organisations participated enthusiastically in the celebrations with the children wearing new clothes, bursting crackers and having delicious food.