The open invitation selection trials will be held on March 16, (Sunday) at 8,30 AM at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, located at Vandalur Kelambakkam Road, Keelakottaiyur.

Aspiring players are required to bring their UDID (Unique Disability ID), disability certificate, Aadhaar card, and a passport-size photo for verification. Prior registration is mandatory to participate in the trials.

For further details and registration, interested candidates can contact 9940633177 / 9841702338.

The Tamil Nadu Para Cricket Association is committed to promoting inclusivity and providing opportunities for differently-abled cricketers to represent the state at competitive levels. The event is expected to witness a strong turnout as talented players compete for a spot in the state team.

The association’s leadership includes Dr. Raghavi (President), Dr. Vincent (Vice President), Mr. Mukundhan (Secretary), and Mr. Senthil (Treasurer), who are working collectively to support and develop para cricket in Tamil Nadu.

Gaura Purnima commemorates the birth of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who appeared over 500 years ago in Navadvipa, West Bengal, to spread the yuga-dharma—the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. 

Event Highlights

The celebrations will feature a spiritually uplifting lineup of events:

• 4.30 am: Mangala Aarthi, Kirtan and Japam
• 7 am: Guru Puja
• 7.15 am: Srimad Bhagavatam discourse
• 8 am: Darshan Aarti
• 4 pm: Kirtan 
• 5.45 pm: Abhishekam
• 6.30 pm: Discourse on Lord Chaitanya
• 7 pm: Maha Arati 
• 7.30 pm: Anukalpa Prasadam 

Devotees and visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the blissful chanting of Kirtan, witness the sacred bathing ceremony, and listen to enlightening discourses on the life and teachings of Mahaprabhu. The evening will conclude with a Maha Arati and the serving of Anukalpa Prasadam, a special feast prepared for the occasion.

Holika Dahan – March 13, 2025

In addition to Gaura Purnima, ISKCON Chennai will also observe Holika Dahan on March 13 at 11.30 pm, symbolising the burning away of negativity before stepping into a spiritually enriching celebration.

ISKCON Chennai warmly welcomes devotees, spiritual seekers, and the general public to participate in this auspicious festival, receive divine blessings, and experience the boundless mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

For those unable to attend in person, the celebrations will be live-streamed at iskconchennai.org/live. For further details, visit: iskconchennai.org.

The event served as a heartfelt gesture to appreciate the incredible women of the Greenwood Society. Adding to the spirit of the occasion, the women of the society extended their gratitude to their lady housekeeping staff by organizing a special lunch and presenting them with thoughtful gifts. This act of kindness emphasized the importance of inclusivity and recognition for the hardworking women who contribute to the community’s well-being.

Parry Travels’ support added a touch of grandeur to the celebration, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees. The event underscored the significance of acknowledging women’s efforts, not just on this special day but throughout the year.

The Greenwood Society’s International Women’s Day celebrations stood as a shining example of community togetherness and appreciation, reinforcing the essence of empowerment and gratitude.

The Chennai Chapter of Dignity Foundation, which also celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has consistently set benchmarks in senior citizen welfare, winning the Best Chapter Award for four consecutive years. 

To mark this momentous year, NIFT Chennai conceptualized and meticulously curated the Inclusive Fashion Show, seamlessly blending creativity, inclusivity, and the spirit of celebration. The event saw spirited senior citizens, who proudly call themselves “Juniors at Heart”, confidently walk the NIFT runway, proving that fashion has no age limit. Their vibrant ensembles inspired by Carnival themes from around the world were a testament to the power of fashion as a tool for self-expression and cultural celebration.

The show was expertly coordinated by Dr. Geetha Ranjini, Sridhar Amanchy, and Pratheepa Raj, supported by an enthusiastic team of NIFT Chennai students who styled, accessorized, and groomed the senior citizen models for their big moment on the runway.

This heartwarming showcase not only highlighted NIFT Chennai’s commitment to inclusive fashion but also underscored the transformative role of design in promoting social inclusion, intergenerational bonding, and creative empowerment.

Adding a vibrant touch to the celebration, a total of 54 children from Nithyaarpana School, Chatur Lakshana School of Fine Arts, Kritha Dance School, Kalaroopam Dance School, and Agaram presented captivating dance performances.

The Club made monetary donations to Avvai Home, V.H.S Hospital, Asha Niketan, Karunai Trust, Rajalakshmi Charitable Trust, Madras Dyslexia  Association, Bala Mandir and Swastha.

Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC and Coordinating Director, CMC, presided over the function, emphasizing the significance of science in everyday life and its role in India’s progress. The chief guest, Prof. Dr. Stephan Grill – Director of Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology & Genetics (Germany), delivered a lecture on the ‘Physics of Life’, discussing living systems and molecular motors.

As part of the celebrations, the second edition of the Dr. N. Lakshmanan Memorial Science Quiz Competition was held on Feb.28 for Greater Chennai Corporation School students. Organised by A.K. Farvaze Ahmed and his team, the quiz saw participation from 93 students across 31 schools. CHSS – Virugambakkam won first place, followed by CHS – Korattur and CHS – Padikuppam. Trophies, shields, and prize money were awarded to winners by Dr. Anandavalli.

The event highlighted the theme ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat’, fostering scientific curiosity among young minds.

Dr. Munawardeen of Exnora spoke on pressing environmental challenges and the organization’s efforts to tackle them. The coordinator of Exnora’s Waterbody Restoration Project, Karpagam, urged students not to pollute lakes and ponds, stressing that these are natural recharge stations for groundwater. She encouraged students to participate in cleanup activities and educate local communities about protecting water bodies. Dr. Muthukumar, Program Officer of the Tamil Nadu Department of Environment, advised students to reduce carbon emissions by cycling or carpooling. He also elaborated on global warming and carbon footprints.

For conducting awareness sessions in your locality, institution, contact 90946 86187.

Currently, the van provides testing for non-communicable diseases, liver disease screening, dental hygiene checks, and general consultations. Patients are linked to appropriate care when needed. Plans are underway to introduce a mobile ultrasonogram to assess fatty liver disease, a growing health concern.

By offering preventive healthcare, this initiative helps reduce the burden on hospitals and aligns with Tamil Nadu’s public health goals. “RCCT has been supporting health and education initiatives for the underprivileged since 1998,” says Club President Rtn Shalin Shah. Interested organisations can contact 73587 64200 for more information.

As part of this initiative, four new ‘Muthalamaichar Chiru Vilaiyattarangam’ were inaugurated in different assembly constituencies across Tamil Nadu. Each facility, constructed at a cost of Rs.3 crore, contributes to a total investment of Rs.12 crore. The locations are: 

• Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni (Chennai): The facility boasts a state-of-the-art gymnasium with air-conditioned training halls, a 400-meter athletic track, a hockey field with floodlights, and two cricket training pitches.
• Solavandhan (Madurai District): This facility features a 200-meter running track, courts for kabaddi, volleyball and basketball, a long jump pit, and a grandstand with seating for spectators.
• Karaikudi (Sivagangai District): In Karaikudi, the facility features a 400-meter running track, multi-purpose courts for volleyball, basketball, and kabaddi, a long jump pit and a spectator stand.
• Thirunagari (Thoothukudi District): This facility has a 400-meter running track, football ground, basketball court, long jump pit and a spectator stand.

The event was attended by prominent ministers and officials, including: S.R. Rajakannappan – Minister for Co-operatives, Anitha R. Radhakrishnan – Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, P. Moorthy – Minister for Commercial Taxes, Dhayanidhi Maran – Member of Parliament, MLAs: A. Chenguttavan (Thirunagari), M.C. Shanmugaiya (Karaikudi), S. Mangudi (Kovilpatti), Chennai Mayor R. Priya, officials from the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, sports enthusiasts, and athletes.

These new sports facilities align with the government’s vision to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle while fostering young talent in various sports disciplines.

The initiative was inaugurated by Padma Dr. V.S. Natarajan, India’s Father of Geriatrics, and Dr. D.S. Ramaiah, a 98-year-old VHS Senior Citizen Centre resident. Dr. Natarajan praised VHS for its affordable, high-quality healthcare, while Prof. Suresh Seshadri, Hon. Secretary & CEO, highlighted VHS’s 65-year legacy in accessible medical care.

Dr. Usha Sriram, Head of Diabetes & Endocrinology, emphasised the importance of regular check-ups for seniors to manage conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. The Aarogyam 100 program offers free consultations in General Medicine, Surgery, Geriatrics, Urology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Dental Care, and Endocrinology.

The Aarogyam Card was also launched, providing:

• Free Registration & Ambulance Pickup (within 5 km)
• Priority Appointments & Admissions
• Discounts on Lab Tests, Cataract Surgeries & Pharmacy

In a generous gesture, Dr. Ramaiah donated Rs.5 lakh towards enhancing VHS’s senior care facilities. For registration, send details via WhatsApp to 91500 17981 or 93840 03115.