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.

The event opened with a classical music performance, a fusion of dance, vocal, and instrumental performances, setting the tone for the evening. A series of instrumental recitals followed, featuring the flute, keyboard, violin, and mridangam. The LOE Keyboard group performed classics from The Sound of Music and Vara Veena in Mohana Ragam, while the guitar ensemble played Bella Ciao and the Harry Potter Theme Music.

A standout performance was Gajarajane Karunakara in Brindhavani Ragam, blending dance, vocal, and instrumental elements. The evening also featured the powerful Shiva Thandavam, a tribute to Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, leaving the audience spellbound. The Violin and Mridangam segments, along with the grand orchestral Symphony – Sarvesha, added to the event’s vibrancy.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks, appreciating the efforts of students, faculty, and organisers.

The Hon’ble Shri. Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India inaugurated the program by lighting ceremonial lamp and delivered the inaugural address and served as the chief guest of the conference. Shri. Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India, and Dr. Smt. Sudesh Dhankar, Second lady of India felicitated by Dr. Nachiketa Rout, Director, NIEPMD.

The conference brought together over 100 participants, including 40 deafblind individuals, to discuss employment opportunities, accessibility, and self-advocacy. Inaugurated by Hon’ble Shri. Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India, the event focused on breaking barriers faced by the deafblind community and creating an inclusive society. Shri. Dhankar also planted tree saplings as a symbol of “Mother Earth” and distributed assistive devices to persons with disabilities.

The event emphasized ‘information accessibility,’ particularly on online platforms, and highlighted government schemes like ADIP and NIRAMAYA that support people with disabilities. Shri. Zamir Dhale, Founder of SEDB, delivered the welcome speech, advocating for better education and employment opportunities for the deafblind.

This conference provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas, learn about government initiatives, and build connections to advocate for their rights, creating a more accessible and inclusive world for people with disabilities.

As part of the project’s outreach efforts, students from the Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School, Besant Nagar, delivered an inspiring performance at the Society’s 149th International Convention. The event, attended by delegates from India and abroad and live-streamed on YouTube, featured a traditional Villupaatu storytelling session and a skit.

The Villupaatu creatively highlighted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as poverty eradication, quality education, and climate action, blending upbeat music, humour, and dialogue. Delegates were captivated by the performance’s impactful messages.

The accompanying skit emphasised harmony with nature, with students portraying the Adyar river, the sea, mangroves and the estuary (where TS is located). It narrated the River’s origins, its ecological importance, and the degradation it has suffered, concluding with the message: “The Adyar River is not just a river, she is life.”

The AED project will expand its efforts throughout Chennai, offering hands-on activities with naturalists and educators while using traditional art forms like Villupaatu and Therukoothu to engage communities in climate action and environmental conservation.

For more details, visit https://www.ts-adyar.org/adyar-eco-development.

Checkout the performance:

A standout moment was the symbolic declaration of the sports meet, where he released doves amidst the cheers of excited children, representing peace and harmony. Usha Ravichandran, retired principal of Pon Vidyashram School, added grace to the event, applauding the children’s efforts and distributing medals and certificates.

Senior KG students led the torch-bearing ceremony, followed by a captivating march past. Activities like races, drills, and games delighted everyone, while parent participation added to the fun. Ph: 98843 00080, 98842 00080.

Around 1,000 participants from Tamil Nadu, representing students, teachers, farmers, artisans, professionals, and researchers, will attend. Another 200 Tamil students from Central Universities will join visits to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya.

This year’s event coincides with the Maha Kumbh Mela (Jan.13 to Feb.26), allowing participants to take a Shahi Snan and visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The theme focuses on Sage Agasthyar, highlighting his contributions to Siddha medicine, Tamil literature, and cultural unity. Activities include exhibitions, workshops, and visits to key sites like Subramania Bharati’s ancestral home and BHU’s Tamil Department.

The Sangamam, launched in 2022, continues to revive and celebrate the rich cultural heritage connecting Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

Prize distribution was held on Jan.12 at Yogalaya, Gandhi Nagar. The chief guest was Meenakshi Sriram – Samskrita Teacher at KSN Senior Secondary School, Thiruvanmiyur. She spoke in simple Samskrtam encouraging children. The special guest was C.S.Ram – Vice President of Dharma Paripalana Sabha (Shri Ananta Padmanabha Swamy temple, Gandhi Nagar). More than 80 children participated and enthusiastically showcased their excellent talent on Shabda Ratanam.

The event featured engaging themes such as signs and symbols, international festivals, maths and science in everyday life, farm to fork, gaming and robotics, showcasing the collective efforts of students across all grades.

The event’s highlights included a captivating BODMAS dance, a powerful punctuation dance, and the 118 periodic elements song, all creatively bringing academic concepts to life.

Chief guest Dr.Gopinath (Principal Scientist – M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation) delivered an inspiring address, emphasising the significance of creativity in education, and encouraged children to develop a scientific temper and ask ‘Why’ questions to embrace lifelong learning.

The expo attracted enthusiastic participation from parents and students, affirming the school’s commitment to fostering innovation and holistic learning.