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.

We do have a volcano of our very own, and can you imagine it is erupting as you read this article?

It is a volcano on Barren Island in the Andaman Islands. It is the only active volcano in South Asia, and it is currently active. The Island is uninhabited except for a small population of wild goats. This is my 3rd visit to the island. It was deep-sea big-game sportfishing that took me initially to the island, and this time around too, it was fishing that took me back to the island. 

Recently, three of us were on a deep-sea angling expedition in that region. Starting from Havelock Island, we were on a dedicated sport-fishing boat.

While we did a good deal of fishing, the view of the island was just awesome. The sight of the volcano erupting dense smoke, ash, and fire was simply breathtaking. During my first visit, I had spent the night on board anchored off the island (presently spending the night off an anchored boat is not permitted). The night view of the volcano was also amazing. You can keep watching those fireworks that keep lighting up the dark sky. Andaman is home to big game-sport fishes like the Marlin, Tuna, Giant Trevally, Kingfish, Barracuda, Grouper, Wahoo, Sharks and so on. These fish caught are released back into the ocean after being photographed.

Angling is highly absorbing and can reward you with so much joy and excitement. It can give you the adrenaline rush of your life. Believe me, it does. But for angling, I would not have seen the Barren Island and witnessed one of nature’s fascinating wonders.

* Big-game sportfishing, also known as offshore or deep-sea fishing, is a sport that involves catching large fish species using specialised fishing rods and reels. Sports fishermen use artificial lures and handheld rods. This sport requires skill, patience, and endurance, as the targeted fish are strong and often put up a challenging fight. All the fish caught are safely released back into the ocean. 
* While the volcano at Barren Island is erupting continuously, major eruptions were witnessed in 1787, 1991, 2005, 2017 and 2020. A large part of the volcano lies underwater, with only the tip forming the island. The waters around Barren Island are known for rich marine biodiversity, including manta rays, reef sharks, and coral reefs.
* For more information on fishing / water sports / trips to Barren Island, contact captainhooks.havelock@gmail.com; Ph: 74308 13322, WhatsApp: 9434280543.
* The Chennai coast too has a lot of fishing. For gear, advice, etc., one can contact Anglers Fishing Tackles and Poseidon Sport Fishing in Chennai.

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.

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 event was inaugurated by chief guest K.P. Magendran IPS, Former DGP, who praised the institute’s various outreach programmes. Dhamal Ramakrishnan Swami, a well-known scholar, recounted the inspiring journey of Srila Prabhupada, who, at 69, travelled to America alone and established the global Hare Krishna movement.

The event was presided over by the Chairman of ISKCON Bangalore – Madhu Pandit Prabhu, who highlighted Srila Prabhupada’s role in reviving Sanatana Dharma worldwide. The festival featured traditional Tamil Nadu dance performances, including Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Silambam, Kolattam, Karagam, and Poikkal Kuthirai, with over 400 artistes participating. Devotees sang soul-stirring bhajans, and prasadam was distributed to hundreds of attendees.

The Balwadi will be re-inaugurated on Mar.14 at 10 am in memory of the late Sarojani Subramanium, one of the founders and former President of the Manram. The facility will cater to children aged 2 to 5 years, operating from 9 am to 3 pm. Children will receive milk and fruit in the morning, followed by a nutritious lunch. Additionally, toys and colouring books will be provided to encourage early learning – all free of cost.

Parents / guardians of needy children can contact 97907 44007, 93424 69461 for enrollment. The Manram, in their press release, stated that they are also accepting donations  – monetary and kind (child-friendly toys or books in good condition). Readers are also encouraged to spread the word to families who may benefit from this initiative. The Manram is located at No.3, 11th Cross Street, Sastri Nagar.

Distinguished guests included Deepak Koushik (Superintendent, Narcotics Control Bureau), Dr. Shiva Prakash Srinivasan (Consultant Psychiatrist, SCARF), and Dr. Zarina (Head of Psychology Department, Women’s Christian College). They addressed an audience of trustees, staff, and students from Chennai’s top colleges, emphasising TTK’s role in education, training, and research.

Over four and a half decades, TTK Hospital has evolved from traditional therapy to holistic treatments, integrating art, horticulture, and music therapy. The hospital also runs specialised programs for police personnel, urban societies, and rural communities.

Recognising the rise of digital addiction, TTK offers digital detox programs, individual counselling, and group therapy for gamblers. TTK Hospital remains a beacon of hope for individuals and families struggling with addiction.

For more details, visit www.ttkhospital.com or contact 24918461, 47812949, 94450 23737 (WhatsApp).

The rituals started on Feb.5 and included Ganapathy Homam, Navagraha Homam, Dhana Pooja, Mahalakshmi Homam and Suvasini Pooja, etc. The final ceremonies on Sunday night featured Raksha Bandhanam, Yantra Sthapanam, and the application of Ashtabandhana medicine infused with gold and Navaratnas. The rituals were led by Sivacharya Shree Parameswara Gurukkal. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of residents, families, and well-wishers, who gathered to receive the blessings of Lord Ponmeni Vinayagar.

The grand event was meticulously organised by the Deccan Enclave Flat Owners Association, with voluntary contributions from residents and the local community, ensuring the seamless execution of the sacred rituals.

The league featured three dynamic teams (KB Super Kings, Seven+1 Smashers and KB Racquet Rebels), each composed of passionate players who regularly practice at KB Nagar Park. In a unique twist, a mock auction was organised to form the teams, where three enthusiastic team owners bid for their players. The auction was an exciting event in itself, showcasing the strategic mindset and enthusiasm of the team owners as they built their squads.

Once the teams were finalised, the matches kicked off with great energy and excitement. Spectators were treated to thrilling rallies and nail-biting finishes as the players showcased their skills across different age categories. The event fostered a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition among the participants, bringing the community closer together. At the end of the event, all three teams won the matches equally. On a score basis, Seven+1 Smashers won the Winners trophy. The team comprised Balamurali, Dhanasekar, Dheepan, Hemanth, Ishwar Rao, T.O.Praburaja, Pragadeeswaran and Varunkumar. KB Park Super Kings bagged the runner-up with team players T.O.Balu, Keerthivasan, Pranav, Ravi, Rohinraj, Sanjay, Shravan and Venkat. The referees were Murali and Vijayaraghavan (club coaches).

The organizers emphasized the importance of such events in promoting sportsmanship and fostering a sense of community among badminton enthusiasts. With the success of the event, participants and spectators are already looking forward to the next event.

New members can enrol their names. Free entry. Any gender or any age group, if interested in playing badminton, contact 98413 97612, 98840 04215.