Over three years, the club has celebrated the unique talents of these children. The team embarked on an initiative to uncover more diverse skills among special children. In recent months, they connected with individuals, groups, and schools to gather insights into various talents. The multi-talent hunt featured 200 participants in competitions in fashion shows, dance, writing, drawing, painting, keyboard, and public speaking.

“This endeavour aims to build awareness, recognise, appreciate, acknowledge and spot their talent and make them grow higher in their new skill to enrich their future living community and support a more inclusive world,” said a statement from the club.

Comprising a mixed bag of performers, the grand finale was held at Hotel Le Meridian on Oct.13. The event was judged by prominent singers – Yugendran Vasudevan, Devan Ekambaram, NSK Ramya and Ganga. More than 200 guests, including celebrities, attended the finale. 

Chief guest for the event was Rtn Mahaveerchand Bothra, District Governor – RI District 3233. President Rtn Shalin Shah and Chairman of the event Rtn Eashwar Prasad ensured that the event showcased the talent beautifully. The proceeds of this event will be utilised for various community projects of Rotary.

Winners of different categories:

• Carnatic: Winner – R.Shrinidhi (Rotaract Club of REC), Runner up – Balaje MS Viswanaathan (RC Chennai Octave);
• Junior: Winner – Utkarsh Snehal (RC North west), Runner up – Sathvikasri (RC Chennai Adyar);
• Young Adult: Winner – Jayaprakash (Rotaract Club of REC), Runner up – V.Meghna (RC Chennai Utsav)
• Western: Winner – Gautham Garg (RC Chennai Capital), Runner up – V.Aishwarya (RC Chennai Octave);
• Senior Female: Winner – Deepa Venkatraman (RC Chennai Octave), Runner up – Rtn. Laxmi Mohandas (RC Chennai Royals);
• Duet: Winner – Aishwarya / Rangarajan (RC Chennai Octave), Runner up – A.Akash / Shrinidhi (Rotaract club of REC);
• Senior Male: Winner – Ankit Shah (RC Chennai Capital), Runner up – Anindya Ghosh (RC Chennai Gemini);
• Group: Winner – S.Nagarajan (RC Madras North), Runner up – Gautham Garg (RC Chennai Capital);

Special Awards: Sumithra (RC Vadapalani), P.Shivathmika (RC Chennai Adyar), A.Akash (Rotaract Club of REC), Adhithya (Rotaract Club of REC), Myttre (RC Melodies), Ankit / Gautham (RC Chennai Capital), A.S.Rangarajan (RC Chennai Serenity).

The medical equipment was handed over at a glittering function held on Sep.12, by Rtn. Narendra Srisrimal – President of the club in the presence of many other Rotary members. The beneficiaries are:

• CSI Kalyani Hospital (Mylapore): Dr.J.Jayanth – Medical Director of the hospital received 5 Bi-PAP machines and 30 pulse oximeters.
• Voluntary Health Services Hospital (Taramani): Dr.S.Suresh, received 5 Bi-PAP machines and 20 pulse oximeters for the hospital.
• Public Health Centre, West Mambalam: The centre received 3 Bi-PAP machines, 20 pulse oximeters and 3 oxygen concentrators.

Rtn Saiseshan Chairman Literacy RID 3232, Inspector M.Thankaraj (L&O), Sub-inspector V.Rajendran (Traffic) were the chief guests. Students and early morning walkers at Elliot Beach participated in planting saplings. Bluewaves aims to create a green canopy at Besant Nagar.

In another event, the team, under the guidance of Police Commissioner Sandeep Roy Rathore, IPS, the Sastri Nagar police station and Thoraipakkam J9 police Inspector K.Rajaram, created awareness of the ill effects of drugs, among the residents of Besant Nagar, on May 19. They spoke to parents on how to monitor their children and watch for any change in behaviour. Friendly conversations and the distribution of fruits and buttermilk made it a pleasant event.

“What would you do if your child was one of the ‘1 in 100’ children born with a heart defect? Parents are willing to move heaven and earth to save their child’s life, but often, their options and finances are limited. Sadly, routine surgical procedures freely available in the developed world are out of reach in almost every African country,” said a statement from the Rotary Club of Chennai Thiruvanmiyur (RCCT), prompting them to take steps to change this. They are now providing open heart surgery to African children with heart issues, for free.

In Phase 1, six affected children from Africa were identified and brought to India, in association with Indian Association Uganda and Healthy Heart Foundation Uganda. They were operated at Namar Hospital, Royapettah, by Dr Prashant Shah and Dr Prem, philanthropist doctors. RCCT thanked Flexco for sponsoring the project.

The event saw the planting of 150 saplings., each accompanied by a tree guard, along key areas such as Mount Poonamalle High Road, ANE Salai, and VGN Nagar.

Rtn. N.S.Saravanan, Governor-elect of RI District 3234, was the chief guest. He underscored the significance of community involvement in tree planting and the importance of enhancing the city’s greenery. Pasumai Moorthy, from Pasumai Amaippu and a resident of Vannanthurai, donated the saplings and highlighted the need for diligent maintenance of the newly planted saplings, stressing adequate watering and care.

Also present at the occasion were Jamila Pandurangan – President of the Iyyappanthangal Panchayat, Rtn. C.Muthusamy – Chairman of Public Image, Rtn. Dr K.P.Vijayakumar – the organiser of the initiative, Union councillors Ushanandhini Ethiraj and Loganayaki Swaminathan, residents and office bearers of Prince Highlands and members of the Rotary Club of Chennai Prestige.

Governor of Rotary District 3232, Ravi Raman had organised the visit of Rotarians from Australia to Corporation Primary Schools of Odai Kuppam and Kuppam Beach Road. The visitors were astounded by the children who understood English very well and responded to their queries with confidence.

The councillor has collaborated with Citizens for Harmony, Amity and Integrity (CHAI) to teach spoken English to the schools in her ward. The visiting team also promised to raise funds for other requirements of the school from other clubs in Australia. Following this providential visit, these two primary schools will now be equipped with sports facilities and smart classes. While praising the conduct and skills of the children, the team gifted children with school bags.

Hundreds of energetic students from arts and optometry colleges, Rotarians, doctors, and ‘Veera Pengal’ (female auto drivers of Chennai) participated. Actress Rekha Nair was the guest of honour and Rtn Natarajan Nagoji was the chief guest. Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ma Subramanian, and ACP Mr Julius encouraged the walkers with their appearance. 

The programme was an eye opener for diabetic patients and the public on how to recognise visual symptoms of diabetic retinopathy (eg: vision changes, floaters, distortion) and the need to regularly get the eyes examined. 

The walkers shouted slogans, distributed pamphlets, and carried placards and banners, to create awareness on Diabetic Retinopathy. The participating students received certificates of participation recognising them as Yuva Nethra Jyotis: Youth Vision Ambassadors of Radhatri Nethralaya.