 Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam

Roshni  January - March 2021

By Smt. Vasanthi Ramesh, SCM, WIA, Chennai.

The primary objective of Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam is to support socially, economically and physically underprivileged women and children. During the COVID19 pandemic and resulting lockdown, catering to this segment of the society, who were particularly affected, was the need of the hour.

Free Dispensary Project:

Inauguration of the free dispensary was done by prominent philanthropist, Shri Nalli Chettiar on the birth anniversary of Late Smt.Susheela Padmanabhan.Patients started coming in large numbers as there are no similar facilities nearby. Till date, around 80 patients have consulted with our doctors Dr. Vasantha(Gynaecologist) and Dr. Revathy(General Physician), as well as consulting physiotherapists and psychologists.Taking turns, each doctor graciously spends a day per week attending to patients. After consultation, patients who are prescribed medicines are directed to the local pharmacy to get medicines free of cost. Srinivasa Gandhi Nilayam in turn pays the pharmacy for the costs incurred. Based on the overwhelming positive feedback, we look forward abled women in January 2021, to help sustain their livelihood.While “Work from Home” is the trendy buzzword of late, these ladies have been pioneers in making Idli/Dosa batter at home and selling it to nearby eateries, restaurants and homes. They were unable to cope with the growing demand and required commercial grinders to keep up.We gave them special training on how to operate the machines, as well as additional marketing training. We also arranged discussions with other entrepreneurs where they shared ideas on increasing sales and income as well as other aspects of running a successful business.We were glad to hear from the ladies that these sessions increased their self-confidence, drive to work hard as well as contribute and live as equal members of society.

to serving women and young children in need for many years to come.

Wet Grinder Project:

In commemorating the birth anniversary of our Vice-President, (Late) Smt. Susheela Padmanabhan, we distributed four commercial wet grinders worth `25,000/- each for differently-

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Roshni  January - March 2021

Coaching Centre:

As the State Govt. announced the reopening schools for 10th, 11th, and 12th std. students, we have resumed our coaching centre for poor, first generation students which we started last year. As of now, 20-25 students are enjoying our coaching centre and look forward to the classes each day. With the coaching center, our goal has been to make education fun and teach concepts in an engaging, friendly manner that draws students to our classes. After a stressful school day, students look forward to our sessions where they first play basketball and snack on various healthy treats and hot drinks.After having fun, students review their class materials with our enthusiastic teachers who revisit the syllabus in an approachable and interesting way. Frequent tests are being conducted to ensure that the students are making progress. Over the weekends, children also have access to one-on-one counselling sessions with one of our members –Smt.. Surya Rekha, a psychologist. These sessions help them deal with the fear, stress and doubts brought about by this pandemic.Based on the report given by the counsellor, action is taken to enhance their skillsets and augment it with extracurricular activities. The Principal and teachers of the school have been delighted with the progress and are keen to broaden this programme to more students.

International Women’s Day:

International Women's Day was celebrated with college students of Krishnaswamy College by conducting a 2-day workshop on life skill enhancement through Gandhian way and peace education by joining hands with Gandhi Peace Foundation. A workshop on quilted bags was conducted.

We close this financial year by launching an innovative project for the rehabilitation of prison convicts and their families. Families of convicts are often looked down upon and are both economically and socially boycotted. We have created a rehabilitation program to help them deal with this scenario and try to uplift them socially and economically. To begin with, our focus has been on the provision of basic amenities, education for their children, skill development as well as assistance with finding jobs. Concerned by their privacy we are not disclosing the details of the beneficiaries.

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