*Mettumarudur School Girl Secures 2nd Place in State-Level Competition*

Mettumarudur School Girl Secures 2nd Place in State-Level Competition*

Kulithalai, Nov 3 - On behalf of the School Education Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Art Fest competitions are conducted every year for students studying in Government and Government-aided schools to express their artistic talents. This year, the competitions were held with the central theme 'Youth Talent'.

In this, Bhavaushali, a student studying in 5th standard at a Government-aided SEVAI Natesan Primary School in  Mettumarudur near Kulithalai, secured first place at the school and cluster level in the Fancy Dress competition. Subsequently, she also secured first place at the district level competition.

Following this, she participated in the state-level competition held in Madurai on the 28th of last month and created a record by securing 2nd place.

SEVAI team, School Teachers, parents and villagers congratulated and appreciated the student who created a record at the state level.* Govin

*Sacred Yatra: Divine Blessings for Dr.G.A.Rajkumar, I A S (r)&Family*

*Sacred Yatra: Divine Blessings for Dr. G.A. Rajkumar IAS Sir & Family*

A pilgrimage is not just a journey to temples but a journey of the soul, and it is indeed a blessed and momentous occasion that our most respected 

*Dr. G.A. Rajkumar IAS and Mrs. Saradha Rajkumar* have together undertaken a sacred yatra covering some of the most powerful spiritual centres of Tamil Nadu including Namakkal Anjaneyar, Singaperumal Temple, Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Gunaseelam Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal Temple, Thanjavur Big Temple, Thittai Guru Bhagavan Temple and Madurai Meenakshi Temple, where each temple carries its own unique divine energy of strength, peace, prosperity, wisdom and protection. We, K. Govindaraju and the SEVAI Team, pray with deep reverence that the divine grace of all these Gods and Goddesses shower abundant good health, prosperity, peace and everlasting happiness upon the entire family of Mrs. Saradha Rajkumar and Dr. G.A. Rajkumar IAS Sir, Former Additional Chief  Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, and their beloved children and grandchildren, and may their family continue to be blessed and be a guiding light to many.*Govin

*Sacred Yatra: Divine Blessings for Dr. G.A.Rajkumar, I A S (r) and family *

 Madurai Meenatchi Amman temple by Mrs &Dr. G.A. Rajkumar, I A S(r)

A pilgrimage is not just a journey to temples but a journey of the soul, and it is indeed a blessed and momentous occasion that our most respected *Dr. G.A. Rajkumar IAS Sir and Mrs. Saradha Rajkumar* have together undertaken a sacred yatra covering some of the most powerful spiritual centres of Tamil Nadu including Namakkal Anjaneyar, Singaperumal Temple, Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Gunaseelam Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal Temple, Thanjavur Big Temple, Thittai Guru Bhagavan Temple and Madurai Meenakshi Temple, where each temple carries its own unique divine energy of strength, peace, prosperity, wisdom and protection. We, K. Govindaraju and the SEVAI Team, pray with deep reverence that the divine grace of all these Gods and Goddesses shower abundant good health, prosperity, peace and everlasting happiness upon the entire family of Mrs. Saradha Rajkumar and Dr. G.A. Rajkumar IAS Sir, Former Additional Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, and their beloved children and grandchildren, and may their family continue to be blessed and be a guiding light to many.*Govin

Dr.M.A.Aleem - Renowned Neurologist Trichy - Honoured with Tamil Chemmal Award -2025

Dr. M. A. Aleem — Renowned Neurologist, Trichy — Honoured with Tamil Chemmal Award 2025*

In a proud recognition of his unique contribution linking Medicine and Tamil literature, *Dr. M. A. Aleem, the renowned Neurologist from Trichy*, has been conferred the prestigious *Tamil Chemmal Award 2025*.

The award was presented on *November 1, 2026*, at the Tamil Nadu Day celebrations held at the Government Museum Theatre, Egmore, Chennai. The day marks the formation of Tamil Nadu on November 1, 1956, and is celebrated every year as Tamil Nadu Day.

This year's function was held at 10 a.m. under the leadership of the Hon'ble Minister for School Education and Tamil Development. The Tamil Chemmal Awards, instituted by the Department of Tamil Development, Government of Tamil Nadu, are given to scholars who have rendered outstanding service for the growth of Tamil language and literature. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 and a citation.

Dr. Aleem received the honour for his remarkable literary contribution of authoring several insightful articles bridging *Medicine and Thirukkural*, bringing ancient Tamil wisdom into modern medical perspective.

Besides his medical eminence, Dr. Aleem also serves as an *Executive Member of the Tiruchirappalli District Welfare Committee*.

Several dignitaries and well-wishers have conveyed their heartfelt greetings to Dr. M. A. Aleem on receiving this highly deserving honour.*Govin

டாக்டர் எம்.ஏ.ஆலிம் — திருச்சியின் புகழ்பெற்ற நரம்பியல் நிபுணர் — தமிழ்ச் செம்மல் விருது 2025 பெற்று சிறப்பு*

மருத்துவத்தையும் தமிழ் இலக்கியத்தையும் இணைக்கும் தனித்துவமான பங்களிப்பை அங்கீகரிக்கும் வகையில், திருச்சியைச் சேர்ந்த புகழ்பெற்ற நரம்பியல் நிபுணர் *டாக்டர் எம்.ஏ. ஆலிம்* அவர்களுக்கு மதிப்புமிக்க *தமிழ்ச் செம்மல் விருது 2025* வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இந்த விருது *2026 நவம்பர் 1* அன்று சென்னை எழும்பூர் அரசு அருங்காட்சியக அரங்கில் நடைபெற்ற தமிழ்நாடு நாள் விழாவில் வழங்கப்பட்டது. தமிழ்நாடு உருவான நவம்பர் 1, 1956-ஐ நினைவுகூரும் வகையில் ஆண்டுதோறும் நவம்பர் 1 தமிழ்நாடு நாளாகக் கொண்டாடப்படுகிறது.

இந்த ஆண்டு விழா காலை 10 மணிக்கு பள்ளிக் கல்வி மற்றும் தமிழ் வளர்ச்சித் துறை அமைச்சர் தலைமையில் நடைபெற்றது. தமிழக அரசின் தமிழ் வளர்ச்சித் துறையால் வழங்கப்படும் தமிழ்ச் செம்மல் விருதுகள், தமிழ் மொழி வளர்ச்சிக்கும் தமிழ்த் தொண்டிற்கும் சிறந்த சேவை ஆற்றிய அறிஞர்களுக்கு வழங்கப்படுகிறது. விருது ரூ.25,000 ரொக்கப் பரிசும் பாராட்டுச் சான்றிதழும் கொண்டது.

*மருத்துவம் மற்றும் திருக்குறளை* இணைத்து பல ஆழமான கட்டுரைகளை எழுதி, நவீன மருத்துவக் கண்ணோட்டத்தில் பண்டைய தமிழ் ஞானத்தைக் கொண்டு வந்த அவரது குறிப்பிடத்தக்க இலக்கியப் பங்களிப்பிற்காக டாக்டர் ஆலிம் இந்த கௌரவத்தைப் பெற்றார்.

மருத்துவச் சிறப்புக்கு அப்பால், டாக்டர் ஆலிம் *திருச்சிராப்பள்ளி மாவட்ட நலக் குழுவின் செயற்குழு உறுப்பினராகவும்* பணியாற்றி வருகிறார்.

இந்த மிகவும் தகுதியான கௌரவத்தைப் பெற்ற டாக்டர் எம்.ஏ. ஆலிம் அவர்களுக்கு பல பிரமுகர்களும் நலம் விரும்பிகளும் தங்களது மனமார்ந்த வாழ்த்துக்களைத் தெரிவித்துள்ளனர்.

Thiru.Vidiyal Kukan @K.Karunanithi honoured with Tamil Chemmal Award 2025

*Retd District Judge,Thiru. Vidiyal Kukan @ K. Karunanithi Receives Tamil Chemmal Award 2025*

The Tamil Chemmal Award 2025 was presented on November 1, 2026. To commemorate the formation of Tamil Nadu on November 1, 1956, November 1 is celebrated every year as Tamil Nadu Day. This year's celebration was held on 1st November 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Government Museum Theatre, Egmore, Chennai. During this function, the Tamil Chemmal Awards for the year 2025 were conferred upon Tamil scholars. This award is presented by the Department of Tamil Development to those who have contributed to the growth of Tamil language and Tamil service. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 25,000/- and a citation. Presented under the leadership of the Minister for School Education and Tamil Development, it is a highly deserving honour that scholars like Vidiyal Kukan Ayya have received it today.

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*திரு. விடியல் குகன் @ கு. கருணாநிதி அவர்கள் தமிழ்ச் செம்மல் விருது 2025 பெற்றார்*

தமிழ்ச் செம்மல் விருது 2025, 2026 நவம்பர் 1 அன்று வழங்கப்பட்டது. தமிழ்நாடு உருவான நவம்பர் 1, 1956-ஐ நினைவுகூரும் வகையில் ஆண்டுதோறும் நவம்பர் 1 தமிழ்நாடு நாள் விழாவாக கொண்டாடப்படுகிறது. இந்த ஆண்டு விழா 2026 நவம்பர் 1 அன்று காலை 10 மணிக்கு சென்னை எழும்பூர் அரசு அருங்காட்சியக அரங்கில் நடைபெற்றது. இவ்விழாவின் போது தமிழறிஞர்களுக்கு 2025-ம் ஆண்டுக்கான தமிழ்ச் செம்மல் விருதுகள் வழங்கப்பட்டன. இந்த விருது தமிழ் வளர்ச்சித் துறை மூலம் தமிழ் மொழி வளர்ச்சிக்கும், தமிழ்த் தொண்டிற்கும் பங்களிப்பு செய்தவர்களுக்கு வழங்கப்படுகிறது. விருதுத் தொகை ரூ.25,000/- மற்றும் பாராட்டுச் சான்றிதழ் ஆகும். பள்ளிக் கல்வி மற்றும் தமிழ் வளர்ச்சித் துறை அமைச்சர் தலைமையில் வழங்கப்பட்ட இவ்விருதை விடியல் குகன் ஐயா போன்றவர்கள் பெற்றிருப்பது மிகவும் பொருத்தமான கௌரவமாகும்.

*Govin

Retd District Judge Vidiyal Kukan honoured with Tamil Chemmal Award 2025.

*Thiru. Vidiyal Kukan @ K. Karunanithi Receives Tamil Chemmal Award 2025*

The Tamil Chemmal Award 2025 was presented on November 1, 2026. To commemorate the formation of Tamil Nadu on November 1, 1956, November 1 is celebrated every year as Tamil Nadu Day. This year's celebration was held on 1st November 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Government Museum Theatre, Egmore, Chennai. During this function, the Tamil Chemmal Awards for the year 2025 were conferred upon Tamil scholars. This award is presented by the Department of Tamil Development to those who have contributed to the growth of Tamil language and Tamil service. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 25,000/- and a citation. Presented under the leadership of the Minister for School Education and Tamil Development, it is a highly deserving honour that scholars like Vidiyal Kukan Ayya have received it today.

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*திரு. விடியல் குகன் @ கு. கருணாநிதி அவர்கள் தமிழ்ச் செம்மல் விருது 2025 பெற்றார்*

தமிழ்ச் செம்மல் விருது 2025, 2026 நவம்பர் 1 அன்று வழங்கப்பட்டது. தமிழ்நாடு உருவான நவம்பர் 1, 1956-ஐ நினைவுகூரும் வகையில் ஆண்டுதோறும் நவம்பர் 1 தமிழ்நாடு நாள் விழாவாக கொண்டாடப்படுகிறது. இந்த ஆண்டு விழா 2026 நவம்பர் 1 அன்று காலை 10 மணிக்கு சென்னை எழும்பூர் அரசு அருங்காட்சியக அரங்கில் நடைபெற்றது. இவ்விழாவின் போது தமிழறிஞர்களுக்கு 2025-ம் ஆண்டுக்கான தமிழ்ச் செம்மல் விருதுகள் வழங்கப்பட்டன. இந்த விருது தமிழ் வளர்ச்சித் துறை மூலம் தமிழ் மொழி வளர்ச்சிக்கும், தமிழ்த் தொண்டிற்கும் பங்களிப்பு செய்தவர்களுக்கு வழங்கப்படுகிறது. விருதுத் தொகை ரூ.25,000/- மற்றும் பாராட்டுச் சான்றிதழ் ஆகும். பள்ளிக் கல்வி மற்றும் தமிழ் வளர்ச்சித் துறை அமைச்சர் தலைமையில் வழங்கப்பட்ட இவ்விருதை விடியல் குகன் ஐயா போன்றவர்கள் பெற்றிருப்பது மிகவும் பொருத்தமான கௌரவமாகும்.

*Govin

*More Than a School: The SEVAI Shanthi Story of Service, Truth and Excellence*

School Lab of SEVAI Shanthi 

In the serene town of Pettavaithalai on the banks of the Cauvery stands more than just a school – SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School, a true temple of learning built on the core principle of SEVAI, which is Service. Run by the SEVAI Trust with a simple yet powerful mission that quality education should not be a privilege of the few, what makes this institution truly special begins with its heart to nourish every child. It is our greatest pride that no child learns on an empty stomach, as we provide wholesome and nutritious breakfast, lunch and evening snacks for all 1350 students every single day, ensuring health, better attendance and equal opportunity especially for our rural children. This care for the body goes hand-in-hand with academic excellence rooted in values, where we consistently achieve 100% results in 10th and 12th board examinations through concept-based learning, teaching truth, discipline and hard work along with subjects. Beyond books, SEVAI Shanthi is a champion factory in sports, known for its spirit in district-level Kho-Kho, athletics and volleyball, supported by a vast playground and dedicated PETs who build fitness, teamwork and leadership. The holistic development continues beyond the classroom through Tamil and English literary clubs, Eco and Science clubs, and cultural talents like music, dance, drawing, yoga and silambam, all backed by modern facilities like smart classes, well-equipped science and computer labs and a library with over 5000 books, with special focus on spoken English and life skills to help our rural students compete globally. And above all, the real merit lies in our service mindset – students learn to serve through visits to the village biodiversity centre, Cauvery river awareness drives, helping elders and community service. In short, SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Hr. Sec. School, Pettavaithalai is not just creating marks, but creating future citizens with healthy bodies, sharp minds and truthful hearts – truly, admissions with a purpose and education with service.,* Govin

From Vulnerability to Self-Reliance:SEVAI's Climate Action in Trichy -Karur"

*From Vulnerability to Self-Reliance: SEVAI's Climate Action in Trichy-Karur*

Students Visit Climate Change Adaptation program.

Building Climate Resilience at the Grassroots: SEVAI's Climate Change Adaptation Project in Trichy and Karur Districts*

*Climate change is no longer a distant threat - it is a daily reality for farmers, women and rural families in Tamil Nadu and Public at large.* Erratic monsoons, prolonged droughts, and depleting groundwater have made livelihoods vulnerable. Addressing this challenge at the grassroots is *SEVAI (Society for Education, Village Action and Improvement), Trichy.*

With decades of community service, SEVAI has been implementing a comprehensive *Climate Change Adaptation Project* that turns vulnerability into self-reliance.

The project aims to help the most needy population adapt to changing climate while sustaining their income, food security and dignity. It does not just talk about climate change - it builds practical solutions with the community.

Four Pillars of the Initiative

*1. Water Security is Climate Security*

SEVAI focuses on rainwater harvesting, desilting of traditional water bodies, farm ponds and groundwater recharge. Training farmers on micro-irrigation and water budgeting helps them do more with less water.

*2. Climate-Resilient Agriculture*

The project promotes traditional, drought-tolerant crops like millets, pulses and oilseeds, along with organic farming, mixed cropping and soil health improvement. This reduces crop failure risk and increases income.

*3. Empowering Women for Self-Reliance*

Women Self-Help Groups are at the centre of the project. Through training on sustainable livelihoods, kitchen gardens, millet processing and eco-friendly enterprises, women become agents of climate adaptation.

*4. Awareness and Community Preparedness*

From school children to senior farmers, SEVAI conducts awareness camps, demonstration farms and training on disaster preparedness, weather advisories and sustainable practices.

Impact on the Ground

- Farmers adopting low-water, high-resilience crops

- Women earning sustainable income despite climate stress

- Villages improving water availability

- Communities moving from aid-dependent to self-reliance.

Conclusion

SEVAI's Climate Change Adaptation Project is not just an environmental project - it is a *human development project*. It protects livelihoods, empowers women, and secures the future of our villages against climate change.

*Let us support and celebrate such initiatives that make our community climate-resilient and self-reliant.** Govin

*SEVAI Moon School: Bridging Learning Gap for Primary Students*

After School Studies in Thottiyapatty 

In a significant step to bridge the learning gap in dryland villages, _SEVAI - Society for Education, Village Action and Improvement_ has started _Village Evening Free Classes - Moon School_ with the support of AEM for school-going students, especially primary school children, in Thottiyapatty village.

Thottiyapatty, a dryland hamlet in Thogamalai block, has many first-generation learners. Parents, mostly small and marginal farmers and daily wage labourers dependent on the North-East Monsoon, find it difficult to support their children in studies at home. Irregular attendance during sowing and harvest seasons and lack of learning support had led to poor reading, writing and numeracy levels among primary children.

To address this, SEVAI has set up an evening tuition centre right inside the village, in SEVAI centre, run by a trained local young woman with special focus on children from Class 1 to 5.

The centre functions from _5.30 pm to 7.00 pm_ every weekday, after school hours. It follows a child-friendly approach:

*Foundational Literacy and Numeracy:* Special attention to Tamil reading, English basics and Maths for primary children through story-telling, songs and activity-based learning.

*Homework Support:* Helping children complete their school homework and clarifying doubts.

*No Exam Pressure:* No corporal punishment. Learning through games, charts and locally available materials.

*Girl Child Focus:* Special encouragement for girls to continue education and not drop out.

*Community Participation:* The tuition space is provided by the community, mothers take turns to monitor, and the Village Education Committee formed by SEVAI oversees the functioning.

Speaking about the initiative, SEVAI teacher said, "Education is the first step out of poverty in dryland villages. If a child misses learning in primary years, the loss is permanent. Evening classes ensure that learning continues even when homes cannot support."

Parents in Thottiyapatty have welcomed the move. "Earlier our children used to wander in the streets after school. They read Tamil faster and do sums without fear," said a mother of a Class 3 student.

The free classes are part of SEVAI's 40-year commitment to education, water and livelihood security in dryland villages.* Kris

*SEVAI Moon School: Bridging Learning Gaps for Primary Students*

After School Studies in Thottiyapatty 

In a significant step to bridge the learning gap in dryland villages, _SEVAI - Society for Education, Village Action and Improvement_ has started _Village Evening Free Classes - Moon School_ with the support of AEM for school-going students, especially primary school children, in Thottiyapatty village.

Thottiyapatty, a dryland hamlet in Thogamalai block, has many first-generation learners. Parents, mostly small and marginal farmers and daily wage labourers dependent on the North-East Monsoon, find it difficult to support their children in studies at home. Irregular attendance during sowing and harvest seasons and lack of learning support had led to poor reading, writing and numeracy levels among primary children.

To address this, SEVAI has set up an evening tuition centre right inside the village, in SEVAI centre, run by a trained local young woman with special focus on children from Class 1 to 5.

The centre functions from _5.30 pm to 7.00 pm_ every weekday, after school hours. It follows a child-friendly approach:

*Foundational Literacy and Numeracy:* Special attention to Tamil reading, English basics and Maths for primary children through story-telling, songs and activity-based learning.

*Homework Support:* Helping children complete their school homework and clarifying doubts.

*No Exam Pressure:* No corporal punishment. Learning through games, charts and locally available materials.

*Girl Child Focus:* Special encouragement for girls to continue education and not drop out.

*Community Participation:* The tuition space is provided by the community, mothers take turns to monitor, and the Village Education Committee formed by SEVAI oversees the functioning.

Speaking about the initiative, SEVAI teacher said, "Education is the first step out of poverty in dryland villages. If a child misses learning in primary years, the loss is permanent. Evening classes ensure that learning continues even when homes cannot support."

Parents in Thottiyapatty have welcomed the move. "Earlier our children used to wander in the streets after school. They read Tamil faster and do sums without fear," said a mother of a Class 3 student.

The free tuition is part of SEVAI's 40-year commitment to education, water and livelihood security in dryland villages.* Kris

*SEVAI Moon School: Bridging Learning Gap for Primary Students*

Moon School Enlightenment Song

Evening Class Bridging Learning Gaps

In a significant step to bridge the learning gap in dryland villages, _SEVAI - Society for Education, Village Action and Improvement_ has started _Village Evening Free Classes - Moon School_ with the support of AEM for school-going students, especially primary school children, in Thottiyapatty village.

Thottiyapatty, a dryland hamlet in Thogamalai block, has many first-generation learners. Parents, mostly small and marginal farmers and daily wage labourers dependent on the North-East Monsoon, find it difficult to support their children in studies at home. Irregular attendance during sowing and harvest seasons and lack of learning support had led to poor reading, writing and numeracy levels among primary children.

To address this, SEVAI has set up an evening tuition centre right inside the village, in SEVAI centre, run by a trained local young woman with special focus on children from Class 1 to 5.

The centre functions from _5.30 pm to 7.00 pm_ every weekday, after school hours. It follows a child-friendly approach:

*Foundational Literacy and Numeracy:* Special attention to Tamil reading, English basics and Maths for primary children through story-telling, songs and activity-based learning.

*Homework Support:* Helping children complete their school homework and clarifying doubts.

*No Exam Pressure:* No corporal punishment. Learning through games, charts and locally available materials.

*Girl Child Focus:* Special encouragement for girls to continue education and not drop out.

*Community Participation:* The tuition space is provided by the community, mothers take turns to monitor, and the Village Education Committee formed by SEVAI oversees the functioning.

Speaking about the initiative, SEVAI teacher said, "Education is the first step out of poverty in dryland villages. If a child misses learning in primary years, the loss is permanent. Evening tuition ensures that learning continues even when homes cannot support."

Parents in Thottiyapatty have welcomed the move. "Earlier our children used to wander in the streets after school. Now they go to tuition on their own. They read Tamil faster and do sums without fear," said a mother of a Class 3 student.

The free tuition is part of SEVAI's 40-year commitment to education, water and livelihood security in dryland villages.* Kris

*In Drylands, SEVAI Turns Runoff into Lifeline*

-Making Running Water Walking -

*Water Soil Conservation measures*

In Thogamalai, Krishnarayapuram and Manaparai blocks,a large part of these blocks is still dryland, completely dependent on the North-East Monsoon with no perennial river support.

It is in these dryland villages that _SEVAI - Society for Education, Village Action and Improvement_ has focused its Water and Soil Conservation work for the last 25 years.

Speaking about the initiative, SEVAI functionary, K.Devebdran said they chose to work where the need is most acute - the rain-fed, dryland villages. About 80% of rainwater runs off and is lost, groundwater levels have depleted drastically, and heavy runoff washes away precious topsoil and silts up village tanks. As a result, farming becomes unviable, drinking water becomes scarce in summer, and families are forced to migrate.

SEVAI with support of OFI follows an integrated approach - catch water where it falls, and hold soil where it belongs. Under water conservation, the NGO has taken up renovation of village tanks through community shramadan for desilting to increase water storage. Check dams, percolation ponds and farm ponds have been strategically built across drainage lines to arrest runoff and recharge aquifers.

In soil conservation, contour and farm bunding has been completed in 15 dryland villages covering 612 Ha, tank silt is reused to improve farm fertility, and over 100,000 native seedlings are planted with bund plantations of Mango, Guava and Neem and other timber trees.

According to SEVAI, 80% of its 3,447 targeted families in dryland hamlets now have year-round drinking water and food security, with 50% increase in crop yield, 8-12 feet rise in groundwater level, and 260 Ha of dryland fallow brought back into cultivation.* Kris

"Mettumarudur School student Qualifies for State Level Art Festival "

Bowsali , 5 th standard student of Mettumarudur School 

*Kulithalai, Oct. 17:* The School Education Department of Tamil Nadu is conducting the Kalai Thiruvizha (Art Festival) competitions for Government and Government-aided school students to nurture their talents. The competitions are being held at the block and district levels, with winners qualifying for the State-level finals.

In Karur district, 68 students from Government and Government-aided schools participated.

Bowsali, a Class 5 student of SEVAI Natesan Government Aided Primary School, Mettu Marudur near Kulithalai, won first place in the Fancy Dress competition at the Kulithalai block level. She then competed at the district-level Kalai Thiruvizha and has been selected to represent the district at the State-level competition to be held in Chennai.

School Correspondent Sevai Govindaraj, Block Educational Officer Manimala, Marudur Town Panchayat President Sakuntala Subramanian, Headmistress Kaliyammal, teachers and local residents congratulated the student on her achievement.-Govin

*The Rice Bowel of Trichy is Empty*

THE RICE BOWL OF TRICHY IS EMPTY*

_A Field Report from Amoor-Gunaseelam by Govin_

Have you ever stood on the banks of a full river and watched the rice fields next to it die of thirst?

That is the cruel irony unfolding right now in Gunaseelam and Amoor, the heartland of Trichy district.

*The Barren Motherland*

Gunaseelam-Amoor is not just any land. This is the land of Muppohogam - where paddy once grew three times a year, feeding not just Trichy but all of Tamil Nadu. Today, if you drive through Gunaseelam, you will see acres and acres of cracked, barren earth. No green. No seedlings. No life.

The fields lie fallow. The farmers stand idle. Not because they are lazy. But because there is no water.

*Mukkombu is Full, But Our Canals Are Empty*

This is what breaks the heart. Just a few kilometers away, Mukkombu - the iconic barrage where the Cauvery splits - is brimming with water. The water flows, gushes, overflows.

But it doesn't reach the Gunaseelam fields.

The channels that should carry this lifeline to the farms are dry. The system has failed, including the Karnataka Government's release policies. And Mother Cauvery, who has nurtured this soil for thousands of years, seems to be looking the other way.

*The Price of a Grain*

When the farmer doesn't cultivate, the entire chain collapses.

Paddy prices have shot up. Rice prices have followed. And in a place you would least expect it - rural Trichy - the small vegetarian hotels have been forced to increase the price of meals.

In the cities, we debate inflation. In Gunaseelam-Amoor, they feel hunger.

> This is more than a crop failure. It is a failure of planning, of distribution, of empathy.

The water is there. The land is there. The hardworking farmer is there.

What is missing is the connection between them.

Until that connection is restored, Amoor-Gunaseelam's soil will continue to weep - silent, barren, and betrayed by the very river that gave it life.-* Govin

*The Road to Kolli Hills+A memory Etched in Stone*

*Shri.K.Velayutham, Former,NYK Key official to Grass roots*

Decades ago, in the rugged terrains of Kolli Hills, a young and dynamic Youth Coordinator, Shri. K. Velayutham, led from the front.

With a spirited team of 100 youth volunteers, he carved a road out of nothing — cutting through rocks and stones with bare hands and sheer willpower. In just 10 days, they opened a pathway where there was none, connecting isolated villages to the world.

It was a time when there was not even a road to reach the camp.

Moved by this extraordinary feat, the District Collector of Salem, Mr. Farooqi, along with his team, trekked to the campsite at night, guided only by the flickering light of Deevatties — the traditional emergency lamps. There, under that night sky, he addressed and honoured the youth for their remarkable service.

It was truly a vibrant, visionary, and vigorous chapter of youth service — an unforgettable saga of Kolli Hills.

Even today, after two decades of retirement, Shri. K. Velayutham continues his tireless service to society with the same vigour and commitment.

*A road was laid then in the hills. A legacy of selfless service continues even now.*Govin

*SEVAI's Green Revolution: Healing the Earth, Empowering the Village Climate*

Vepangudi Myiawalki Forest, 

*Climate Change Adaptation & Biodiversity Restoration - A Grassroots Model from Trichy*

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a daily reality for our farmers. At SEVAI, we believe the answer lies not in high-tech labs alone, but in the wisdom of the village itself. Our Climate Action is not a project, it is a movement to restore the balance between Man, Nature, and Livelihood.

1. The Fruit Forest: Planting Prosperity

We are not just planting trees; we are planting future incomes. Under our *Massive Fruit Tree Plantation Drive*, we are transforming barren lands into productive orchards with Mango, Guava, Jackfruit, Lemon and Pomegranate.

Every tree is a triple gift: It absorbs carbon, restores biodiversity, and gives a poor family a sustainable income for 30 years. A child who plants a sapling today will harvest its fruit for her education tomorrow.

2. The Miyawaki Magic: 100-Year Forest in 10 Years

Land is scarce. Time is scarce. The Japanese *Miyawaki Method* is our answer.

We create dense, native, multi-layered forests that grow 10x faster and are 30x denser. In just 3 years, a barren patch becomes a thriving mini-ecosystem - buzzing with birds, bees, and butterflies. This is our living laboratory for children to learn biodiversity, and for the village to breathe again.

3. Water is God: Catch It Where It Falls

No water, no life. Our *Water & Soil Conservation Mission* is built on one principle: _Save rain where it falls._

We are reviving traditional wisdom through modern science by constructing *Check Dams, Farm Ponds, and Percolation Pits* across Trichy. Each check dam doesn't just store water; it recharges groundwater, stops soil erosion, and brings a dead well back to life. We are teaching villages to become water-self-reliant.

4. Green Homes, Green Energy: Power to the Poor

Sustainability cannot be expensive. It must be affordable for the poorest.

SEVAI is pioneering *Cost-Effective Rural Green Housing* - homes built with eco-friendly materials, natural cooling, and rooftop solar. We are promoting *Green Energy* through solar lamps, solar pumps, and biogas units, converting waste into wealth and smoke-filled kitchens into clean, healthy homes.

This is climate justice: The rural poor who contributed least to climate change will lead the solution.

> *At SEVAI, Ecology and Economy go hand in hand.*

> A fruit tree is food security. A check dam is livelihood security. A green home is health security.

We don't just adapt to climate change. We fight it with roots, water, and sun.

Thanks to our Partners, OFI, AEM, Greening India.

*Join us in building a Self-Reliant, Green, and Resilient Village.*

*SEVAI - Serving Humanity, Sustaining Nature.*

K.Govindaraju, SEVAI.

*From Head -,Load to Head of the Enterprise*- Govin

*By SEVAI Team | Trichy*

From carrying vegetables on their heads to carrying an enterprise on their shoulders — this is SEVAI's transformation story of rural women.

In Trichy villages, women were once known as _Thalaichumai Kaikarigal_. Waking at 3 AM, walking 15 km, carrying 40 kgs on their head for a profit of just Rs. 50. No identity, no savings, no voice.

*SEVAI saw entrepreneurs in them.*

*1. Organizing the Unorganized*

Through _Grama Suyaraj_, we organized them into SHGs. Started with 15 women. Today *50,000+ women in 3000+ SHGs*. First lesson was self-belief — Rs.20 savings, weekly meetings, own bank account for the first time.

*2. Vendor to Entrepreneur*

We converted survival into business.

- *Skill Training:* Grading, packing, value addition, price negotiation.

- *Collective Business:* From individual vendors to owners of Uzhavar Sandhai, Aggregation Centers. Direct from farmers, no middlemen.

- *Bank Linkage:* Loans of Rs.50,000 to Rs.5 Lakhs. They started shops, millet units, pickle units. Profit now *Rs.500 - Rs.700 per day.*

She is no more a vendor. She is a *Business Owner and Employer.*

*3. Beyond Economics*

True empowerment is participation.

- From kitchen to Gram Sabha, PTA and Village Committees.

- Decision makers at home — education, health, investment.

- Many elected as Panchayat Ward Members and Presidents.

- Now managing SEVAI's Nutrition Centers for Seniors & Children and working as PDS salespersons.

- Their daughters are first-generation college graduates.

> *Economic Empowerment + Social Empowerment = Sustainable Transformation*

We didn't give charity. We gave a platform.

*She is no longer a beneficiary. She is the creator of a self-reliant village.*

*SEVAI - Empowering Women, Building Self-Reliant Villages.*

*Our Gratitude:* SEVAI sincerely thanks *OFI, especially Mrs. Benjamine Oberoi* and her team for their periodic guidance and invaluable support, and thanks Government and Banks for financial linkages.* K.Govindaraju, SEVAI

"If Villages Grow, India Grows*

India lives in its villages and more than 65% of us still do, so rural development is national development. Villages are the backbone of our economy feeding the nation, and developing them directly reduces poverty and unemployment where it is highest, stops overcrowding in cities like Chennai and Coimbatore by checking youth migration, ensures balanced growth, and protects our folk culture and environment. To boost the rural economy we need five things: modern farming with quality seeds, drip irrigation, cold storage, MSP and FPOs for fair prices; non-farm jobs like Khadi, handloom, food processing and rural tourism as shown by Tamil Nadu's Mahalir Thittam SHGs; strong infrastructure of roads, power, internet and schools so a farmer in Velur can sell on e-NAM worldwide; finance and skills through Kisan Credit Card, Mudra Loan and PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana; and honest implementation of schemes like VB-G RAM G with 125 days employment, PM Awas Yojana and CSCs. The formula is simple - Better Farming + Skill + Finance + Market = Prosperous Village = Strong India.

_K. Govindaraju, SEVAI_

,*If Villages Grow, India Grows*

India lives in its villages and more than 65% of us still do, so rural development is national development. Villages are the backbone of our economy feeding the nation, and developing them directly reduces poverty and unemployment where it is highest, stops overcrowding in cities like Chennai and Coimbatore by checking youth migration, ensures balanced growth, and protects our folk culture and environment. To boost the rural economy we need five things: modern farming with quality seeds, drip irrigation, cold storage, MSP and FPOs for fair prices; non-farm jobs like Khadi, handloom, food processing and rural tourism as shown by Tamil Nadu's Mahalir Thittam SHGs; strong infrastructure of roads, power, internet and schools so a farmer in Velur can sell on e-NAM worldwide; finance and skills through Kisan Credit Card, Mudra Loan and PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana; and honest implementation of schemes like VB-G RAM G with 125 days employment, PM Awas Yojana and CSCs. The formula is simple - Better Farming + Skill + Finance + Market = Prosperous Village = Strong India.

_K. Govindaraju, SEVAI_

*World Habitat Day- A roof is not a luxury, it is a Right*

Permanent shelters constructed by SEVAI for 1270 families for Tsunami Victims by SEVAI, Trichy.

Not every wall has a story, but every human deserves a wall.

World Habitat Day, observed on the *First Monday of October* - which is today, *October 5th, 2026* - is not just a day on the UN calendar. It is a mirror.

A mirror that shows us the glittering skylines and the forgotten slums and remote villages in the same frame.

Established by the United Nations in 1985 and first celebrated in 1986 in Nairobi with the powerful theme _"Shelter is My Right"_, this day reminds the world of one simple truth:

*A safe shelter is not charity. It is dignity. It is security. It is the foundation of every dream.*

In a world where over 150 million people still sleep without a roof, and millions more live in fragile, unsafe homes - Habitat Day asks us to pause.

Our cities are growing faster than our conscience. Concrete is rising, but compassion must rise higher.

This day is a call to architects, governments, citizens, and dreamers - to build not just houses, but humane habitats. To plan cities where no child is homeless, no family is displaced, and no future is left on the street.

Because development is not measured by how high our buildings touch the sky, but by how many lives feel safe under a roof.

*Let us build cities and villages that shelter hope.** K.Govindaraju, SEVAI.