*Growing Skills, Buzzing Livelihoods: Training at SEVAI Kalanjium centre, Amoor*

Bee Keeping process, Honey visibility 

Harvested Mushroom ready for cooking 

Chief Trainer Smt Sarala demonstrates

🥉

At the SEVAI Kalanjium Centre in Amoor, learning is hands-on, practical, and rooted in livelihoods that women can take home and grow. Here, DESWOS is training women farmers in two low-input, high-return activities: beekeeping and oyster mushroom cultivation.

Leading the sessions is Chief Trainer _Smt. Sarala_, supported by her associate staff members. Together, they work directly with Self Help Group women, turning training days into spaces of doing, asking, and building confidence.

In the beekeeping unit, women learn how to handle hives, manage colonies, and harvest honey without harming the bees. They practice setting up boxes, identifying queen cells, and understanding the rhythm of the colony. The aim is simple: add honey and pollination benefits to their farms while creating a steady source of income.

In the mushroom unit, women move through the full cycle of oyster mushroom production — preparing paddy straw substrate, spawning, bagging, and managing fruiting conditions. They cut, mix, pack, and spray themselves, so the skill stays with them. Within 25–30 days, the first harvest is ready, and the centre also trains them to convert mushrooms into soup mixes and cookies, adding value and extending the shelf life.

Under Smt. Sarala’s guidance, the training doesn’t stop at technique. Women leave knowing how to source materials, manage quality, and market their produce. What starts at the Kalanjium Centre spreads to homes and fields across Amoor — bees pollinating crops, mushrooms growing on farm waste, and women earning from skills they now own.

With the support of DESWOS, these allied agro-based livelihood activities at SEVAI Kalanjium, Amoor, are creating lasting pathways to income and self-reliance for women farmers.🌿Govin

*Growing Opportunity:SEVAI- DESWOS and the Rise of Oyster Mushroom Farming in Amoor*

Mushroom byproducts production 

Mushroom production process 

At the SEVAI Kalanjium Centre in Amoor, DESWOS is turning oyster mushroom cultivation into a practical pathway for income and skill-building among women farmers. Through hands-on training, women learn the full cycle of production — from preparing paddy straw substrate to spawning, bagging, incubation, and fruiting — handling each step themselves so they can replicate it at home with minimal investment. Because oyster mushrooms grow on agricultural waste and need little space, the method fits easily into small homesteads. After training, DESWOS supports women to start small production units, guiding them on spawn sourcing, quality control, and harvest timing to ensure a steady supply of fresh mushrooms within 25–30 days. To reduce waste and raise returns, the centre also trains women in processing byproducts such as mushroom soup mixes and mushroom cookies, creating nutritious, shelf-stable products that reach markets fresh mushrooms cannot. Through this training-to-production model, DESWOS at SEVAI Kalanjium Centre is building a low-input, high-return activity for women farmers in Amoor — transforming agricultural waste into food, income, and new skills that stay in the community.,🌿Govin🌿

*From Samplings to Self-reliance: Women Farmers Learn Agro Forestry in Kallai Panchayat*

Agro Forestry Visit by Women Farmers 

Observation of Coconut Saplings care

The Agro Forestry program is a long term Agriculture project with multiple benefits. Growing More Than Crops — Why Hands-On Agroforestry Training is Changing Lives for Women Farmers in Kallai Panchayat*

In Kallai Panchayat, the air under a young neem tree feels different. Cooler. Calmer. That’s where a group of women farmers from the DESWOS-SEVAI Agroforestry program crouched last week, hands in the soil, planting saplings they’ll manage themselves.

This wasn’t a classroom session. It was an exposure visit and hands-on training — the moment agroforestry stops being an idea on paper and becomes a skill in the hands of the people who farm the land.

*From “What” to “How”*  

Agroforestry sounds simple: grow trees alongside crops and livestock. But the details matter. Which trees won’t compete with paddy or millets for water? How far apart should saplings be planted? How do you prune so both tree and crop thrive? How can fodder trees cut feed costs for goats and cows?

During the training, women farmers saw these answers in action. They planted, measured, and pruned. They asked questions, tested spacing, and felt the difference in soil moisture under tree shade. Seeing is one thing. Doing builds confidence.

*Farming for a Hotter, Drier Future*  

Kallai’s summers are unforgiving. Rain is less predictable. For women who manage both the farm and the home, that uncertainty hits hard. Agroforestry offers a buffer. Trees shade crops and soil, hold moisture longer, slow wind erosion, and give the farm more than one source of income. If the main crop fails, fruit, fodder, or timber can still carry the family through.

*More Than One Harvest*  

The training introduced multi-purpose trees — species that give fruit for nutrition and cash, fodder to reduce feed bills, fast-growing wood for fuel, and timber as a long-term saving. The farm stops being a single-season gamble and becomes a layered system that produces through the year.

*Women at the Center*  

Putting women farmers in the lead of this training does two things. First, it recognizes them as farmers, not just helpers. They make the decisions about what to plant and where. Second, it creates peer learning. When one woman tries a new technique and it works, others see it, adapt it, and spread it. That kind of learning moves faster than any training manual.

*Planting for the Next Season — and the Next Generation*  

Agroforestry is slow work. A sapling planted today gives shade in two years, fruit in three, timber in ten. The women leaving the Kallai training understand this. They’re not just growing for this harvest. They’re rebuilding soil, water, and tree cover for their children’s farms.

That’s the real impact of hands-on training. It turns agroforestry from a project concept into knowledge that stays in the village, grows with every season, and pays back in cooler fields, healthier soil, more food, and more income

Under DESWOS-SEVAI, this is how farming changes — one sapling, one woman farmer, one training at a time.🌿Govin🌿

Oor kattu Nizhal: A Child:s expressions

     Photo by Mr. K.Devendran

வெயில் சுடும் பாதை நடுவே

நிழல் தேடி வந்தேன்

ஊர்காட்டின் கோடை நிழலில்

மனம் மலர்ந்து சிரித்தேன்

புத்தகம் தோளில், பாட்டு உதட்டில்

காற்றில் ஆடும் இலை சிரிக்குதே

மரத்தைத் தழுவி, மெல்ல சாய்ந்து

மூச்சை ஆழமாய் நான் இழுக்குதே

வெக்கை மறைந்து, நிழல் வந்தது

காடே என் வீடாய்

வெயில் சுடும் பாதை நடுவே

நிழல் தேடி வந்தேன்

ஊர்காட்டின் கோடை நிழலில்

மனம் மலர்ந்து சிரித்தேன்[Pallavi]

பறவை கூவுது, 

காடு என்னோடு பேசுதே

“பயம் வேண்டாம் கண்ணே, நான் இருக்கேன்”

நிழல் சொல்லி என்னை வாழ்துதே

மரம் வளர்தால் மகிழ்சி வளரும்

நாளைக்கும் இந்த நிழல் கிடைக்கும்

வெயில் சுடும் பாதை நடுவே

நிழல் தேடி வந்தேன்

ஊர்காட்டின் கோடை நிழலில்

மனம் மலர்ந்து சிரித்தேன்🙋 Govin 

*Shade on the Way Home: How Myiawalki Forest Becomes a Child's Cool Refuge and Living Lessons in Forestry*

A solidarity Child walks happily in Hot Summer in Myiawalki Forest Shade

Children in Myiawalki Forest in normal heat of Sun

A bright, curious girl from Thottiyapatty village walks home after her Summer class at SEVAI-AEM, her books tucked under her arm and a smile on her face. The May sun still presses down, hot and unrelenting, but she doesn’t rush. She slips off the dusty path and steps into the cool shade of Myiawalki Forest, where the air softens and the heat loosens its grip.

For her, the forest is not just trees. It is shelter, relief, and a small joy in the middle of a long day. She leans against a broad trunk, listens to the rustle of leaves, and breathes in air that feels cleaner, gentler. “I’m happy here,” she says quietly, as if the forest is listening too. In this pocket of green, the summer loses its edge, and she finds space to rest, to think, to simply be.

Myiawalki Forest shows, in a very human way, why forestry matters. Trees lower the temperature around them, filter the air, hold the soil, and offer refuge to people, animals, and birds alike. In rural places like Thottiyapatty, forests act as living umbrellas during harsh summers, as classrooms without walls, and as quiet guardians of daily life. When a child can find cool shade and calm on her way home from school, the forest is doing its work.

Protecting and growing such forests means protecting that comfort, that breath of cool air, that sense of safety for the next child walking the same path. Forestry is not abstract; it is the shade on a hot day, the clean air in a tired lung, and the happiness of a girl who knows the trees will shelter her.🌿Govin🌿

*First Anniversary of Puduhai Muthamil Sangam; Release of " Niraiveratha Venduthalkal" Honouring Smt Jaya Vedachalam*

Pudukai Muthamil Sangam marks its First Anniversary today, 31 May 2026, in Pudukkottai, with quiet dignity and literary fervor, releasing _Niraiveratha Venduthalkal_, a haiku collection authored by its President, Smt. Jaya Vedachalam. The hall brims with several Tamil scholars, poets, and office bearers of the Sangam, all gathered to celebrate not only a new book but the spirit behind it. There is a palpable sense of occasion as the Sangam unveils a work that speaks in whispers rather than declarations.

_Niraiveratha Venduthalkal_ unfolds in the crisp, contemplative form of haiku, giving shape to wishes that remain unfulfilled yet deeply alive. Smt. Jaya Vedachalam distills longing, hope, and the fragile beauty of incompleteness into images that linger after the last word. The collection bears the imprint of her lifelong devotion to Tamil language, culture, and social service, where poetic sensibility meets grounded wisdom. Each three-line verse feels like a breath held and released, inviting readers to find meaning in what is left unsaid.

The anniversary function is fast becoming a meeting place for literature and lived service. Scholars appreciate the book’s fresh articulation of haiku in Tamil, poets give voice to select pieces that echo through the hall, and office bearers highlight Smt. Jaya Vedachalam’s enduring contributions to the Sangam and to the wider community. Under her leadership, the Sangam nurtures younger voices, safeguards classical values, and keeps Tamil literary spaces open, inclusive, and vibrant.

As the program progresses in Pudukkottai today, the hall resonates with appreciation and affection for “Jaya Amma,” a name that carries both respect and warmth. The release of _Niraiveratha Venduthalkal_ stands as more than a literary milestone; it is a living tribute to a life given to Tamil, to words, and to people.

*புதுகை முத்தமிழ் சங்கத்தின் முதலாம் ஆண்டு விழா: “நிறைவேறாத வேண்டுதல்கள்” வெளியீடு – Smt.ஜெயா வேதாசலம் அவர்களை போற்றும் நாள்*

புதுகை முத்தமிழ் சங்கம், இன்று 31 மே 2026 அன்று புதுக்கோட்டையில், தனது முதலாம் ஆண்டு விழாவை இலக்கிய பெருமையுடன் கொண்டாடுகிறது. சங்கத் தலைவர் செல்வி ஜெயா வேதாசலம் அவர்கள் படைத்த ஹைக்கூ நூலான _நிறைவேறாத வேண்டுதல்கள்_ இந்நாளில் வெளியாகிறது. அரங்கம் முழுதும் தமிழறிஞர்கள், கவிஞர்கள், சங்கப் பொறுப்பாளர்கள் என பலர் திரண்டிருக்க, புதிய நூல் மட்டுமல்ல, அதன் பின்னிருக்கும் படைப்பு உள்ளமும் போற்றப்படுகிறது.

_நிறைவேறாத வேண்டுதல்கள்_ – மூன்று வரி மொழியில், நிறைவுறா ஆசைகளின் அழகை மெல்லிய சித்திரமாய் காட்டுகிறது. ஜெயா அம்மா, தமிழ் மொழி, பண்பாடு, சமூகப்பணி என தன் வாழ்வை அர்பணித்த அனுபவத்தை, கவித்துவ நுட்பமும் நடைமுறை ஞானமும் இணையும் விதமாய் இந்நூலில் பதிவு செய்கிறார். ஒவ்வொரு ஹைக்கூவும் சொல்லப்படாததில் மிஞ்சும் பொருளை வாசகருக்கு விட்டுச் செல்கிறது.

இந்த விழா, இலக்கியமும் சேவையும் ஒன்று கூடும் தருணமாக அமைகிறது. தமிழறிஞர்கள் ஹைக்கூவின் புதிய தமிழ் முகத்தை பாராட்டுகிறார்கள், கவிஞர்கள் தேர்ந்த பாடல்களை வாசிக்கிறார்கள், சங்கப் பொறுப்பாளர்கள் ஜெயா அம்மாவின் பங்களிப்பை எடுத்துரைக்கிறார்கள். அவரது தலைமையில், இளம் குரல்கள் வளர்கின்றன, செம்மையின் மதிப்பு காக்கப்படுகிறது, தமிழ் இலக்கிய வெளி திறந்ததாகவும் உள்ளடக்கியதாகவும் தொடர்கிறது.

புதுக்கோட்டையில் இன்று நிகழும் இந்த விழா, “ஜெயா அம்மா” என்ற அன்பும் மரியாதையும் கலந்த அழைப்பால் நிறைகிறது. _நிறைவேறாத வேண்டுதல்கள்_ வெளியீடு, ஒரு இலக்கிய மைல்கல் மட்டுமல்ல – தமிழுக்கும் மக்களுக்கும் தன் வாழ்வை அர்பணித்த ஒரு படைப்பாளியின் கொண்டாட்டம்.🙏Govin🥉

*Roots in Their Hands: How Amoor Women Learned to raise Tree Samplings with SEVAI and DESWOS,*

Field exposure of Tree samplings raising 

Hands on Training in Tree Samplings raising🌿

SEVAI, under the DESWOS project, organized a tree sapling raising training in the Amoor cluster, and rural women and farmers gathered to learn practical skills for growing their own saplings. The session began with a discussion on why raising saplings at home made sense. Participants noted how it cut costs compared to buying from distant nurseries, gave them control over the species and timing, and opened the possibility of earning from surplus plants in the future. Native and multi-purpose trees suited to the local soil and rainfall were prioritized, with the group recognizing the long-term value for shade, fodder, fruit, and soil health.

The trainers walked the group through setting up a low-cost nursery. A shaded, well-drained corner near a water source was identified as ideal, and simple raised beds and polybag arrangements were demonstrated. Participants prepared a potting mix using equal parts sand, red soil, and compost, filled the polybags carefully to avoid air gaps, and learned the right sowing depth for different seeds. They practiced labeling each bag with the species and date, a small step that later saved a lot of confusion.

Seed collection and treatment formed the next part of the training. The women learned to identify mature seeds from healthy mother trees and tested viability using the float method. Hard-coated seeds like neem and mahogany were soaked overnight, while tamarind and pongamia seeds were lightly scarified. For acacia, a quick hot water treatment improved germination. Once treated, seeds were sown and the bags were watered lightly each day. The trainers stressed the importance of not waterlogging the bags and showed how a thin layer of dry leaves helped retain moisture.

Nutrient and pest management was kept entirely organic. Jeevamrutham was prepared and applied as a root drench every 15 days to encourage strong growth. Neem oil spray took care of aphids and caterpillars, and weeds were pulled by hand from inside the polybags. The group was cautioned against using chemical fertilizers, as they made saplings soft and less likely to survive in the field.

Several species were covered during the training, chosen for their usefulness in the Amoor context. Timber and fodder trees like teak, mahogany, malai vembu, and subabul were included alongside fruit trees such as mango, guava, sapota, and nelli. Soil-improving species like pongamia, sesbania, and gliricidia were also taught, along with medicinal trees like neem and amla. By the end, participants could distinguish seedlings, knew which species suited homesteads versus field bunds, and understood the care each required.

In the final sessions, the group learned how to harden saplings by gradually reducing water and shade two weeks before transplanting. They practiced digging pits of the right size, placing the sapling carefully, mulching around the base, and giving the first thorough watering. A simple record-keeping format was introduced so each woman could track species sown, germination rates, and readiness dates. The idea of pooling surplus saplings for sale to other farmers, schools, and panchayat planting drives was also discussed.

By the close of the training, the women of Amoor cluster left with the confidence to set up their own homestead nurseries. They had the knowledge to raise healthy saplings, the skills to care for them without chemicals, and a plan to use the trees for improving farm ecology and generating modest income. The DESWOS project’s goal of blending livelihood support with environmental restoration found clear expression in the work that began that day in Amoor.

Seeds of Change: K.N.Palayam Women Farmers Turn Training to Harvest.

Crop cultivation in progress.

Group discussion as Training process

In K.N. Palayam Cluster, rural women who completed short-term agriculture training with SEVAI-DESWOS are now rewriting the story of farming—one harvest at a time. The training equipped them with practical, low-cost techniques they’ve already put into practice, including the System of Rice Intensification with younger seedlings, wider spacing, less water, and mechanical weeding for higher paddy yields at lower cost; organic nutrient management using _jeevamrutham_, _panchagavya_, and compost to replace chemical fertilizers; revival of drought-resistant millets like kambu, samai, and varagu alongside intercropped pulses suited to local soil; establishment of home kitchen gardens for year-round vegetables, greens, and medicinal plants to strengthen family nutrition; methods for preserving native seeds and assessing soil fertility; and integrated pest management using neem-based sprays, sticky traps, and intercropping to manage pests without heavy pesticide use. Armed with this knowledge, the women are growing more of their own food, cutting expenses, and feeding their families with greater confidence. Their experience shows that sustainable agriculture isn’t just work—it’s empowerment, health, and hope rooted in their own land.🌿 Govin

*From Hands on training to Gardens:How SEVAI-DESWOS trained Women Are Rewriting Farming*

Hands on training and field exposure to K.N.Palayam SEVAI Agriculture training 

Centre.

In K.N. Palayam Cluster, rural women trained by SEVAI-DESWOS are rewriting the story of farming—harvest at a time. Through hands-on sessions, they’ve learned practical, low-cost techniques: the System of Paddy Intensification for higher yields with less water, organic methods like _jeevamrutham_ and composting to cut fertilizer costs, and revival of nutrient-rich millets and pulses suited to local soil. They’ve also set up home kitchen gardens for year-round vegetables and greens, mastered seed-saving to stay independent, and adopted simple pest management using neem and intercropping. This new knowledge is now coming alive in vibrant Field visits  street plays, where the women sing and they expressed about the joy of growing their own food, saving money, and feeding their families with pride. Their message is clear: sustainable agriculture isn’t just work—it’s empowerment, health, and hope rooted in their own land.🌿Govin

*Delta Cancer Foundation Marks First Anniversary with Launch of Free Endoscopy Program in Tiruchirapalli*

*Launching of Endoscopy Program*

*TIRUCHIRAPPALLI, 29 May 2026* — The Delta Cancer Foundation commemorated its first anniversary on Friday by inaugurating a Free Endoscopy Screening Program at Ramakrishna Speciality Hospital here, aimed at improving early detection of gastrointestinal cancers in rural areas of the Cauvery Delta region.

Dr. M.S. Vijay Anand, Managing Director of the Delta Cancer Foundation, said the program reflects the Foundation’s mission as a social-entrepreneurship initiative focused on community outreach, cancer awareness, and equitable access to diagnostic services for economically disadvantaged populations.

“Equity in oncology means taking services to where people live, not waiting for them to travel to cities,” Dr. Vijay Anand said during the inaugural event.

The anniversary function was attended by several dignitaries, including Ln. Natarajan, Ln. Asokan, and Dr. Arun, who commended the Foundation’s efforts to extend cancer screening to underserved villages in the Delta region.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. K. Govindaraju, Founder Director of SEVAI and Treasurer of the Tiruchirappalli District Welfare Fund Committee, Kalaiarangam, praised the clinical services provided under Dr. Vijay Anand’s leadership, including the contributions of Associate Consultants Dr. Subash Mehta and Dr. Arun, and the Foundation’s paramedical staff. 

Mr. Govindaraju also highlighted that Dr. Vijay Anand was recently conferred the “OZONE Maruthuva Sudar Mamani” Award in recognition of his contributions to oncology and rural cancer care. He pledged continued support from the network of charitable organizations he represents, emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to address the cancer care gap in rural Tamil Nadu.

As part of the program, Mr. Jayaraman, Marketing Manager of the Foundation, conducted a public education session on the health risks of ultra-processed foods and additives in children’s diets and their potential link to long-term cancer risk.

Mrs. Sudha Bhyas, Trustee of the Delta Cancer Foundation, also attended the event.

The Foundation stated that the launch of the Free Endoscopy Program will significantly expand its screening capacity and is expected to improve early detection rates for gastrointestinal malignancies in resource-limited settings.🥉Govin

"Delta Cancer Foundation Marks First Anniversary with Launch of Free Endoscopy Program in Trichirapalli"

Lightening of the KuthuVilaku as mark of inauguration  of function

*TIRUCHIRAPPALLI, 29 May 2026* — The Delta Cancer Foundation commemorated its first anniversary on Thursday by inaugurating a Free Endoscopy Screening Program at Ramakrishna Speciality Hospital here, aimed at improving early detection of gastrointestinal cancers in rural areas of the Cauvery Delta region.

Dr. M.S. Vijay Anand, Managing Director of the Delta Cancer Foundation, said the program reflects the Foundation’s mission as a social-entrepreneurship initiative focused on community outreach, cancer awareness, and equitable access to diagnostic services for economically disadvantaged populations.

“Equity in oncology means taking services to where people live, not waiting for them to travel to cities,” Dr. Vijay Anand said during the inaugural event.

The anniversary function was attended by several dignitaries, including Ln. Natarajan, Ln. Asokan, and Dr. Arun, who commended the Foundation’s efforts to extend cancer screening to underserved villages in the Delta region.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. K. Govindaraju, Founder Director of SEVAI and Treasurer of the Tiruchirappalli District Welfare Fund Committee, Kalaiarangam, praised the clinical services provided under Dr. Vijay Anand’s leadership, including the contributions of Associate Consultants Dr. Subash Mehta and Dr. Arun, and the Foundation’s paramedical staff. 

Mr. Govindaraju also highlighted that Dr. Vijay Anand was recently conferred the “OZONE Maruthuva Sudar Mamani” Award in recognition of his contributions to oncology and rural cancer care. He pledged continued support from the network of charitable organizations he represents, emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to address the cancer care gap in rural Tamil Nadu.

As part of the program, Mr. Jayaraman, Marketing Manager of the Foundation, conducted a public education session on the health risks of ultra-processed foods and additives in children’s diets and their potential link to long-term cancer risk.

Mrs. Sudha Bhyas, Trustee of the Delta Cancer Foundation, also attended the event.

The Foundation stated that the launch of the Free Endoscopy Program will significantly expand its screening capacity and is expected to improve early detection rates for gastrointestinal malignancies in resource-limited settings.

'Delta Cancer Foundation Marks First Anniversary with Launch of Free Endoscopy Program in Trichirapalli "

Lightening of Lamp as mark of Function .

*TIRUCHIRAPPALLI, 29 May 2026* — The Delta Cancer Foundation commemorated its first anniversary on Thursday by inaugurating a Free Endoscopy Screening Program at Ramakrishna Speciality Hospital here, aimed at improving early detection of gastrointestinal cancers in rural areas of the Cauvery Delta region.

Dr. M.S. Vijay Anand, Managing Director of the Delta Cancer Foundation, said the program reflects the Foundation’s mission as a social-entrepreneurship initiative focused on community outreach, cancer awareness, and equitable access to diagnostic services for economically disadvantaged populations.

“Equity in oncology means taking services to where people live, not waiting for them to travel to cities,” Dr. Vijay Anand said during the inaugural event.

The anniversary function was attended by several dignitaries, including Ln. Natarajan, Ln. Asokan, and Dr. Arun, who commended the Foundation’s efforts to extend cancer screening to underserved villages in the Delta region.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. K. Govindaraju, Founder Director of SEVAI and Treasurer of the Tiruchirappalli District Welfare Fund Committee, Kalaiarangam, praised the clinical services provided under Dr. Vijay Anand’s leadership, including the contributions of Associate Consultants Dr. Subash Mehta and Dr. Arun, and the Foundation’s paramedical staff. 

Mr. Govindaraju also highlighted that Dr. Vijay Anand was recently conferred the “OZONE Maruthuva Sudar Mamani” Award in recognition of his contributions to oncology and rural cancer care. He pledged continued support from the network of charitable organizations he represents, emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to address the cancer care gap in rural Tamil Nadu.

As part of the program, Mr. Jayaraman, Marketing Manager of the Foundation, conducted a public education session on the health risks of ultra-processed foods and additives in children’s diets and their potential link to long-term cancer risk.

Mrs. Sudha Bhyas, Trustee of the Delta Cancer Foundation, also attended the event.

The Foundation stated that the launch of the Free Endoscopy Program will significantly expand its screening capacity and is expected to improve early detection rates for gastrointestinal malignancies in resource-limited settings.🥉Govin

"Non-profits as Catalysts of Social Entrepreneurship:SEVAI Treasurer's Call for Resilience Amid Recession and Inflation."

Group discussion on Self Sustainability of Non-Profits, Mrs.P.Chitra leads

Speaking to a gathering of social activists on *28th May 2026* at SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Pettavaithalai, *Mrs.P.Chitra Treasurer of  SEVAI*, emphasized the critical role of non-profit organizations in advancing social entrepreneurship amid the current economic challenges.

“During times of recession and inflation, when livelihoods are strained and inequality widens, non-profit organizations must step beyond charity,” Mr. Govindaraju stated. “They should actively promote social entrepreneurship—ventures that blend financial sustainability with social impact. In the context of Tamil Nadu, this means creating community-driven models in education, health, livelihoods, and sustainable agriculture that generate income while solving local problems.”

He argued that social enterprises nurtured by non-profits can empower youth, women, and marginalized communities with skills and opportunities, reducing dependency and building resilience against economic shocks. He also called on activists, educators, and civil society to collaborate in mentoring young social entrepreneurs, ensuring that solutions are rooted in Tamil Nadu’s cultural and economic realities.

The address concluded with a call to action: to reposition non-profits not just as service providers, but as incubators of change-makers who can turn adversity into opportunity for the people of Tamil Nadu.☀️Govin

"SEVAI Shanthi Nivasham Urchvavam -Nurturing Values Beyond the Classroom"

SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Pettavaithalai, recently celebrated _Urchavavam_ at Shanthi Nivasham during the summer holidays—an occasion that beautifully blended devotion, community, and purpose.

In a world where students face growing stress, distraction, and unhealthy lifestyle pressures, we believe education must nurture not only the mind but also the body and spirit. _Urchavavam_ was conceived with this vision: to create a calm, inclusive space where learning is gently anchored in spirituality, moral education, and human values.

Through this initiative, students experience “soft spirituality”—practices that foster inner peace, empathy, and respect without imposing rigid beliefs. By linking academic life with values, we aim to dissolve negativity, encourage gender equality, and build character that extends far beyond the classroom. These ideals are being instilled across our entire school community—students, teachers, parents, and visitors alike—so that _Urchavavam_ becomes more than a place of worship. It is a living foundation for a balanced, values-driven life.

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful. The School Principal, teachers with their children, and members of the neighboring community joined the _Urchavavam_ at Shanthi Nivasham, our inter-religious faith centre. Together, they participated in prayers, reflections, and simple acts of service—reminding us that harmony and shared values transcend differences.

At SEVAI Shanthi, we remain committed to shaping students who are not only academically strong but also compassionate, grounded, and ready to lead with integrity.🙏Govin

Bharathi Balan: A Literary Voice that Continues to Inspire Beyond Retirement 🥉

Writer Bharathi Balan Congratulates K.Govindaraju for receiving State Award.

Left in the photo is Writer Bharathi Balan 🥉

Professor S. Balasubramanian, widely known in literary circles by his pen name _Bharathi Balan_, recently met with Mr. K. Govindaraju, Founder and Director of SEVAI, at the SEVAI office in Tiruchirappalli. The meeting, held in the presence of SEVAI functionaries and common friends, was a warm exchange of admiration between two individuals whose lives have been dedicated to education, development, and cultural enrichment.

Professor Balasubramanian congratulated Mr. Govindaraju for his tireless service spanning over 50 years in the fields of social development and education. Through SEVAI, Mr. Govindaraju has worked consistently to uplift marginalized communities, promote learning, and build institutions that serve the public good. His commitment was deeply appreciated by Prof. Balasubramanian, who described him as a rare example of sustained, selfless leadership.

In return, Mr. Govindaraju lauded Prof. Balasubramanian for his multifaceted contributions. Beyond his distinguished career in education and university administration, Prof. Balasubramanian has continued to enrich Tamil literature through his short stories and thematic writings, even after retirement. His ability to blend academic insight with literary expression has made his work resonate with readers across generations.

Expressing his admiration, Mr. Govindaraju voiced a strong wish that Prof. Balasubramanian’s legacy receive wider recognition from authorities in Tamil Nadu. He emphasized that a scholar of such depth—combining administrative experience, educational vision, and literary talent—deserves to be considered for the position of Vice Chancellor, so that his wisdom can guide and inspire higher education in the state.

The meeting concluded with mutual respect and a shared hope: that the contributions of dedicated educators and writers like Prof. S. Balasubramanian and Mr. K. Govindaraju will continue to shape and strengthen Tamil society for years to come.🥉 Kris

*SEVAI Kalanjium Centre: Where Farming Meets Enterprise to Build Self Reliant Communities*

At the SEVAI Kalanjium Centre, sustainable development is rooted in the belief that agriculture and enterprise can grow together to secure livelihoods and dignity. The centre champions integrated farming systems that respect nature while boosting productivity. Through improved paddy cultivation, woodlot promotion for timber and fuelwood, and fruit tree plantations of mango, guava, and papaya, farmers gain both nutrition and long-term income. Alongside farming, SEVAI Kalanjium runs hands-on livelihood units that transform local resources into marketable goods. Women are trained in ready-made garments production, korai grass mat weaving, biofloc and pond fish rearing, and mushroom cultivation followed by value-added products like mushroom soup and cookies. At the heart of it all are women empowerment programs for Self-Help Groups, where members learn technical skills, financial literacy, and marketing. This combination of agriculture, skill development, and collective action is helping families build steady income, improve nutrition, and take charge of their future from the grassroots up.

*SEVAI'S Urban Community Toilets Maintenance Program -in Partnership with Trichirapalli Municipal Corporation *

*Community Toilet complex cleaning process by pressure Water Pump*

*Background and Evolution*  

SEVAI’s engagement in urban sanitation in Tiruchirappalli began in 1999-2000 when the Tiruchirappalli Municipal Corporation launched its first community toilet program. Implemented jointly by SEVAI, Scope, and Gramalaya with support from WaterAid, the pilot established 12 community toilet complexes across the city. Maintenance during this phase was carried out by women’s Self-Help Groups promoted by the partner NGOs. Following the pilot, the Corporation undertook large-scale construction of community toilets across Tiruchirappalli.

Recognizing that sustained operation and hygiene management are critical to public health, the Corporation recently entrusted SEVAI and Scope with the upkeep of selected facilities. Since February 2024, SEVAI has been directly managing and operating 12 urban community toilets located in Wards No. 9, 11, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, and 55. Together, SEVAI and Scope now maintain 21 community toilet complexes in Tiruchirappalli, ensuring continuous access to safe and sanitary public sanitation in high-footfall areas.

*Scope of Sanitation Operations*  

SEVAI’s maintenance model is designed to uphold public health standards and ensure uninterrupted service. Core sanitation activities include:

- *Daily Hygiene and Disinfection*: Structured cleaning cycles using eco-friendly disinfectants, thorough sanitation of floors and fixtures, and timely waste removal to maintain microbial safety and control odors.

- *Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Supply Management*: Continuous monitoring of water availability, maintenance of handwashing stations, and regular replenishment of soap and essential toiletries to promote hand hygiene at the point of use.

- *Preventive Maintenance and Repairs*: Routine inspection and prompt repair of doors, locks, plumbing, lighting, and ventilation to prevent facility downtime and ensure user safety.

- *Faecal Sludge and Solid Waste Management*: Coordination with the Corporation for scheduled desludging, safe transport, and disposal in compliance with urban sanitation norms and environmental regulations.

- *Operational Sustainability*: Where applicable, collection of nominal user fees and maintenance of usage records to support cost recovery and transparent management.

*Public Health and Sanitation Rationale*  

Access to functional, clean public toilets is a key determinant of urban public health, gender equity, and human dignity. Poorly maintained facilities are often abandoned, leading to open defecation, environmental contamination, and increased risk of waterborne and faecal-oral diseases. SEVAI’s intervention directly addresses this sanitation gap. By ensuring cleanliness, usability, and accountability, the program reduces exposure to pathogens, mitigates faecal contamination in public spaces, and protects vulnerable groups including women, children, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities who face higher risks in unhygienic conditions.

*Community-Centric Sanitation Management*  

SEVAI deploys 24 trained caretakers across the 12 toilet complexes under the supervision of Mr. Arun Prakash. A monitoring system through field supervisors ensures quality control and rapid response to issues. User feedback is collected regularly to identify and resolve sanitation concerns. In addition, SEVAI conducts short hygiene promotion activities focused on handwashing and safe toilet use. These awareness drives target markets, bus terminals, and low-income settlements where daily wage workers, street vendors, and transit populations have limited access to household toilets.

*Sanitation Impact and Outcomes*  

Through this NGO-Corporation partnership, 12 community toilets in Tiruchirappalli remain operational throughout the year. The facilities serve approximately 5,000 beneficiaries daily, including women, children, and elderly persons. The program reduces open defecation, improves compliance with urban sanitation standards, and eases the burden on households without in-home toilets. It also demonstrates an effective model for sustaining civic sanitation infrastructure through collaborative governance, trained human resources, and community engagement.

By maintaining these facilities with consistent sanitation protocols and care, SEVAI contributes to making Tiruchirappalli a cleaner, healthier, and more inclusive city, aligned with goals for improved urban WASH and public health outcomes.🏖️Govin

Dasilnaickanoor Watershed Model:A Climate -Resilient blueprint for Dry Land Transformation in NRMC

Model Watershed of Dasilnaickanoor 

The Integrated Watershed Development Project at SEVAI, based on the Dasilnaickanoor model, is now established as a demonstration site at the SEVAI Natural Resources Management Centre in K.N. Palayam. It showcases how students and villagers can see firsthand the success of the Dasilnaickanoor Watershed Project.

SEVAI’s Dasilnaickanoor Watershed Zone lies in the dryland agro-ecological belt of Karur District, Tamil Nadu, characterized by erratic rainfall, high evapotranspiration, and degraded soil fertility—conditions that severely limit agricultural productivity. In such areas, conventional input-intensive farming is unsustainable.  

The integrated watershed model treats the entire micro-watershed as a single hydrological and socio-economic unit. Its core objective is to capture, conserve, and recharge rainwater, enhance soil moisture, and align cropping systems with land capability. Positioned as both a climate adaptation and rural development intervention, it uses water body restoration and watershed structures to improve food security, livelihoods, and overall community well-being.

*Technical Design:*  

The project rests on two interlinked components:

1. *Water Harvesting and Recharge:*  

Check dams across seasonal streams slow runoff, trap silt, and promote percolation while reducing upstream erosion. Percolation dams maximize subsurface storage, allowing water to seep into aquifers instead of evaporating, directly boosting yields from borewells and open wells. Gully plugging, contour bunding with vegetative barriers, loose boulder checks, and earthen bunds arrest soil loss, stabilize slopes, and protect arable land.

2. *Land and Vegetation Management:*  

Afforestation uses native, drought-tolerant species that sequester carbon while providing fuel, fodder, and non-timber products. This supports climate mitigation and enriches soil biomass. At the farm level, contour bunds, field bunds, and mulching are tailored to soil type and slope to reduce runoff and improve infiltration.

*Impact on Productivity and Resilience:*  

Improved hydrology enables a shift from single-season, low-yield millets to multi-cropping systems. Soil-based crop planning allows pulses, oilseeds, and short-duration cereals to make optimal use of enhanced water availability, effectively tripling food production potential. Small and marginal farmers gain the most, as watershed benefits are shared resources. Better well yields reduce dependence on costly tanker water and make kitchen gardens and fodder cultivation viable.  

Women’s Self-Help Groups are actively engaged in plantation, nursery management, and post-harvest work. Time saved from water collection is redirected to income-generating activities, while groundwater-recharged nutrition gardens improve household dietary diversity. Better water access also supports school gardens and vegetable plots, and improved nutrition and cleaner water reduce absenteeism and enhance learning outcomes for children.

*Climate Adaptation and Beyond:*  

Increased groundwater storage buffers communities against drought. Expanded vegetative cover lowers land surface temperature and builds carbon stocks. Reduced erosion protects downstream water quality and infrastructure. The afforestation focus on carbon-sequestering species also positions the watershed to explore future carbon finance opportunities.

*Implementation Approach:*  

Following SEVAI’s model of participatory governance, Panchayat institutions, farmer groups, and women’s collectives are involved in planning, construction supervision, and maintenance. This builds local ownership and ensures structures remain functional beyond the project period. SEVAI provides technical inputs for design, soil analysis, and species selection tailored to local conditions.

*Strategic Significance:*  

This is not a standalone civil works program but an integrated system where water, soil, biomass, and people are managed together. The impacts cascade from improved hydrology to higher agricultural output, better nutrition, and stronger educational outcomes. For a dryland village like Dasilnaickanoor, the project shows that watershed development can serve as the backbone of rural transformation, aligning directly with India’s goals for water security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.  

In essence, SEVAI converts water scarcity into water security—and that security becomes the platform for increased food production, stronger livelihoods, and improved human development across the target villages. 🌿 Govin

Building Futures Together:ICHEC and SEVAI Are Transforming Rural Trichy through Housing, Education and Livelihood 🏖️

Campfire on the completion of ICHEC project 2026 in SEVAI.

For years, the ICHEC Housing Project Scheme has stood as a steady partner to SEVAI, turning funding into real change across rural Tamil Nadu. One of its most visible impacts is at SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Petttavaithalai, Trichy District, where ICHEC supported the construction of new classrooms and a full-fledged auditorium. ICHEC also helped build the SEVAI primary school in Pichandarkoil village, expanding access to quality education for younger children in the region. Today, these schools serve thousands of students who are not only performing well academically but also moving on to universities and securing meaningful jobs—proof that better infrastructure can open doors for rural youth.  

Beyond education, ICHEC’s support has fueled women’s livelihoods in Allur and Amoor villages through the creation of Community Livelihood Activity Centres. These spaces have become hubs for self-employment, where hundreds of women produce and sell readymade garments, weave and market grass mats, and cultivate mushrooms turned into value-added products like soup powder and cookies. Training in organic farming and other trades has further expanded opportunities, giving women the tools to build independent incomes and strengthen their households. Over the years, ICHEC has also constructed several homes for homeless families in and around Allur, providing safe shelter and dignity to those most in need.  

What makes this partnership stand out is the role of ICHEC students themselves. They don’t just contribute to construction—they live and learn alongside the community. Traveling by school buses to nearby villages and markets, they join local cultural events, share skills, and absorb rural life firsthand. It’s a two-way exchange: students gain a grounded understanding of community realities, while locals benefit from new energy, ideas, and cross-cultural connection.  

SEVAI is deeply grateful to ICHEC’s management, and especially to Project Director Mr. Vincent Haurt and his team, for acting as the vital bridge between students and the community. Mr. Haurt’s planning visits have been key to aligning annual projects with SEVAI’s goals, ensuring that every initiative—from schools and homes to livelihood centres—is built with purpose and sustained by local ownership. Together, ICHEC and SEVAI show how thoughtful partnership can transform infrastructure support into lasting education, empowerment, shelter, and community strength.🙏Govin

Dasilnaickanoor Watershed Project success story- SEVAI-OFI

*


Detailed Analysis: Integrated Watershed Development Project at SEVAI, Dasilnaickanoor*  

_Motivated and Promoted by Mrs. Benjamine Oberoi, Co-Chairman, OFI_

SEVAI-Dasilnaickanoor Watershed Zone  lies in a dryland agro-ecological zone of Karur District of Tamilnadu characterized by erratic rainfall, high evapotranspiration, and degraded soil fertility, conditions that severely limit agricultural productivity. In such areas, conventional input-intensive farming is not sustainable. The integrated watershed development model adopted here addresses this challenge by treating the entire micro-watershed as a single hydrological and socio-economic unit. The core objective is to capture, conserve, and recharge rainwater, enhance soil moisture, and align cropping systems with land capability. Mrs. Benjamine Oberoi, through OFI, has framed this project as more than infrastructure creation. It is positioned as a climate adaptation and rural development intervention where waterbody restoration and watershed structures form the foundation for improvements in food security, livelihoods, and overall community well-being.

The technical design of the project centers on two interlinked components. First, water harvesting and recharge structures convert episodic rainfall into usable soil moisture and groundwater. Check dams built across seasonal streams slow runoff, trap silt, and promote percolation, while also reducing upstream erosion. Percolation dams are engineered for greater subsurface storage, allowing water to seep into aquifers rather than evaporate, thereby directly enhancing yields from borewells and open wells in the command area. Gully plugging, contour bunding using vegetative barriers, loose boulder checks, and earthen bunds arrests soil loss, stabilizes slopes, and protects arable land. Second, land and vegetation management measures reinforce these gains. Afforestation focuses on native, drought-tolerant species that sequester carbon while providing fuel, fodder, and non-timber products. This supports climate mitigation and enriches soil biomass. At the farm level, contour bunding, field bunds, and mulching are tailored to soil type and slope to reduce runoff and improve infiltration.

The hydrological improvements created by these interventions enable a shift toward higher productivity and greater resilience. With protective irrigation and better soil moisture, farmers can move beyond single-season, low-yield millets to multi-cropping systems. Crop planning based on soil type ensures that pulses, oilseeds, and short-duration cereals make optimal use of the enhanced water availability, effectively tripling food production potential. Small and marginal farmers benefit disproportionately because watershed gains are shared resources. Improved well yields reduce dependence on costly tanker water and make kitchen gardens and fodder cultivation viable. Women’s self-help groups are actively engaged in plantation, nursery management, and post-harvest work. The reduction in time spent fetching water frees up labor for income-generating activities, while groundwater-recharged nutrition gardens improve dietary diversity at the household level. Better water access also supports school gardens and vegetable supply for mid-day meals, and the resulting health gains from cleaner water and improved nutrition reduce absenteeism and enhance learning outcomes for children in the target villages.

Beyond agriculture, the project functions as a localized climate adaptation program. Increased groundwater storage buffers communities against drought, expanded vegetative cover reduces land surface temperature and builds carbon stocks, and reduced erosion protects downstream water quality and infrastructure. The afforestation component focused on carbon-sequestering species also positions the watershed to explore future carbon finance opportunities.

Implementation follows the SEVAI model of participatory governance. Panchayat institutions, farmer groups, and women’s collectives are involved in planning, construction supervision, and maintenance. This approach builds local ownership and ensures that structures remain functional after the project period. Technical inputs from OFI and SEVAI ensure that designs, soil analysis, and species selection are specific to local conditions.

In strategic terms, this is not a standalone civil works program but an integrated system where water, soil, biomass, and people are managed together. The impacts cascade from improved hydrology to higher agricultural output, better nutrition, and stronger educational outcomes. For a dryland village like Dasilnaickanoor, the project demonstrates that watershed development can serve as the backbone of rural transformation, directly aligning with India’s goals for water security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. In essence, Mrs. Benjamine Oberoi’s initiative at SEVAI converts water scarcity into water security, and that security becomes the platform for increased food production, stronger livelihoods, and improved human development across the target villages.🌿 Govin