March 8, 2019
MS Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation (MSCT&RF), celebrated International Women’s Day (March 8, 2019), at MS Chellamuthu Gardens, a psycho social rehabilitation centre for persons with mental disabilities run by the Trust at Alagar Kovil, Madurai
On this occasion, MSCT&RF conferred the International Women’s Day Award 2019 for outstanding women achievers. This year’s recipient was Dr.G. Natchiar, Director Emeritus, Aravind Eye Care Systems, Madurai, in recognition of her outstanding services over the last five decades in the field of ophthalmology.
The award was presented by Hon’ble Mr. Justice.P.N. Prakash, High Court, Chennai, in the presence of Mrs. S. Premalatha Panneerselvam, Secretary & Correspondent, Mahatma Group of Schools, Madurai, Mrs. R. Rajkumari, Executive Director; and Mrs. Latha Gurubarathy, Director Administration, MSCT&RF.
Mrs. Latha Gurubharathy, welcomed the gathering and quoted civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr; who stressed on the need for individual involvement in the larger concerns of humanity to effect sustainable social change.
Beneficiaries from various projects run by the trust entertained the audience with their splendid cultural performances. Staff of MSCT&RF staged a thought provoking and tightly scripted skit that highlighted empowering the girl child through education. Their imaginative performance struck a chord with the audience and ensured that the message was indeed well received.
Mrs. Kanchana, Mrs. Krishnaveni and Mrs. Senthamilselvi, shared their experiences as caregivers of persons with mental disabilities. By voicing their experiences, they ensured that unheard voices were heard and untold stories were told. under voice of Women with Mental Disabilities on the occasion.
Mrs. S. Premalatha Panneerselvam, Secretary & Correspondent, Mahatma Group of Schools, Madurai, in her felicitation speech applauded the hard work, sincerity, commitment of Padmashree Dr. G. Venkataswamy, whose legacy was carried forth by Dr. G. Natchiar.
Mrs. R. Rajkumari, Executive Director of the Trust in her special address, recalled the Padmashree. Dr G. Venkataswamy, Founder, Aravind Eye Care Systems, was a mentor and inspiration for Dr. C. Ramasubramanian, Founder, MSCT&RF.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. G. Natchiar, Director Emeritus, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, said women should cultivate the traits of perseverance and self-confidence in facing life challenges. Earlier she was taken around the campus and interacted with the residents of the trust.
Earlier, Mrs. Soma Basu, Journalist, The Hindu, and Mrs. Selvi Santosham, eminent educationist, TVS Schools, Madurai, recipients of the International Women’s Day Award conferred by MSCT&RF for 2012 and 2017 respectively, were recognised on the occasion.
Around 175 participants that included parents of residents, share volunteers, members of SUBITCHAM-Family Fellowship, well wishers, media persons, consultants of MSCT&RF, and mental health professionals from all units of the trust participated.
The function was compered vibrantly by Mr. K.S.P.J. Babu, Director Programmes, and Mr. Muniyasamy, Social Worker, MSCT&RF.
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