The day started with Morning Prayer at 6.00 am at Gandhimandapam. The entire ashram community was present. Inter religious prayer songs from Quran and Bible were sung. After the prayer, Prof. R. Venkataswami , the President of the Ashram gave his message. In his address, he stressed the importance of selfless service. He pointed out that all the ills of the society and the individuals are due to selfishness and ego. The founder was a great example of a man without selfishness and ego. The Ashram community was asked to interact on this eventful day and plan for the future to carry ideals of the Founder.

Flag Hoisting Ceremony
At 8.45 am the entire Ashram community assembled at the flag post square. Justice K Venkataswami took the salute and unfurled the ashram flag following which he gave a call to the students and staff to follow the ideals set by the Founder Mr G Venkatachalapathy. After singing the ashram song and National anthem the ceremony ended.

Offering prayers at Founder’s Samadhi
At the Shantivan the solemn prayer was held at 9.00 am. All the dignitaries and the ashram community were seated and bhajan was sung led by Mr Kadambarajan. It was indeed a wonderful sight and experience. Representing the community in general few of us offered flowers at Founder’s Samadhi.

 

Public Meeting
At 10.00 am the main celebrations were held at the school auditorium. The meeting started with a prayer. President welcomed the gathering and the guests. The Secretary Dr V Raghupathy, presented broad outlines of the activities of the ashram during the previous year.

Mr A N Radha Krishnan, Chancellor, Meenakshi University, Chennai, in his presidential address extolled the guest qualities of the Founder. He wished the Ashram community all success.

Dr T Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, gave the Founder’s oration. He exhorted students to have great ideals and work towards them. He also promised to give helping hand in the development of science in our institution.

Mr Kalasalingam, Chancellor, Kalasalingam University gave a felicitation address. He recollected his association with the Founder and he appreciated the great qualities of the Founder and promised to donate Rs 2 lakhs to the institution.

Following this, prizes were distributed to the staffs of the institution who have contributed something new other than their assigned work. The winners of the various competitions and students were also given the prizes. The artisans involved in spinning and weaving were honoured with presents. Meeting ended with vote of thanks by Mr R Nagarajan, Joint Secretary of the Ashram. He thanked all for their presence and also for extending their moral support to the activities of our Ashram.

In his introductory address Prof. R. Venkataswami, the President of Gandhi Niketan Ashram, congratulated the staff for scoring 100% result in XII Std and 98.7% in X Std. He also introduced the theme KNOW YOUR STUDENTS for this year. He also suggested to form a students council this year to encourage and enable students to take active part in the school activities. He also advised the staff to conduct the club meetings at least once in two-months.