For 25 years, octogenarian donates study materials for school students in Ranipet
According to a press release, despite their fragile age, the couple took time to visit two government schools in these villages to donate study materials for students. Being a native of Vannakkambadi village, Mr. Subramanian used to donate 20 books to the government school for years before he extended his service to the school in a neighbouring village.
During the visit, the couple also learnt from the headmistress of the school that 20 books donated by them for pre-school were instrumental in upskilling the students and helped them bring the award and special honour to her and the school.
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The Hindu
6 days ago
- The Hindu
For 25 years, octogenarian donates study materials for school students in Ranipet
As part of celebrating the silver jubilee year of service, octogenarian N. Subramanian and his wife donated a set of supporting study materials, including the Thirukkural, a dictionary, an atlas and a moral poem book to freshers who joined government panchayat union schools in Vannakkambadi and Ramapalayam villages in Ranipet. According to a press release, despite their fragile age, the couple took time to visit two government schools in these villages to donate study materials for students. Being a native of Vannakkambadi village, Mr. Subramanian used to donate 20 books to the government school for years before he extended his service to the school in a neighbouring village. During the visit, the couple also learnt from the headmistress of the school that 20 books donated by them for pre-school were instrumental in upskilling the students and helped them bring the award and special honour to her and the school.
New Indian Express
13-07-2025
- New Indian Express
The blue wall of kindness
COIMBATORE: The 'wall of kindness' (anbu suvar) was painted blue. It has bright orange cupboards that hardly remain empty. The phrase 'People's wall' was written in bold type, followed by a Thirukkural couplet and call-to-action phrases spreading awareness on child rights, education, and the environment. An honour system is followed, where people leave clothes, books, and other essential items for anyone in need to take – no questions asked. The Anbu Suvar — established in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Komarapalayam by the 'Ini Oru Vidhi Seivom' trust — stands as a physical embodiment of the link connecting the philanthropic and the beneficiaries. Kavitha Jenarthanan, founder and director of the trust, said, 'The real reward is the smile on a child's face or a thank-you from a mother.' Like the walls of kindness she helped build, the journey of the woman behind the initiative resonates the same generosity, loud and bold. 'My parents taught me that helping others should not be an afterthought,' said Kavitha, a Coimbatore native settled in Tiruppur. Despite majoring in economics, Kavitha reshaped her career and identity towards social service, and at 42, she is now a counsellor, a motivational speaker, and an advocate for child and women's rights. Deriving from the experiences she had gained from being an Air Wing NCC cadet and later a Rotaract Club member, Kavitha, 12 years ago, founded the group — Feed the Homeless and Hungry — that provided meals to homeless people. In two years, the group distributed over five lakh food packets. As an extension, they installed the first food bank refrigerators in Tiruppur, and amplified their range by reaching out to hospitals and care homes.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- The Hindu
Harmful words
Which one do you recall faster? Appreciation or negative criticism? The natural urge in every human is to hear good appreciation for their deeds from others; even after getting several such appreciations, one negative feedback is more than sufficient to spoil peace of mind. The worst part is the repeated recall of it in our mind. Thirukural, an ancient Tamil masterpiece by Thiruvalluvar, offers timeless wisdom on ethics, governance, and human conduct. One of its most profound teachings (Couplet 129, Chapter 13) states: 'Even the wound inflicted by fire will heal, but the one caused by a harsh word never heal.' This simple yet powerful verse underscores a universal truth: physical pain fades, but emotional wounds from cruel words can last a lifetime. In modern terms, verbal violence is a silent crime, one that leaves no visible scars but can destroy confidence, relationships, and mental well-being. Society often condemns physical aggression but tolerates verbal abuse under the guise of 'honesty', 'tough love', or 'discipline'. However, research in psychology confirms that emotional abuse, including insult, humiliation, and harsh criticism, can lead to anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. Unlike a burn or a cut, the damage from words does not heal with time alone. Once spoken, cruel words cannot be taken back. The memory of them lingers, replaying in the victim's mind long after the incident. Repeated verbal abuse diminishes a person's self-esteem, making him doubt his abilities and worth. Relationships, whether personal or professional, crumble when communication turns toxic. Does this mean we should never hold people accountable? No, accountability is necessary, but it must be enforced with dignity. In the workplace, if an employee underperforms, provide constructive feedback. If termination is necessary, do it professionally, without insults or public shaming. Rather than saying 'You are useless! You're fired!', it is better to say, 'Unfortunately, your performance doesn't meet our requirements, so we have to let you go.' If a relationship turns toxic, walking away is healthier than engaging in verbal battles. Instead of screaming, say, 'This isn't working for me any more, I think we should part ways.' In parenting, correcting a child's mistakes with patience yields better results than shouting or belittling. Instead of saying 'You're so stupid!', say, 'Mistakes happen; let's figure it out how to do better next time.' Thiruvalluvar's wisdom reminds us that how we speak to others defines our own character, not theirs. Words are weapons, use them wisely. Silence is better than using harsh words, if you can't speak kindly, act instead (end a job or relationship respectfully). Healing verbal wounds takes years, prevent them by choosing empathy. In a world where social media, workplaces, and even personal relationships are rife with verbal aggression, the Thirukkural's message is more relevant than ever. Harsh words are a crime, one that justice cannot undo. In leadership, love, or daily interactions, we must remember that fire burns the skin, but cruel words scar the soul. Before speaking, ask: will my words build or destroy? If the answer is 'destroy', 'silence is the wiser choice'. joyatwin@
