Project Report
| Jan 10, 2022
Thank You Dear Donor
By Althea DSylva | Head - Communications & Resource Mobilization
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It’s the beginning of a brand New Year and the Sri Arunodayam family just wants to say, THANK YOU! You made us feel uniquely valued.
As we begin this New Year, we find ourselves reflecting on how truly blessed we are. We are thankful for your kind donations that ensure that the children are well cared for. As you know, what is unique about Sri Arunodayam is its programs that help rehabilitate abandoned children with intellectual disabilities. Your sponsorship of these programs is making a tremendous impact on their lives, helping them build a better future. We hope you continue to find meaning through the goodwill you extend to us.
That said, our current Project #37370 to which you so generously contributed is now fully funded. We hope you will continue to fund our work through our new Project #55063 that includes new donation options essential for around 100 new entrants we are taking in this year.
Please accept our warmest wishes for your continued good health, and a happy and prosperous New Year!
Iyyappan Subramaniyan
Founder, Managing Trustee
Sri Arunodayam Charitable Trust
Nov 4, 2021
In the nick of time!
By Althea DSylva | Head - Communications & Resource Mobilization
![Mekala]()
Mekala
Premavathi Bai, our 2018 Special Mom Awardee passed away in June 2021. We have fond memories of her and her family. Read her story and watch her video here https://sriarunodayam.org/special-mom-stories-2018/#Premavathi
Premavathi’s husband had passed away in early June 2021 due to a prolonged illness. She had poured out her grief to our Founder, Iyyappan, telling him that she was deeply troubled about the future of her intellectually disabled daughter, Mekala. Iyyappan consoled her and requested her to send a letter of consent giving Sri Arunodayam guardianship rights over her daughter should anything happen to Premavathi. The letter reached us on June 12th and on June 17th we got the news that Premavathi had passed away. It was indeed a shock! Sri Arunodayam made arrangements to have Mekala brought to our home where she now resides. Although she misses her mother, Mekala is settling in with her new family and we look forward to living a full life with her.
If you would like to know more about our unique Special Mom Award, which is an annual event, please visit our website. Click here https://sriarunodayam.org/special-mom-award-2018-post-event/ for the 2018 event in which Premavathi was one of the finalists.
Jul 7, 2021
Pankaj's Story
By Althea DSylva | Head - Communications & Resource Mobilization
![Pankaj]()
Pankaj
Abandoned in Gujarat and finding a home at Sri Arunodayam all the way down south in Chennai, life has been traumatic for 14-year-old Pankaj.
When we received him in October 2019, he was just not himself. Sullen and aggressive, he scared the children away with sudden angry outbursts. Swinging into action, our instructors decided to keep him busy by engaging him in activities at our in-house vocational center. Pankaj started making paper bags but soon lost interest and slipped back into the loop of behavioral issues. He started attending mat weaving classes, and after a few days of tantrums and aggressive outbursts, our instructors’ positive reinforcement techniques began to get through to him. He took to weaving like a duck to water! Enjoying the activity, Pankaj has become a model weaver completing around 3 beautifully colored rugs each day. His temperament has changed as he focuses on what he does best!
Pankaj is learning that it is indeed better to conquer himself than to win a thousand battles! Watch Pankaj in action in the video below.
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