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Monthly Project Highlight!
Special Occasion
Teach them from a young age how a few simple sacrifices can benefit hundreds of underprivileged individuals. Help transform their celebrations into something meaningful by pledging their special occasion to provide high quality school supplies to a child at ABC Schools.
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Dear Donors & Patrons,
The remarkable success of our Golden Jubilee celebrations has energized volunteers across the U.S. and India, with a growing network that now includes a vibrant youth presence. Many chapters held their annual fundraisers this month, and we are immensely grateful for your support. Please continue to participate in local chapter events and encourage friends to join this impactful cause.
Inspired by TNF’s commitment to supporting underprivileged communities in India and providing aid during global natural disasters, our youth members in North Carolina and South Florida have taken initiative to support those affected by recent hurricane floods in their areas. Let’s come together to support and encourage their efforts.
While our volunteers and donors in the U.S. play an essential role in raising funds for the underprivileged in Tamil Nadu, our TNF India Trustees offer crucial guidance to the Chennai staff and help identify impactful projects. Their commitment to ensuring that every dollar raised in the U.S. reaches the intended beneficiaries in full is commendable. Several long-serving members of the TNF India Board have recently stepped down, creating opportunities for new members to join. On behalf of all of you, I extend sincere gratitude to each Trustee for their years of dedicated service. I have personally witnessed their commitment during project execution and am inspired by their dedication.
As we begin our journey toward another 50 years, please join me in welcoming the new Trustees joining the TNF India Board.
- Thiru. K. Shanmugam., I.A.S., (Retd.),
- DR. C. Sylendra Babu I.P.S., (Retd.),
- Thiru. V. Varadharaju., I.P.S., (Retd.),
- Thiru. K. Suresh, Auditor
These individuals bring impressive professional experience and a deep commitment to community service. With their leadership and fresh ideas, I am confident that TNF will reach new heights.
Every organization needs to periodically review and update its Bylaws to stay aligned with evolving community needs. Since our Golden Jubilee, a few Board members have been working diligently on this, and soon we will reach out to you for your input. I encourage you to review the proposed amendments, share your feedback and provide support for the amendments.
While the success of TNF50 remains fresh in our minds, we’re already planning our next gathering. Like previous years, we’ve organized a family-friendly cruise to celebrate TNF’s achievements. We will share the details soon. I encourage you to reserve your spot and make the initial payment asap, as this popular route is in high demand.
With the holiday season underway, we wish you joyful festivities with your loved ones. As we celebrate, let’s also remember the TNF beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu. Every dollar you contribute brings us closer to making a lasting impact and brightening the lives of those in need.
Veera Venugopal,
President TNF USA
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TNF51 on a cruise - Save the date
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The 51st TNF annual convention will be hosted from May 23, 2025 to May 26, 2025 on a Carnival Radiance cruise to Ensanada from Long Beach, CA. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
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YYP adopts a new name - YAEP
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Following increased youth participation across chapters and the successful Youth Conference during the recent Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Youth & Young Professionals Committee conducted a retrospective exercise. The results inspired the group to adopt a fresh identity that reflects who they are today: The TNF Young Adults & Emerging Professionals!
As they work to expand their network nationwide to include young adults and emerging professionals, these young leaders are committed to guiding and mentoring our youth along the way. Congratulations to the new YAEP committee!
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Chair: Anu Suppiah, Chicago
Secretary: Shreya Ramesh, Bay Area
Social Media Coordinator:
Siddarth Mohan, Central Ohio
Community Outreach Coordinator:
Shanthi Bhaskar, Philadelphia
Youth Contest Coordinator:
Hrishi Kousik, Central Ohio
Youth Engagement Coordinator:
Samyuktha Natesan, Bay Area
Members:
Preethi Bhaskar, Philadelphia
Ishita Mannar, North East Ohio
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Support FL & NC TNF Youth in their mission
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The youth have stepped up to make a difference, but they need your support! Join them in this great cause and inspire them to do even more!
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Hello English - says 7th graders!
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Five seventh graders at Government Model Higher Secondary School, MMDA Chennai, received Samsung Galaxy tablets pre-installed with the "Hello English" app, allowing their peers to access the resource as well. This distribution brings to life a TAYMAI grant-winning idea, ideated by Shiv Narayan, a youth volunteer from Northeast Ohio. During his summer internship, Shiv recognized that a digital app like Hello English, which he himself used as a child, could greatly benefit students in Tamil Nadu schools. Notably, Shiv also raised funds through the support of friends and family, supplementing the grant to bring the project to life at a total cost of ₹83,000.
The TAYMAI grant brings to life innovative solutions that high school students develop to address issues they observe firsthand during their internships. Congratulations to Shiv for taking advantage of the technology to make the learning experience a fun one for students.
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NY Youth’s vision brings clearer sight to students
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Deetya Vinod, a dedicated youth in NY, identified the need for vision exams for school children and launched a project to benefit 150 students across three schools in Kunnathur, Mittapettai, and Guruvarajapettai. The exams took place in August, and 30 students received prescribed eyeglasses in October at a cost of ₹15,000. Through Deetya's determination and support from her mother, these students now enjoy clearer vision, which will undoubtedly enhance their focus on studies.
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Educational Scholarships - October 2024 update
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During the month, 79 students received scholarships totaling an amount of ₹ 7,64,889/-.
| Description |
# of Beneficiaries |
Scholarship Amount
(in Rupees)
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| Arumugam & Gurunathan Educational Scholarship |
22 |
₹ 4,06,900.00 |
| Support to Government Aided School Educational Scholarship (SC Gurukulam) |
35 |
₹ 1,25,000.00 |
| Adopt a Student Project - Thoothukudi District |
5 |
₹ 60,000.00 |
| Stanley Medical Alumni Educational Scholarship |
2 |
₹ 60,989.00 |
| Scholarship Project to single parent students (Mann Vaasanai corpus interest - Dindigul, Theni, Thiruvannamalai & Mayiladuthurai) |
15 |
₹ 1,12,000.00 |
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79 |
₹ 7,64,889.00 |
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South FL Youth Club Announcement - Correction
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In the September issue of Eegai, where we announced the formation of the Youth Volunteer Group in South FL chapter and listed the committee members, the Youth Chair’s name was misspelled. It should read Likhitha Selvan.
We sincerely apologize for this error.
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Thank you & welcome new members to TNF's 50 year Legacy!
(In honor of each new TNF member, college prep books will be donated to a student in need)
Anandhi & Rajaprabhakaran, Wellington, FL
Annamalai & Muthathal, Stuart, FL
Bhargavi Devi & Subba Reddy, Mentor, OH
Dhakshnamoorthy & Ezhilarasi, Miramar, FL
Dhayanandh & Veena, Bear, DE
Meenakshi & Ram, Saratoga, CA
Murali & Rajini, Austin, TX
Poonguzhali & Kailash, Morrisvillle, NC
Vijeyakumar & Arulselvi, Pembroke Pines, FL
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Houston enjoys an evening of laughter
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The Houston community celebrated the TNF Golden Jubilee with an unforgettable evening of laughter on October 19, 2024.
TNF Houston hosted a Pattimandram by Sun TV’s famous Kalyanamalai team, marking both the Golden Jubilee and the 25th anniversary of Kalyanamalai. The event featured the beloved Mohan Sir and Meera Madam, with Pulavar Ramalingam as the moderator, joined by Kavita Jawahar and Sujit Kumar. The speakers brought endless laughter, while the moderator fueled the humor with his lively interjections.
Decor One enhanced the ambience with a thematic forest backdrop featuring elephants, giving the stage a unique and vibrant look. A total of $80,000 was raised for a special project benefiting a school for the hearing impaired in Ooty.
Our heartfelt thanks to the Kalyanamalai team, Decor One, Indian Summers, Meenakshi Temple, and Bharathi Kalai Manram, as well as to all the donors who made this fundraising event a memorable and a successful one.
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Energy & Enthusiasm fill Austin 5K
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The 5K event in Austin was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm, attracting over 250 participants. Youth volunteers of all ages brought the event to life, organizing snacks, art, chess, and TNF information corners while lending a hand wherever needed. The art and snacks sale raised $320, surpassing last year’s total, while the event itself raised an impressive $21,356. Attendees enjoyed motivational speeches and stand-up comedy, with all proceeds supporting 356 visually impaired students and funding four ABC projects. Special thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, media partners, and the Austin Tamil Sangam!
Media coverage of the event
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Kudos to our youth volunteers Diya, Adhira, Srinidhi, Janani, Annamalai, Raghav, Pavithra, Ram and several others who stepped up to help where needed.
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South FL walks in the park
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Participants at the South Florida chapter's Walk in the Park event kicked off their action-packed day with a complimentary breakfast. The festivities included a lively Kahoot game hosted by youth volunteers, along with championship matches in cricket, pickleball, volleyball, throwball, and chess. Everyone had a great time engaging in team sports and individual challenges, with fantastic prizes awarded throughout the day.
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Bay Area walks to help Children's health & education
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Donors and supporters of TNF from the Bay Area came together to raise funds for ABC projects at the Government Schools in Chennai, which are supported by the Bay Area chapter. Attendees enjoyed a complimentary lunch and refreshments during the event.
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Philly hosts walk for a cause
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The Philadelphia chapter hosted their annual walkathon fundraiser on September 14, 2024. The blue skies and the early fall weather helped the attendees enjoy the event where the supporters came together to raise funds for ABC projects supported by the chapter.
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DC supports ABC schools in 3 districts
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On September 29th, 2024, the Washington DC chapter organized a 5K walkathon to raise funds for ABC schools in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi districts. Over 50 participants, including youth volunteers, enjoyed the pleasant fall weather, with occasional drizzles, as they walked. Attendees also heard about the experiences of youth who participated in summer internships in Tamil Nadu, completing several laps around the trail before indulging in healthy refreshments.
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Attend & support local chapter events
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Click of the flyer to learn more about the event!
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Click on the image to know more details
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