Dear TNF Family,
 
As we step into the new year, I am pleased to share that our TNF Chennai office has recently been renovated. With open, well-lit workspaces, modern meeting rooms, and a warm, uncluttered design, the renovated office reflects the professionalism and care with which our work is carried out. This may appear, at first glance, as a physical upgrade—but in truth, it represents something much deeper. It is a reaffirmation of trust, partnership, and our shared commitment to serve with dignity and effectiveness.

I encourage you to visit this office whether it is your first time or even if you have visited already.  And if you have not already done so, make it a point to visit not only the office, but at least one TNF-supported project. Seeing firsthand how your hard-earned contributions are translated into opportunity, education, and hope has a profound impact. It has the power to change you. It certainly changed me.

With the new year and a renewed workspace, our Chennai team is moving forward with fresh energy and focus, working diligently on the projects entrusted to us. The renovated office is not just a place of administration; it is a space where ideas are shaped, futures are supported, and our collective values are put into action.

Mani Periakaruppan
President, Tamil Nadu Foundation USA

World Tamil Diaspora Day 2026 was held on January 11 and 12, 2026, in Chennai, to commemorate Tamil identity, unity, and heritage. The event provided an important platform to honor Tamil roots, foster connections among the global Tamil community, and engage with initiatives undertaken by the Government of Tamil Nadu for Non-Resident Tamils worldwide.

Tamil Nadu Foundation (TNF) set up a stall highlighting its various activities, with an informational video displayed continuously throughout the event. Thiru. Mani Periakaruppan, President, TNF USA; Thiru. Veera Venugopal, Past President, TNF USA; Thiru. Muruganandan Palanisamy, Vice President – Chapters; and Dr. Sylendra Babu, Chairman, TNF, were present on the occasion.

The Centre for Medical Genetics also participated in the event, showcasing its initiatives. The TNF stall attracted significant interest from members of the Tamil diaspora, many of whom appreciated TNF’s initiatives and expressed a keen interest in contributing through the organization.

Tamil Nadu Foundation (TNF) distributed study materials, including question banks designed to support academically below-average students in improving their performance in public examinations, to 312 Class 10 students. The distribution covered four ABC Project schools—two in Tiruvannamalai District and two in Tiruvallur District—and was supported by an individual donor at a total cost of ₹ 55,444/-.

Each student received a complete set of study materials covering all Class 10 subjects. The initiative was undertaken at the request of the respective school Headmasters, based on the positive impact of similar distributions in ABC Project schools in other districts, where the materials had contributed to increased pass percentages and improved academic outcomes.

TNF's College exposure initiative continues to inspire young minds by visiting leading higher education institutions. These help students envision their future beyond school. As part of this initiative, an exposure visit was organized on January 9, 2026, for 12th grade students from government schools in Krishnagiri District to Adhiyamaan College of Engineering, Hosur, with generous support from the TNF Austin Chapter.

The visit benefited students from the following schools:

• R.V. Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Hosur – 243 students

• Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Hosur – 495 students

• Government Higher Secondary School, Mullai Nagar, Hosur – 384 students

In total, 1,122 students participated in this enriching experience.

The students were thrilled to explore the college campus and gain firsthand exposure to various academic departments, advanced laboratories, and state-of-the-art facilities. Interactive sessions provided valuable insights into engineering disciplines, available scholarships, and campus placement opportunities. Many students expressed excitement and renewed motivation after learning about the academic pathways and career prospects available to them.

During the month, 92 students received scholarships totaling an amount of ₹ 7,79,455/-.