KNRA Celebrates Independence Day with Community Focus
The Kasturba Nagar Residents Association (KNRA) celebrated Independence Day with a series of community-focused events. Resident Dr. Sunita Maithreya hoisted the national flag to mark the occasion.
The association also recognised Adyar Times for its community services, presenting an award to Managing Editor J.P. Janakan. In his acceptance speech, Janakan praised the association’s community-building efforts.
Following the ceremony, the KNRA hosted a ‘Golden Hour Emergency Response Training’ session facilitated by the NGO ALERT. V.M. Muralidharan, the NGO’s Chairman, and Kala Balasundaram, a Founder Trustee, both residents of Kasturba Nagar, emphasised the importance of first aid knowledge. Muralidharan highlighted how youth involvement and quick action from trained individuals have saved lives.
Kala Balasundaram recalled Dr. Kalam’s inspiration, stating, “If we train one individual per household in first aid, we would be saving multitudes of lives.” She added that true independence also means “freedom from ignorance, freedom from not knowing what to do during emergencies.” Volunteer Rekha conducted the training, which covered essential skills like CPR, handling seizures, and the legal rights of a first responder.
Independence Day celebrations by Chudar Community
The Infinity Park at Kottur Garden was filled with patriotic energy as the Chudar Community celebrated Independence Day. The event was organized to encourage and recognize the talents of local students.
The guest of honour, Ward 170 Councillor K.R. Kathir Murugan, addressed the gathering, stating, “Students are the future of our nation, and it is our responsibility to nurture their dreams and talents.”
The celebration featured captivating performances, including songs, dances, and speeches by students, which were met with great appreciation from the audience. The event concluded with the distribution of special prizes to the talented participants, leaving everyone inspired and filled with patriotic pride.
Former Cricketer Murali Vijay Inspires Students at Arcadia
Former Indian cricketer Murali Vijay was the chief guest at Arcadia’s Independence Day celebration, inspiring students with his personal journey and words of wisdom.
The event began with a student march past, over which Vijay presided before unfurling the national flag. He then held an interactive session with students and parents alongside the school’s principal, Hemalatha Muralidharan.
Addressing young aspiring cricketers, Vijay shared his own story, saying he began playing cricket at age three. He advised them to “Just enjoy and feel the game. Don’t try to learn the sport.” He spoke about his surprising Test debut against Australia in 2008, where he entered a dressing room of his idols, including Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, calling it a “dream come true.”
Vijay also revealed his passion for golf and his hope of turning pro to represent India one day, saying he is “manifesting and visualizing this dream every day.” He urged parents to support their children, acknowledging the immense pressure they face in the social media era.
The former Test opener left a lasting impression on the attendees, concluding the event by taking selfies with an excited crowd of children and parents.
CSIR-SERC Celebrates 79th Independence Day
The 79th Independence Day was celebrated at the CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC) and CSIR Madras Complex (CMC), with celebrations also extending to the Tower Testing Research Station in Thirusulam.
Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director of CSIR-SERC, hoisted the national flag and delivered a speech urging scientists and staff to contribute to a self-reliant India through science and technology. She also highlighted key achievements of CSIR.
As part of the celebrations, a new crèche and daycare facility for the children of permanent employees was inaugurated at the CSIR Taramani campus. Additionally, the Director and staff actively participated in a tree-planting drive, planting sixty saplings at the research station in Tirusulam.
Olcott School Celebrates Independence Day with Patriotic Fervor
Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School, Besant Nagar, celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm and a focus on education and character-building.
The event began with the school’s Director, Sasikala Sriram, highlighting the importance of education for future success. This was followed by a heartfelt patriotic song before the chief guest, Senior Advocate R. Sankaranarayanan, hoisted the national flag.
A majestic and synchronized march past by the students showcased their patriotic spirit. Inside the prayer hall, Headmistress R. Lalitha presented a memento to the chief guest.
The cultural program featured a Tamil poem recitation by junior students emphasizing that independence is a living spirit, not just a word. The senior students performed a lively “paraiyattam” dance and a skit on online scam awareness.
In his speech, Sankaranarayanan shared personal anecdotes to underscore the importance of perseverance and patience. He also encouraged students to learn English to become effective communicators. The celebration concluded with a final dance performance and a celebratory luncheon for all students.
