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Newsletter — October 2026
Jeya Gell
Greetings.
We are delighted to meet you all through this newsletter and share many works we have done so far.
Vocational Training and Employment
(VOTE) Project
Diabetes Awareness and General Medical Camp
On September 27th, 2026, DAIA, in collaboration with the Lions Club of Thoothukudi and Arulraj Hospital, conducted a Diabetes Awareness and General Medical Camp in S. Pudur village under the Jambulingapuram panchayat. The camp brought together a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including Dr. Aarthi Kannan (Diabetologist), Dr. Megavarshini , Dr. Dharmavathi, Dr. Murugesan, and Dr. Ramasamy (Acupuncture and Varma Therapy Specialist). They were supported by Zonal Chairperson Dr. Kannan, Mr. Jambulingam from Jyothi Lab, Lions Club members, a blood- testing team, and nursing staff. The programme began with a warm welcome, followed by an introduction to DAIA’s social welfare activities and services.
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Dr.Aarthi Kannan shared valuable guidance with the villagers on diabetes prevention, effective management, and the importance of regular health monitoring. Participants were registered and underwent blood tests to assess their blood parameters and sugar levels. The medical team then conducted individual consultations and provided appropriate medical advice and medicines based on each patient’s health needs. The camp brought essential healthcare services closer to the rural community and encouraged people to take greater responsibility for their health through awareness, early detection, and regular medical care.
Tuition Centre
Educational Visit to the Porunai Exhibition
​ On September 5th, 2026, 60 students from DAIA’s tuition centres, studying in Grade 5 and above, visited the Porunai Exhibition with parental consent. The children eagerly gathered in the morning and set off by bus, filling the journey with songs, laughter, and excitement. The visit provided them with an opportunity to learn beyond the classroom while enjoying a memorable day together.
The Porunai Exhibition offered the students a fascinating glimpse into the history, culture, and heritage of ancient Tamil civilisation. They were particularly excited to see ancient artefacts such as metal objects, pottery, ornaments, and inscriptions dating back thousands of years. The exhibits highlighting archaeological discoveries from Sivakalai, Korkai, and Adichanallur helped the students understand the rich history of the Thoothukudi region and appreciate the intellectual achievements and trading skills of the ancient Tamils. A captivating 5D presentation on the five ancient Thinai landscapes Marutham, Mullai, Paalai, Kurinji, and Neithal was another highlight of the visit.
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The students also enjoyed a shared lunch and sweets, adding to the joy of the day. They returned home with happy memories, renewed enthusiasm, and a deeper appreciation for Tamil heritage and history. The visit was not only enjoyable but also an enriching educational experience that connected classroom learning with the cultural treasures of their own region.
Tuition Centre Visits
On September 3rd and 8th, visits were made to the tuition centres at Vellapatti and Kurinji Nagar to interact with the students and teachers. Feedback was gathered on the children’s mobile library initiative and the TATA online classes, helping to assess their usefulness and impact on the students’ learning.
TATA Proengage Online Classes
Six dedicated volunteers from TATA ProEngage continue to conduct interactive online English classes three days a week for students from Grades 5th to 10th at our tuition centres.
Following their quarterly examinations, the students have shown encouraging progress in their English proficiency. Through regular practice, engaging activities, and guidance from the volunteers, the sessions are helping children build greater confidence and improve their communication skills.
Teachers’ Day Celebration
Teachers’ Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm across all our tuition centres on the second week of september. The children expressed their love and appreciation for their teachers by presenting thoughtful gifts, including sports items, and sharing heartfelt words of gratitude. The celebration created a joyful atmosphere and highlighted the special role teachers play in guiding, encouraging, and inspiring children in their learning journey.
Tuition Teachers’ Meeting
On September 29th, A meeting for the tuition teachers was held at the DAIA office in Kirubai Nagar. Mrs. Helen shared an encouraging message, after which Director Mrs. Hilda John reviewed the month’s activities and gathered feedback from the teachers. The teachers shared that the children greatly enjoyed their visit to the Porunai Exhibition, particularly the bus journey and the opportunity to share lunch. Updates were also discussed regarding the TATA online classes and the children’s participation and interest in the program.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to share important concerns and celebrate the children’s achievements. The teachers expressed their sorrow over the passing of the father of Sudalai Vadivu, a student from the Kurinji Nagar tuition centre, and offered their support to the family. The successful Teachers’ Day celebrations across the tuition centres were also appreciated. At the close of the meeting, the teachers submitted their monthly reports and collected snacks for distribution to the children.
Smile program
The Smile Program was organised to bring joy, encouragement, and meaningful moments to 250 children who are differently abled. As part of this year’s initiative, children from Dymphna Special School, Francis Beuson Orphanage, Holy Cross Special School, Sivanthankulam Special School, and ACLUDE Special School in Vilathikulam, Thoothukudi District, received colourful toys in a variety of shapes and forms.
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The children’s faces lit up with happiness as they received and played with the toys, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement. The programme was a beautiful reminder that simple gestures of care and kindness can create lasting moments of joy. DAIA extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in and supported this initiative, helping to make the Smile Programme a memorable experience for the children.
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Staff Training on Baseline Surveys
A three-day training programme on conducting baseline surveys was held from September 28th to 30th, 2026, at the Kari-Kubel Institute for Development Education in Coimbatore. The training provided valuable guidance on systematic baseline data collection, survey procedures, and accurate data entry using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science) software. Mrs Prema (Project Manager) and Mr.Godwin (Field Officer) participated in the training on behalf of DAIA, strengthening their skills and knowledge to support effective field-level data collection and programme planning.
Staff Get-Together
To celebrate Mrs. Prema’s 50th birthday, the DAIA team came together for a special staff get-together at Petti restaurant. The celebration was filled with joy, laughter, and warm fellowship as everyone shared a delicious meal and spent quality time together.
The gathering provided a wonderful opportunity for the team to relax, connect, and celebrate this special milestone together. The joyful moments and shared memories made the occasion a meaningful expression of friendship, affection, and strong team spirit.
Embracing Elders
The monthly gathering for senior citizens was held on September 9th, with a special Teachers’ Day message delivered by Mrs. Eben Jason. She reminded the seniors that everyone has a role as a teacher and that younger generations learn important values, such as discipline and good character, by observing our lives and actions. Her message encouraged the seniors to recognise the positive influence they continue to have on their families and communities.
Mrs. Hilda John brought additional joy to the gathering by organising engaging games and distributing prizes, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere. The programme concluded with the distribution of monthly grocery supplies and a nutritious lunch. The seniors returned home with happy hearts, carrying with them moments of joy, companionship, and encouragement.
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Director’s Field Visits
During September 2026, DAIA Director Mrs. Hilda John actively participated in various community programs and field visits, encouraging and supporting beneficiaries across different initiatives. On September 1st, she visited the Osanoothu village and presented certificates to 25 women who completed the fourth phase of tailoring training. She also met with Mrs. Murugalakshmi and Mrs. Sermakkani, beneficiaries of the economic support provided through the SHG Palam project, and encouraged them in their efforts towards greater financial independence. On September 5, she accompanied students from the tuition centres to the Porunai Exhibition, where she interacted warmly with the children and added to their excitement and enjoyment.
Mrs. Hilda John also participated in the Smile program for children who are differently abled on September 2nd and 7th, sharing moments of care, encouragement, and happiness with them. On September 9, she joined the gathering for senior citizens, organising fun games and activities that brought smiles and cheer to the elderly participants. Through these field visits and interactions, she continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to uplifting children, women, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens, making each program more meaningful and memorable.
CHRISTMAS APPEAL
Christmas - A Time to Give and Care
As Christmas approaches, we are reminded of God’s amazing love for humanity and the joy of sharing that love with others. While exchanging gifts with loved ones is a cherished tradition, Christmas also gives us a chance to remember those who may not have the chance to experience the joy of giving or receiving a gift.
This Christmas, we invite you to extend your love and kindness to someone in need. A small gift can bring a big smile, and a caring heart can make a lasting difference. Let us come together to share hope, joy, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Gifts can be donated in cash or in kind.
CHRISTMAS APPEAL
Embracing Elders
Saree (Female) - 49 Nos X Rs.400/- = Rs. 19,600/-
Shirts (Male) - 6 Nos X Rs.400 /- = Rs. 2,400/-
Towels - 45 Nos X Rs.100/- = Rs. 4,500/-
Lunch - 75 Nos X Rs.165/- = Rs. 12,375/-
Tuition Centre
Children's Gift - 151 Nos X Rs.200/- = Rs. 30,200/-
Lunch - 160 Nos. X Rs.165 /- = Rs. 26,400/-
Transport charges - = Rs. 10,000/-
Please share the Christmas joy with your generous support.Thank you.
Welcoming Our New Team Member
We are pleased to welcome Mrs. P. Rajakumari, who has joined our team as a part-time staff member this month. We warmly welcome her and look forward to her valuable contribution to our work and service to the community.
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Thank you to all our supporters
We were able to do the work just because you stood behind us. Our heartfelt thanks for your consistent support in reaching out to make our vulnerable communities better.
We look forward to working with you. Thank you once again.
Reflection: Kindness
"Always help someone. You might be the only one who does."
Let us be kind and lighten the burden of those who are suffering.
Debasish Mridha - QUOTESTATS.COM
Development Association for Integrated Activity (DAIA)
5E/95, Kirubai Nagar, Tuticorin, Tamilnadu, India. 628 008.
Phone: +91 9488373224 (0461) 2311548, 2391548, Email: admin@daiaindia.org
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Founder: Mr. Gell Joseph 1945 - 2015
Bank name | A/c name | A/c No S/B | IFSC code |
|---|---|---|---|
City Union Bank, Tuticorin | Development Association for Integrated Activity | 085001000097607
(Donations Within India) | CIUB 0000085 |
Mrs. Jeya Gell
