A crusader against Human Trafficking - J.R.Sharan

 

ICWO Sounds Alert to Stop Child Marriages This Dev Uthani (A beginning of Wedding Season in Hinduism)

 

To ensure that no child marriages take place on the occasion of Dev Uthani Ekadashi (A beginning of Wedding Season in Hinduism), which marks the beginning of the wedding season, ICWO has urged the district administration and the District Legal Services Authority to maintain strict vigilance and stay on high alert against child marriage. In its letter to the administration, the organisation has emphasised the need for proactive monitoring to ensure that no instance of child marriage goes unnoticed or unreported. It is important to spread the message that anyone with any information about child marriage must report it to the Police Helpline (112), Child Helpline (1098), ICWO Helpline (9087 161 161) or the local police station immediately to stop anyone from committing this crime; it said.

Indian Community Welfare Organisation – ICWO, a partner of Just Rights for Children, has been working in the district to end child marriage by 2030 under JRC’s nationwide campaign ‘Child Marriage Free India’. Just Rights for Children is one of the largest networks of NGOs dedicated to child rights and child protection in the country. Over the last few years, the network has been working relentlessly to end child marriage by 2030 with its comprehensive 3P model of Protection, Prevention and Prosecution.

In the letter, the NGO has asked the administration to put Anganwadi workers, sarpanches, ASHA workers, and police officials on high alert and to be extra cautious as the wedding season begins on November 1. The organisation has also intensified its awareness drive against child marriage in schools and villages starting today and has appealed to faith leaders to be extra vigilant too.

“The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in its landmark 2024 judgment clearly asked the districts to be more vigilant to end child marriage. We are simply asking the administrations to comply with the apex court’s judgment. Even the Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched the ‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ campaign reaffirming the national commitment to end child marriage by 2030. Today, we stand at the brink of ending child marriage with everyone’s collective efforts. While our efforts have been ongoing, this is a particularly crucial time, as many families tend to arrange child marriages during this auspicious period. We must uphold the sanctity of this pious occasion by ensuring that not a single child marriage takes place,” said A.J.Hariharan, Secretary-ICWO.

The NGO has urged the district administration to instruct all sarpanches to closely monitor upcoming weddings in their respective villages and to ask Anganwadi workers to prepare lists of marriages scheduled in their areas. School authorities must also be alerted to take note of any dropouts in the coming days, it said.

The organisation has also appealed to all faith leaders and service providers, such as caterers and tent decorators, to ensure that they are not party to any child marriage. As per the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, those who perform, conduct, direct, or abet a child marriage face rigorous imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. This applies to anyone involved in promoting, permitting, or negligently failing to prevent the marriage, including organisers, attendees, and service providers.

Notably, as part of the ‘Child Marriage Free India’ campaign, the NGO has been conducting awareness campaigns in schools, communities and villages; collaborating with faith leaders in this fight against child marriage; and working with law enforcement agencies to ensure prosecution of the offenders.

 

 

GVN Homes Celebrates 25 Years of Trust and Growth in Real Estate

GVN Homes , one of Chennai’s most trusted and reputed land developers, proudly celebrates its 25th year of excellence in the real estate sector. Founded and led by Chairperson Dr. GVN Kumar, the company has spent the past two and a half decades transforming countless dreams into reality helping families and investors own their piece of land in and around Chennai. 

Over the years, GVN Homes has built a strong legacy based on trust, transparency, and timely delivery. With numerous successful land development projects across Chennai, the company has earned the confidence of thousands of satisfied customers who have witnessed consistent appreciation in their investments. 

Speaking on this milestone occasion, Mr.S.Raja Kumar, MD, GVN Homes said, “When we started GVN, our vision was simple to make land ownership possible for every aspiring individual. Today, as we celebrate 25 years, we take pride in being part of many success stories and in contributing to Chennai’s growth through our planned and well-developed layouts.” 

At GVN Homes , the vision is clear and forward-looking to make land ownership a reality for every aspiring individual by developing safe, affordable, and high-potential housing plots across Chennai’s emerging growth corridors. With the city’s future expansion planned through the development of six new satellite cities, GVN is strategically focused on creating low and mid-budget plotted communities in these upcoming regions. 

The company’s guiding philosophy “1x investment that grows into 10x returns” reflects its mission to help customers build long-term wealth through well-researched locations and value-driven developments. Every project launched by GVN goes beyond mere land creation it builds pathways to prosperity, helping thousands of families secure a stable and promising future. 

As part of its Silver Jubilee journey, GVN Homes has introduced an exciting new investment opportunity  “Ponneri Athisayam”, located in Ponneri, the region hailed as the future of North Chennai. Strategically positioned near Adani Port and within the 22,000-acre Chennai–Bangalore Industrial Corridor (CBIC), this project promises high growth potential and long-term value appreciation. 

*Priced affordably at just ₹500 per sq.ft., the project offers DTCP-approved plots with wide 30- and 40-feet roads, tree plantations, and complete maintenance by GVN Promoters. With the upcoming Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR) and 2nd Outer Ring Road developments, the Ponneri region is poised to emerge as a major industrial and residential hub. 

The project’s concept "Invest Small, Grow Big” perfectly aligns with GVN’s mission to empower investors and first-time buyers with low-risk, high-reward real estate opportunities. Experts predict that land values in Ponneri could multiply tenfold within the next decade, making it one of Tamil Nadu’s most promising investment destinations. 

As GVN Homes celebrates 25 years of success, the company continues to uphold its core values of ethical business practices, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth staying true to its motto, “Turning Your Land into Legacy.” 

For more details & booking please contact GVN Homes Pvt. Ltd., 2nd Avenue, Anna Nagar, Chennai– 600040. (Near Anna Nagar Ayyappa Temple). Contact 96000 23348 | 98401 88821 for more details.

 

Ponneri Athisayam an ideal and best place to invest today!

 

Plots for sale at Ponneri. Don’t miss the opportunity

 

Dignity Foundation honored A.J. Hariharan, Secretary-ICWO

World Alzheimer’s Day, observed on 21st September each year, is a moment for us to come together, raise awareness, and break the stigma around Alzheimer’s and dementia. For many families, dementia is not only a health issue but also an emotional and social challenge. Through this day, we aim to spread awareness, engage with the community, and honoured those who have stood by the dignity and well-being of our senior citizens. 

Proposed Activity – Felicitation: 

We will be felicitating individuals, organizations, institutions, colleges, and sponsors who have extended their valuable support to senior citizens. As a token of gratitude, each of them will receive a sapling, wrapped in gift paper and tied with a purple satin ribbon—symbolizing care, hope, and growth. 

On this special occasion,  Chennai Dignity Foundation. honoured Mr. A.J. Hariharan, Secretary of ICWO – Indian Community Welfare Organisation, for his dedicated service and continued support for the welfare of senior citizens. 

Lions Club of Golden friends donated 52 Kg rice to shelter for homeless people

The Lions Club of Golden Friends contributed 52 kilograms of rice to a shelter for the homeless located on Stringers Street, Periamedu, Chennai, overseen by the Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO). Mr. Vimal Sekar serves as the President of the Lions Club of Golden Friends. Mr. Vinod B. holds the position of Secretary, and Mr. Prabhu is the Treasurer of the Lions Club of Golden Friends.

ICWO and ABHY DAN Trust launched the "Go Green" campaign by planting 616 saplings in Karur District, Tamil Nadu

It is reported that ICWO, in collaboration with ABHY DAN Trust, inaugurated the "Go Green" campaign in Karur District, Tamil Nadu on 21st & 22nd July 2025 by planting 294 saplings on private farmland. On 16^th and 17^th August 322 saplings were planted totalling to 616 saplings.This marks the beginning of our larger goal to plant 3,000 saplings between 21st July 2025 and 31st October 2025. 

The plantation activity includes the purchase of saplings, trimming, digging, watering, planting, and maintenance for one year. Each sapling costs Rs. 300, which covers all the above. After one year, the landowners or farmers will take over the long-term care of the trees.  

The selected tree species for this campaign include: The selected tree species for this campaign include: 1. Mahogany Tree 2. Semaram (Rosewood) 3. Neem Tree 4. Matchbox Tree (Thepetti Maram) 5. Teak Wood 6. Strychnine Tree (Etti Maram). 

These trees have been carefully chosen for their long-term economic, medicinal, and environmental benefits. They are known for providing high-quality timber, medicinal properties, shade, and ecological value, ensuring both sustainability and potential income for the caretakers in the years to come. This will ensure the farmers to protect the trees for the long run. 

ICWO is also expanding this initiative to include Corporation Schools in Chennai, where trees will initially be maintained by us, with the school administration assuming responsibility thereafter. ICWO believes that the successful plantation of 3,000 trees will be a significant contribution to environmental protection, reducing the carbon footprint, and promoting biodiversity. 

Koyambedu Market provides a diverse array of vegetables and fruits for both wholesale and retail sales

 

largest market in Asia, Koyambedu, Chennai, offers a wide range of vegetables and fruits for both wholesale and retail sales

 

Specialized Eye Camp and General Medical Check-up Camp Successful

A Specialized Eye and General Medical Check-up Camp was successfully organized at Koyambedu Periyar Vegetable Market, benefiting over 180 shop vendors, load workers, drivers, buyers, and members of the general public. The camp provided essential health consultations and screening services to those who often lack regular access to quality healthcare.

This community healthy initiative was a collaborative effort by Jaibeem Laborer and Small Traders Welfare Society, ACS Medical College and Hospital, SRM Dental College and Hospital (Kattankulathur), United Legal Rights Organisation – ASIA, BASE Trust , Abhay Dan Trust (New Delhi), and Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO), aimed at extending healthcare access to marginalized communities and surrounding areas.

The camp was inaugurated by Mr. V. Selva Kumar, who also mentioned the services offered during the event. The welcome address was delivered by Mr. A.J. Hariharan, Secretary – ICWO, who stated: “While only consultations and basic medications were provided on-site, patients requiring further treatment were referred to affiliated hospitals for follow-up care.” He expressed heartfelt thanks to Mr. Ravi Ranganathan, Director – Programmes, CBM India Trust, and Mr. Sathish Nagappan, CBM India Trust, for their invaluable guidance and support. He also announced that ICWO plans to conduct many more such camps in the future.

Mr. V. Selva Kumar, Social Activist and Representative – Jai Bhim Workers and Small Traders Welfare Association, shared that the Association, established in 2022, has implemented various welfare schemes for traders. So far, 188 members have benefited from Central Government schemes, and interest-bearing loan issues amounting to ₹5 crore have been resolved. On World Environment Day, the Association distributed free Manjappai to the public. Highlighting the camp’s importance, he added: “In and around Koyambedu Market, nearly 10,000 people work daily, yet most do not prioritize their health. Many have no safe place to stay and sleep near their shops, often facing mosquito and insect bites. We arranged this camp for their welfare, and today over 100 people have already benefited from health check-ups — and people are still coming in.”

Also present were Mrs. Saroja, DBS Traders – Koyambedu Vegetable Market; Ms. K. Ushakumari , District Women’s Team Secretary – Tirupattur, ULRO–ASIA; and students from CTT College, led by their professor Mrs. Yogitha , who actively supported camp operations.

Mr. K.K.J. Solomon , State Camp Consultant & Co-ordinator, Secretary – BASE Trust, said:“Since its inception in 2010, BASE Trust has conducted 222 eye and general medical check-up camps, benefiting over 1,000 people through surgeries. Our vision is to make Tamil Nadu a completely sighted state by 2030, starting with Tiruvallur as a model district. We also actively promote awareness about eye donation.”

Mr. V. Kamalakannan, M.A., B.L., Advocate and Law Consultant, shared:“United Legal Rights Organisation – Asia, founded in 2010, works with the concept ‘Let’s plant trees to protect water resources and preserve soil.’ We have nurtured 5,000 saplings in Yelagiri, Tirupattur, and Vaniyambadi, and have organized several medical camps for public welfare.”

Many beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative. A vegetable vendor, Mr. Muthu (65), said: "I have been working here for 15 years but never had a proper health check-up. Today, I found out my blood sugar is high now I will take medication."

Mrs. Lakshmi (55), a flower seller, shared: "The free eye screening helped me realize I need spectacles. It will make my work much easier. The doctors advised me to visit the hospital, where I can get them at a much-discounted price."

A load worker, Mr. Rajendran (42), added: "Due to a lack of health awareness, we never attended any medical camps. But today, we had the chance to participate. This camp came to our workplace, so we could check our health without losing a day’s earnings."

The success of the camp was made possible through strong community mobilization by the Jaibeem Laborer and Small Traders Welfare Society and Mrs. Saroja, DBS Traders, Koyambedu Vegetable Market. The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to all participants, partner organizations, medical professionals, volunteers, and local leaders whose dedicated efforts made this initiative a meaningful stride toward inclusive and accessible healthcare for all.