Peace and Public Co-operation

Pongal Vizha is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in the region. Pongal Vizha is a four-day festival that usually takes place from January 14th to 17th each year. During Pongal Vizha, people express their gratitude to the Sun God for a bountiful harvest. The festival marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai. It is a time for family gatherings, feasts, and cultural celebrations.
The NMCT Pongal Vizha 2023 is an annual celebration that honors and respects tribal youth and elders during the harvest festival of Pongal. It is a day of thanksgiving to Mother Earth and the soil, which holds great significance for tribal communities and others alike. In this event, 1000 tribal families living in karamadai block, were provided with new sarees, dhoties, and bedsheets through the support of local resources, philanthropists, and welfare associations/clubs. The Lions Club International District 324 C and numerous donors contributed to the success of the 14th year of Pongal celebrations.

Deepawali, a widely celebrated cultural festival in India, brings renewed hope and a promising future. Every year during this auspicious occasion, more than 1000 children in need, including those affected by HIV/AIDS, tribal communities, and children with impoverished backgrounds, received new clothes and sweets. The celebration encompassed lively festivities, including dances, songs, and joyous activities, not only at the main office campus but also across all field offices. Local individuals, women, and social organizations were personally contacted and invited to extend their care to these children. In the reporting period, 1000 children were assisted with sweets and new dresses with optimism and prospects. The Lions Club of Tirupur Knit City and other donors are wholeheartedly appreciated. This marks the 15th year of Deepawali celebrations in this manner by NMCT as an organization.

Rojakootam, meaning "Bunch of Roses," emerged during the implementation of an HIV Care and Support program in Coimbatore District between 2002 and 2005. The program aimed to ensure that no child in HIV-affected families would be deprived of education. Over 1000 families were reached, and each child from an HIV-infected family was encouraged to save Rs.20 per month. Local donors were identified to support each saving child with an additional Rs.50 per month. Annually, the pooled savings were used to provide funds for school essentials like bags and notebooks, through the program called Join Hands. These children formed small groups and federated into Rojakootam, taking responsibility for their education. Today, with over 2000 members, Rojakootam comprises 50 children clubs. Their dedication has inspired others, with Lakshmi Rings Traveller Coimbatore, Sri Devi Textiles Coimbatore, and individual donors providing valuable support. Rojakootam is growing well from 50 children in 2002 to 2000 children including over 750 children of hard-working families from the villages and urban slums. Rojakootam Day, celebrated for the past 15 years, unites children in raising local donations to assist around 2000 children with educational supplies, uniforms, and footwear.