The regular Annual Membership Campaign of Madras YMCA should have commenced during the first week of January 2009. Due to administrative reasons and the convenience of our leaders and Campaigners it has been advanced and it was inaugurated on 5th November 2008 at Vepery YMCA by Mr. Nanchil Kumaran, I.P.S. (Retd.), former Additional Director General of Police, Government of Tamilnadu. The day saw lot of new faces which means there is a sign of change in leadership in all the branches. The news of winning of Mr. Barak Obama as the President of the U.S.A. was in the main point of discussion among those who came for this inaugural meeting. People like change to change the world to get closer to God as the world has seen several natural calamities during this decade. The inaugural meeting commenced with prayer by Mr. N.C.Williams, Vice-President, YMCA Madras, Rt.Rev.Dr.Mano Daniel, President, welcomed the gathering. Mr. Ravikumar David, Chairman, Esplanade Branch introduced the giant of leather industry in our country, Mr.Rafeeque Ahmed, Chairman of Farida Group of Companies. 

The mood among the campaigners gathered in the hall changed when they came to know that this year’s Membership Campaign would be lead by such an eminent person in the society who had tasted hospitality of YMCAs in USA long back which gave a high hope of surpassing all the previous records. Mr.Rafeeque Ahmed very humbly shared his experiences with the YMCA and assured that he would extend all possible help to see that the target of Rs.75 lakhs is achieved within the stipulated period. Mr.Nanchil Kumaran, Chief Guest, Life Member of our Association inaugurated the Campaign by presenting Membership Cards to all those who joined on the inaugural day. 39 Life Members and Rs.3,90,000/- was added to the amount on the first day itself. Mr.Nanchil Kumaran appreciated the services rendered by the YMCA in various fields. Mr.Jagadish Chandira, Chairman of Kodambakkam Branch while introducing him shared that a College Lecturer became guardian of our Society by joining the Indian Police Services in 1976. Mr.Nanchil Kumaran before his retirement served as Commissioner of Police and made a remarkable change in providing security to the Madras citizens. Mr.David Livingstone, Treasurer, was happy to note that the Campaign started with great momentum with the presence of two eminent citizens of Madras and proposed the vote of thanks.

The meeting earlier commenced with delicious high tea served by the Vepery Youth Centre Canteen for the first time which added special attraction to the meeting. Members may be happy to note that Vepery Youth Centre has got modern rooms to stay, a Therapy Pool to enjoy, a Gym to keep fit and a Shuttle Court for vigorous exercise. Apart from these an Air-conditioned Auditorium is available for the use of our Members for conducting meetings. I request all the Campaigners to share this information with the other Members which will be an added advantage for anyone to join YMCA.

The First Report Meeting of the Campaign would be held on Saturday, 15th November 2008 at 6.30 p.m. at YMCA Vepery. Kindly make it convenient to attend the meeting.