MADRAS YMCA NEWS

The Later half of 2008 witnessed some of the worst global disasters in history, the economic global meltdown, wallstreet debacle, fresh unleash of terrorism high play drama at Taj Mimbai, massive carnage of civilian life etc. Despite all these upheavals the YMCA stood unruffled enduring all the rough weather that devastated the Political and financial capitals and global corporate enterprises. International corporate companies with firebrand of marketing wizardry nose-dived Even in YMCA there were speculations if the Annual Membership Campaign which was inaugurated in November 2008 would reach il target..
Membership Campaign which was inaugurated in November 2008 would reach il target.. Dauntless by the on going recession, the Secretaries took the bull by the horns, determination and hard work eventually enabled us to overtake the target of Rs.75 lacks. I take this opportunity to thank all the Dy. Commissioner campaign team members and laymen who have contributed to this success. Our programmes were also conducted with grand success, intercollegiat oratorical competitions. Inter school folk dance competition, sports tournament Christmas Carols etc., I commend the esteemed support of the laymen which he contributed to the success. Even when the global economy was going through bad patch we were able to steer through all rough weather and the blessings c our Almighty enabled our Association to sustain in green pastures. I take th opportunity to extend a warm welcome to the new members into the YMC fraternity I hope the pioneering spirit of YMCA will transcend our activities int greater heights and the Lord Almighty will continue to bless our work t contribute mightily for the service of humanity.
Thanking you
With good wishes
Dr. G. Ebinesan
General Secretary
Membership Campaign 2008 - 2009 Inauguration - The regular Annual Membership Campaign of Madras YMCA 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 news of winning of Mr. Barak Obama as the President of the U. S. A. was the main point of discussion among those who came for this inaugural meeting.

Mr. Nanchil Kumaran inaugurates the Membership Campaign
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. B. 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 gathering in the hall changed when they came to know that this year's Membership Campaign would be led 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 experience 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.Rafeeque Ahmed, Campaign Commissioner, Speaks on the Occasion
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.
Membership Campaign 2008 - 2009 Inauguration - The regular Annual Membership Campaign of Madras YMCA 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 news of winning of Mr. Barak Obama as the President of the U. S. A. was the main point of discussion among those who came for this inaugural meeting.

Mrs.Uma Srinivasan, Head Vertical of MAFOI Academy Lighted the Kuthuvilakku
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. B. 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 gathering in the hall changed when they came to know that this year's Membership Campaign would be led 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 experience 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.

Folk Dance Competition
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 Inaugural Service of the YMCA / YWCA Week of Prayer celebrations was held on Sunday the 9th November 2008 at 8.00 a.m. at YWCA Madras. Ms. Vasanthi Devasahayam, Membership Task Force Member, YWCA Madras welcomed the gathering. Ms. Prema Lamech, Pastor Pfeiffer Home Task Force Member, YWCA of Madras, made the call to worship.
Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Sudhakar, Chairman, Religious Activities Committee, YMCA Madras offered the opening prayer. Special songs were rendered by members of Maranatha Ministries and Ms. Megha Jacob. The World President's Message was read by Rt. Rev. Dr. Mano Daniel, President, YMCA Madras. The Bible portion were read by Ms. Joy Pandian, Rev. Deborah Premraj, Associate Pastor, St. Georges Cathedral, delivered the Lord's Message on the theme "Born Free, Born Equal; Celebrating Human Rights ". Intercessory prayer was conducted by Ms. Shirley Abraham, General Secretary, YWCA Madras. Mr. R. Richard Ezekiel, Secretary, Kilpauk YMCA, made the announcements about the programmes during the week. The service concluded with prayer and benediction by Rev. Deborah Premraj, Associate Pastor, St. Georges Cathedral. After the service a Fellowship Breakfast was hosted by YWCA Madras. Cottage Prayer Meetings : Cottage Prayer Meetings were held on Wednesday the 12th November 2008 at 6.30 p.m. at residence of members of all branches. The special Week of Prayer order of service was followed and meditated on the theme "Born Free, Born Equal; Celebrating Human Rights". Jeevan Jothi 2008 : YMCA / YWCA Week of Prayer and World Fellowship day celebration came to an end with Jeevan Jothi programme, which was celebrated on the 15th November 2008 at YMCA Boys Town Kottivakkam. Mr. James delivered the Lord's Message. Children from YMCA Boys Town Kottivakkam and YWCA PP Home enthralled the gathering with their singing, dances and drama. Mr. Richard Ezekiel, Convenor proposed the vote of thanks. Christmas Chimes 2008 : YMCA Madras presented "Christmas Chimes" produced by the Christian Cultural Academy on Sunday 14th December 2008 at YMCA Vepery Auditorium. Mr. M. M. Rajendran, I. A. S., former Governor of Orissa was the Chief Guest. The traditional lighting of Kuthuvillakku was lit by Mr. M. M. Rajendran, Ms. Chitra (Singer), Mr. Shyaam (Director of Christian Cultural Academy), Dr. G. Ebinesan, General Secretary, YMCA Madras.
The international famed drummer Sivamani performed in the event along with prominent singers such as Chitra, Unnimenon, Grace Karunas, Prabhakar, Padmalatha, Sharath, Kowshik, Deepak and Martha Tony. Singers from Christian Cultural Academy rendered the Christian Carols. Rt. Rev. Dr. Mano Daniel, President, YMCA Madras, delivered the Christmas Message. Christian Cultural Academy donated Gifts to the disabled people on the occasion. We record our sincere thanks to Mr. Shyaam, Director, Christian Cultural Academy and Mr. Solomon Howie for their support for success of this programme.

The Youth Retreat 2008 : YMCA Madras organized retreat for youth on 18th October 2008 at Vepery YMCA and nearly 150 youth from the Branches participated in the programme. The meeting commenced with prayer by Rev. Paul Francis, Presbyter, C.S.I. St.Paul's Church and Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Sudhakar, Chairman Religious Activities Committee, welcomed the gathering. Chorus Singing and Ice breaks were rendered by Mr. Augustine, J. Team Ministries. After coffee break Branch teams presented choreography, group songs and skit. Bro. D. Arulraj, Founder, Jesus the Refuge Ministries gave the message on the theme " Arise and Shine ". Mr. Richard Ezekiel, Convenor proposed the vote of thanks and fellowship lunch was served to all the participants. We thank Mr. M. M. Selvakumar, Member, Board of Directors and Mr. J. Augustine and group for their support and contribution for the success of the programme. Scripture Test 2008 : YMCA Madras had organized Bible competition for School and Sunday School Students on 1st November 2008 at Christ Church Anglo - Indian Higher Secondary School, Anna Salai. A good number of Students from Various Schools and Institutions participated in the Competition. Competition was conducted in the memory of Late Bro. John Joseph, Founder Christ for Every Soul. The scripture portion for Test was from the Book "Acts of Apostles" Winners of the First, Second and Third Prizes were awarded individual prizes. The prizes were given to winners at the Christmas Carols Function held on 14th December 2008 at YMCA Vepery by Dr. G. Ebinesan, General Secretary, YMCA Madras. We record our thanks to Rev. Dr. Samuel Sudhakar, Chairman of the Religious Activities Committee for ^^^ his tremendous support for the success of this Competition.
A two days Cultural trip was organized by the Madras YMCA Cultural and Social Activities Committee during 4th and 5th October 2008. A team of members with their families from different branches of Madras YMCA participated in the programme. The group started on 4th early morning by van and reached Yellagiri Hills for lunch. After a sumptuous lunch at YMCA Camp Centre the group was taken to the lake for boating. The participants were divided into two-three groups and went for the boat riding. They all enjoyed boating. After boating they were taken to the Natural Park and they went round and then they saw the music fountain which was a wonderful show organized by the Government. After dinner campfire was organized. They next day morning the group went for trekking and returned. After lunch they all departed for Madras with pleasant memories. Mr. M. Jeevakumar, Convenor of Cultural Activities organized the programme successfully.

Winners with Office Bearers
An Inter Collegiate Oratorical Contest in Tamil was organized under the auspices of YMCA Pattimanram on 17/10/2008. The programme started at 2.00 p.m. Mr. G. Bakthavathsalam, Hon. Secretary of YMCA Pattimanram introduced and explained the rules and regulations to the competitors. Students of 12 colleges from the city of Chennai participated in the contest.
The subject for the contest was "Nuke Deal - Progressive or Regression for Indian Development". The students spoke very well in favour of and against the subject. Students from Loyola College won the team prize of Rs. 1,500/-. The first prize was won by the student of New College, Mr. V V Ganesh. The second prize was won by Mr. J. Ezhilarasi of Thirumurugan Arts & Science College. The third prize was won by Ms. M. Ramya of Ethiraj College. The prize distribution function started at 5.00 p.m. with a word of prayer by Mr. J. S. Anbu. Mr. B. Ravikumar David, Chairman, Esplanade Branch was the Chief Guest and distributed prizes to the winners. Dr. B.Thamaraikannan, Professor, Presidency College conducted the contest. Mr. K. P. Krishnan, Mrs. Venila Stephen and Mr. C. E. Thiruvalluvan were the Judges of the programme. Our thanks are due to Wisdom International Publications, Prof. Dr. C. E. Maraimalai lllakuvannar and Mr. G. Bakthavathsalam for sponsoring the prizes for the competition.

Carrom Tournament in Progress
An Open Carrom Tournament was held during 29th and 30th October 2008 at YMCA Esplanade Branch, in association with Tamil Nadu Carrom Association. The inaugural function was held on 29th October 2008 at 9.30 a.m. Mr. Areef Naquri, President, International Carrom Federation was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the Carrom Tournament. Mr. B. Ravikumar David, Chairman, YMCA Esplanade Branch presided over the function.
Mr. B. Bangaru Babu, President, Tamil Nadu Carrom Association extended warm areetinas to all the olavers and introduced the Chief Guest. Mr. M. Jeevakumar, Secretary, YMCA Esplanade Branch welcomed the gathering. A total of 84 entries from Banks, Indian Airlines, Southern Railway. LIC and other clubs were received and the tournament was conducted for two days. Mr. Amudhavanan was the Chief Refree. The prize distribution function was held on 30th October 2008 at 6.30 p.m. Mr. A. Kanagaraj, Managing Director, Noel Media and Advertising Ltd., was the Chief Guest and distributed the prize Mr. A. Kanagaraj donated a YMCA Noel Rolling Trophy and it was presented to Mr. Radhakrishnan winner of the tournament. Mr. Anandan, Hon. Secretary, Tamil Nadu Carrom Association and Mr. Vijay Raj, Joint Secretary, Tamil Nadu Carrom Association greeted the players.
Mr. B. Ravikumar David, Chairman, Esplanade Branch presided over the function. Mr. G. Bakthavathsalam a Member of the Branch Committee distributed Mementoes to the Refrees. Mementoes were distributed Slam Scores. Our thanks are due to WCI Shipping Pvt. Ltd., and AFL Dachser Pvt. Ltd., for co - sponsoring the programme.

Chief Guest Handing over the prize

Wg.Cdr Anand giving the Memento to the Chief Guest
The YMCA Royapettah Branch under the aegies of the Toast Masters Club conducted an Inter- Collegiate Oratorical Contest in English on 31st January 2009 at the Branch premises. 30 participants from over 15 colleges participated in the event.
Wg. Cdr. Marcus Ananth, Branch Chairman declared open the competition. Mr. Ramakrishnan, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary Govt, of Meghalaya was the Chief Guest and presented prizes to the winners. Mr. Sooraj Vishvanathan of School of Excellence, Ambedkar Law University won the First Prize, Mr. R. Pradeep of Loyola College won the Second Prize and Mr. Dhilip Shankar of Vivekananda College the Third Prize.
Loyola College won the Team Prize. Mr. Surendar Gideon, Branch Secretary proposed the vote of thanks and Mr. Hariharan, President, Toast Masters Club felicitated the gathering.

The participants with office bearers
The YMCA Kilpauk Branch had organized the Christmas Carols and Dinner on 21st December 2008 which was attended by more than 200 members. The programme commenced with prayer by Mr. Percy A. Williams and Rev. Dr. N. Durairaj, Chairman welcomed the guests, members and their families. Choirs of Arulnathar Lutheran Church and Bethel Matriculation Hr. Sec. School delighted the gathering with spiritfilled carol songs. Bible portions were read by Mr. J. Santhosh and Mr. C. R. Rene Robin Rev. Dr. Alex Joseph, Director, Maranatha Bible Training Institute delivered an inspiring Christmas message, it was a Blessing to all. A lucky draw was conducted and the Chief Guest Dr. Shanthini Kapoor, I.A.S., Commissioner of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (Training) distributed the prizes to the winners. She also profusely appreciated the programmes aimed at building the community.

Santa greets the Chief Guest Mrs. Shanthini Kapoor, I.A.S.
Dr. R. Justin Selvakumar presented the memento to the Chief Guest. Further adding to the Christian delight was the dancing of Santa followed with a sumptuous dinner. We record our thanks to the Lions Club of Annai 324 A5 and Rev. Dr. Mano Daniel for sponsoring the Christmas Hamper and Mr. Sathyaseelan for sponsoring prizes for the Lucky Draw.
YMCA Kilpauk organized Inter YMCA Branch Badminton Tournament from 25th - 28th March 2009 in the categories of Men's Single / Doubles, Veteran's Singles / Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Nearly 90 Members participated and the finals were held on 28th March 2009. Mr. A. X. Alexander, I.P.S., Former Director General of Police was the Chief Guest and distributed the prizes to the winners.

Winners and Runners up with Chief Guest A.X. Alexander, I.P.S.
The programme commenced with prayer by Mr. Percy A. Williams and Mr. Raju Ninan, Chairman, YMCA Kilpauk welcomed the gathering. Dr. Mrs. Anbu Paul was the Guest of Honor and she presented a Memento to the Chief Guest. This tournament was conducted in the memory of Dr. S J.S. Paul who was a Life Member of Kilpauk Y M C A. We record our thanks to Mr. Sam Paul and his family for sponsoring the Tournament memory of in his late Father Dr. S.J.S. Paul and also Mr. Raju Ninan, Tournament Director. And also the Chief Referee Mr. D. Sugunaraj and Referees Mr. E. Sathyanarayanan and S.M.Balasubramanian. Over all trophy went to Mr. R.S. Mohana Krishnan, Winners were given Cash prize, individual trophy and Certificate and also participation certificates were given to all the participants. The function concluded with vote of thanks by Mr. Richard Ezekiel, Secretary.
Open Chess Tournament 2008 : An Open Chess Tournament was conducted on Saturday 4th October 2008 for both boys and girls under the age group of 8 / 10 / 12 years. Totally 128 children participated in the above tournament. Free Medical Camp : YMCA-MADRAS, Kodambakkam Branch conducted a health awareness camp for the underprivileged people in collaboration with Apollo Hospitals Educational and Research Foundation, Chennai on 28th April 2008. Nearly 200 patients made use of this facility and chronic patients were advised to take free treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road and Apollo First Med Hospitals, Chennai.

Pastor.P.Kumar of ACA Church with office bearers.
The 53rd United Good Friday Service of YMCA Royapuram Branch was held on 10.04.2009 at 7.00 a.m. at the Maharani Talkies. The Service commenced with a word of prayer by Mr. Mohan Paulraj, Member, Royapuram Branch Committee. Mr. Martin Kennedy, Chairman welcomed the congregation.
The call to Worship was made by Mr. M. Jeevakumar, Secretary-in-charge of Royapuram Branch. Mrs. Wesley Watson of the Deliverance Ministry presided over the Service and conducted it. Mr. Selwyn Devadoss, Board Representative of the Royapuram Branch greeted the audience. The Bible Portion was read by Mr. R. Selvam Lazarus. Special songs were rendered by Bro. Pilot Edwin and group. The first message on the Cross was delivered by Pastor P. Kumar of the ACA Ministries. The second message was delivered by Bro. John, Evanglist of the Catholic Church. The third message was delivered by Bro. Francis Jayapal Singh of FMPB.
Mrs. Wesley Watson closed the Service with concluding remarks. Mr. Arul Robi, Member of the Royapuram Branch Management Committee proposed vote of thanks. Mr. S.V Rajarethnam, Convenor of the programme greeted the congregation.

Choir Renders Special Song
Sports Day Celebration : The YMCA Boys Town Hr.Sec.School, Kottivakkam Celebrated the Sports Day on 25-07-2008. Prayer song sung by School children. Dr.Ebinesan, General Secretary, YMCA Madras was the Chief Guest. Welcome Address was done by Mr.M.M.Selvakumar Chairman of YMCA Boys Town, Welcome Dance performed by school children and Prizes distributed by Mrs. Annie Ebinesan. Mr.P.Asir Pandian Asst. Secretary gave the vote of thanks. Christmas Day Celebration : The YMCA Boys Town Hr.Sec.School, Kottivakkam, had celebrated Christmas Day on 23-12-2008. Celebration started with Prayer song by School children. Welcome Address was given by Mrs. B. Sundari, Headmistress YMCA Boys Town Hr.Sec.School, Kottivakkam. Christmas carols were rendered by school teachers. Christmas Greetings was delivered by Dr. Ebinesan, General Secretary, YMCA Madras. Mrs. Annie Ebinesan gave the Lord's message and distributed the Prizes for the children who won various competition, Mr.P. Asir Pandian Asst. Secretary closed the function with prayer and benediction. Inaugration Of Reverse Osmosis Water Plant : The Reverse Osmosis Plant was donated by Lion's Club International. Inaugural Meeting was called to order by Lions Club President Ln. Mary Vinodhini. Mr.Nagaraj gave Lion's Flag Salutation and One-Minute Silence was observed for world peace. Mrs. Mary Vinodhini, President of Lion's Club welcomed the gathering. The Ln Governor Mr.Govindasamy Thangaraj was honoured by Dr. Ebinesan, General Secretary., Ln.Victor. D.C Service, Introduced the District Governor. Felicitation was given by Dr. Ebinesan General Secretary YMCA, Mr. Bakthavasalam, Vice Deputy Governor (Elect) and Mr.M.M.Selvakumar, Chairman YMCA Boys Town. Mrs. B. Sundari Headmistress, YMCA Boys Town Hr.Sec.School, Kottivakkam gave the vote of thanks. Visit of Chennai Challenge team from U.K.: Mr.Robert Short and his team of 12 visited YMCA Boys Town during the month of September 2008. The group entertained the boys town children with various programs and lots of activities. The boys were taken for a 4 day picnic to Yellagiri Hills which was the highlight of their visit. The group donated towards a new RO plant, a new bore, a special meal, renovation work in the Sathumanagar Community Centre, sponsor a meal throughout the year, electrical work in school, a new computer for school, painting of the entire school campus and gave gifts and sports materials for the boys town children. Mr. M.M. Selvakumar, Chairman of the branch, presided over ^^ the function. Members and teachers from YMCA School were present.
YMCA Madras, 223, N.S.C.Bose Road, P.B.No.194, Esplanade, Chennai - 600 001. ymcamadras@usa.net
Tel: 91-44-25383941/81,25395846 Fax: 91-44-25383168
Powered by Infycareer Pvt.Ltd