Arul Jothi Educational Trust (ArulJothi), Chennai, was started by Thiru Sathish Adigalar, who was inspired by his Guru Vallalar to promote education for the weaker sections of society. In 2003, the trust started a Nursery and Primary School called Aruljothi Gurukula Padasalai at Light House Kuppam in Ponneri Taluk near Chennai city.
Some of their main activities are:
Education: Over 500 students are studying up to class 8 in the school which provides free food, books, note books, uniforms and transport facilities. Students are taught in English under the Matriculation syllabus and are given lessons in agriculture, irrigation, astronomy, environment, tree planting, natural medicine, computers, teachers training and general knowledge as well. The school celebrates Environment Day to make children aware of cleanliness, personal hygiene, and importance of a healthy and clean environment. As part of the celebrations, the students along with teachers, go to nearby villages to clean streets. Various sports and cultural programs are celebrated, and yoga classes are conducted regularly. Students completing education till class 8 are sent to other schools to complete their education. Some of the past students are currently doing B.E, B.Tech and Nursing courses and are also enrolled in regular colleges.
Free Meals Program: The trust runs a free meal program through Arul Jothi Anna Alayam where poor people are fed every day. Students of the school are made to take part in Food Festival to make them aware of the different vegetables available and the importance of vitamins and minerals. Parents and children cook together and make different recipes. In FY15, over 300 children participated in this event.
Others: The trust organizes religious tours to the birth place of Saint Ramalinga Vallalar to Vadalur. This trip is organised every 2nd Sunday of the month with a group of 50 people who are provided breakfast, lunch and dinner. For the past two years, the Trust has been conducting satsangs which is attended by people living in and around Chennai.
Till now, Arul Jothi has reached out to over 5,000 rural families, 2,500 urban families and around 3,000 rural students in Tiruvallur district through their activities.
Income Rs76 lac
Expense Rs65 lac
Source : Audit Report 2015
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