May 12th, 2024, International Nurses Day was celebrated by the Project ViThai team at Kannagi Nagar Public Health Centre, and this year’s theme was “ Our Nurses, Our Future, The Economic Power of Care” Nurses’ pivotal and indispensable role in the healthcare system came to the limelight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Till then, they remained […]
Advisor
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
Trustee
Varshini is a 3rd year Psychology student at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education
Physiotherapist
S. Rajesh Kannan have done Bachelors in physiotherapy at Madha College of Physiotherapy, Kundrathur under the board of university of Dr.MGR educational and research institute, maduravoyal.
He has 14 month experience
In internship period he got trained for gait for stoke patients
Trustee
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
Advisor
Specialist Interventional Neurologist with 8+ years of experience. Proficient in
diagnostic cerebral angiograms, procedural angiograms, and diagnosis.
Treated patients suffering from chronic neurological diseases.
Most admired and innovative Neurologist of the Year 2022 by ICONIC HEALTHCARE SUMMIT AND AWARDS 2022.
Awarded with the prestigious Prof. CUV Gold Medal for “All rounder Best
Outgoing of The Year” and most admired and Innovative Neurologist of the
Year 2022.
Published Many research papers at the international level and national levels.
Conducted medical campus abroad and in India.
Highly motivated and enthusiastic team player ready to take up technical
treatments, which are found in very few highly specialized centres in the
World
Advisor
Dr.Sunder is a Post Graduate in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and one of the foremost specialists in the field in the country. He is also a graduate in Indian Music, and a respected and performing musician.
He is currently the DIRECTOR of the MIOT REHAB CENTER, a standalone inpatient facility for medical rehabilitation. He is also one of the few practicing ergonomists in the country, and is the CEO of PREM ERGO SOLUTIONS, offering ergonomic consultancy to several companies. He is the first Indian author of the well-known TEXTBOOK ON REHABILITATION MEDICINE, now into its 5th edition.
In 1996, he founded the Freedom Trust under which banner he conducts camps all over the country for the physically disabled and gives away appliances like artificial limbs and calipers free of cost. He has organized over 1100 camps and enabled mobility to over 35000 physically challenged persons in 12 states.
For this yeoman service, he has received the President’s Award for service to the disabled, the highest national honour, and he is the State awardee for Best Doctor. He has also been honored by the Rotary district, the Lions international, the IAPMR, the Rukmani trust, the Tanker foundation and the Raja Muthiah Chettiar Trust with lifetime achievement awards. He received the Best Doctor award from the IMA in 2015 and 2023, and is currently the President of the Chennai South Branch.
He has been conferred four national orations at the Indian Association of Occupational health, the Bengal oration at the national conference of the Indian Association of Physical medicine and Rehabilitation, and has won the Dadhichi award, the highest given to a senior physiatrist.
He is a professional Carnatic music performer and guru, and has many titles to his name like Tamil Isai Vendhar, Isai Kalai Chelvar, Isai Kalai Vendhar and the prestigious “KALAIMAMANI”, from the state of TAMIL NADU in 2003.
She belongs to the tribal hamlet of Chengalpattu district called Irular community. With minimal facilities available, when we reached her in November, she was in a bedridden stage, and she could not move her leg and trunk due to spasticity. Through regular physiotherapy combined with training parents for home therapy, she now sits without support. Mobility has improved, and standing without support is the outcome we are currently working on. We have also provided her wheelchair as an assisted device for easier mobility.
Project Head
Senior Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
Deputy Manager ( Operations)
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
physiotherapist
Manager (Operations)
When we met the child, he could barely walk 40 to 60 steps without support. He had a bow leg condition. We made the parents understand his condition and started therapy for him in our mobile bus. His condition slowly started improving, and his parents also supported him by giving him home therapy. Slowly, he started walking more steps without support. We corrected his Abnormal Angulation of the Knee joint, and he slowly started walking without support and running. We also gave him an assistive device – a knee-strengthening splint to address his low limb weakness. Due to his condition parents were not sending him to Anganwadi or School. We counselled the parent about the importance of social interaction in his overall development, and now he goes to Government Middle School, Erunavur, Chennai.
We reached out to Sajithra through our Community Screening that happened. She was a 6-month-old child. She had Erb’s Palsy condition due to breech delivery. Sajithra only uses her left hand only for playing activities. After the initial assessment, we started therapy in our mobile bus, including electrical stimulation and stretches. After few months we gave him ROM activity and strengthening exercises. Now, the child uses her right hand, and since we could intervene early, this issue could be addressed. Now Sajithra uses both her hands with ease and back to her normal development. The mother also gives her some basic exercises at home.
During February, we reached out to the child throughout the parent and gave them counselling about the child condition & her regular therapy.
Physiotherapy :
In starting, she could stand & walk in few minutes only. So we start our therapy to her in our mobile therapy bus & primarily work on it. Now the child can stand & walk for long period.
Now we are working on her balance walking and knee flexed walking pattern & pelvic floor muscles strengthening for her lordotic posture. We also educated and trained the mother for home therapy to support the child.
Occupation therapy:
She is having sensory processing defect, so we are started treatment for sensory issues and she was progressively improving. Initially she doesn’t have a sitting tolerance, so we work for it. Now we slowly started to achieve sitting tolerance.
We arranged psychologist consultation also for the reference. We follow up the psychologist prescription while therapy.
In January, we started speech therapy for her. In the last month, we have been working on her speech. Currently she is improving in speech level also.
In may month, we reached the child throughout the parent and we gave them counselling about the child condition & her regular therapy. We also educated and trained the mother for home therapy to support the child.
In our first assessment, she had 6 months milestone delay. She only lies on back & passively sitting with support, she doesn’t crawl & she doesn’t roll over or lying on chest. So, we immediately start therapy to her in our mobile therapy bus & primarily we work on her milestone. Now the child can roll to lied on chest, active sitting, crawling and standing without support. Child completely achieve her milestone & there is no delay.
During June, we reached out the child through one of our therapy child’s parent referrals
and we gave them counselling to the parent about the child condition to his parent.
Initially he could only follow simple commands, he does not do his ADL activities, the
child needed the parent support for do and fulfil his needs.
The next two months, after enrolling the child we given therapy 2 days in a week. He started to do
his ADL without support. It was a great achievement in seeing him from this self-activities and Speech
improvement
We corrected his behaviour and speaking ability and we continued the therapy to him in our
mobile therapy bus. Now we are working on him for improving attention, reduce distraction,
reduce sensory processing defect, and also improving him speech. We also educated and
trained the mother for home therapy to support the child.
He is having sensory processing defect and hyperactive disorder so we are started
treatment for sensory issues and he was progressively improving. Initially he doesn’t have a sitting tolerance, so we work for it.
In June, we started speech therapy for him. In the last month, we have been working
on his speech.
Currently he is improving in speech level also. Initially he didn’t have functional
communication now he could use gestures and through vocalisations to ask his needs.
When we met the child, his motor skills were such that, he was only able to stand for 40 to 60 seconds without support and he needed constant support while walking.
Physiotherapy :
During August, we reached out to the child’s parents and gave them counseling about the child’s condition. We also educated and trained the mother for home therapy to support the child. In the next three months, we followed up with the child and changed the therapy schedule once in two weeks. He started to walk a few steps without support. It was a great achievement in seeing him from standing to walking without any support.
So from November, we started therapy every few weeks in our mobile bus. We corrected his walking pattern and stairs climbing and we continued the therapy to him in our mobile therapy bus. Now we are working on his balance walking and knee flexed walking pattern.
Speech therapy:
In January, we started speech therapy for him. In the last month, we have been working on his speech. Currently he is improving in speech level also.
At first, Sakthivel didn’t used to go to anganwadi. We suggested to the parents about taking the child to anganwadi but they refused. After a few therapy sessions and counseling, they understood the importance of social interaction and they started to send him to anganwadi.
After a few months, we came to know that he didn’t go to anganwadi due to some miscommunication between the mother and the teacher. We educated the parents again and directly took them to the anganwadi. We met the teacher there and explained about the child’s condition, importance of his social interaction level and the therapeutic purpose. Now he has started to visit anganwadi regularly.
When we first met her, she was able to stand and walk for only a few seconds.We have given counseling to her parents about her condition and explained the need for therapy. With proper understanding about the condition, the mother started supporting the child for therapy.
As therapy was initiated for her since December, her spasticity has been much decreased with regular therapeutic approach.Similar home therapy was taught to her mother so she could help her daughter out. We worked on her lower limb spasm and walking pattern for two months and during this period of time,there is an observable change in her walking pattern. Now she looks for less amount of external support to walk
She used to say certain words with less clarity in speech. Now with proper oral massage and linguistic skill approach,her speech has been much improved.
We came to know about him through our screening process. He has been previously diagnosed with Intellectual disability from a Govt approved hospital. His mother came with lots of complaints about him like- not having proper eye contact, low level of response,being too aggressive and having less social interaction.
After we explained about the therapy needed for his condition, she was very much interested in making use of the therapeutic availability and was very supportive of the process.
He was getting continuous therapy from us and similar home therapy was also taught to his mother to help him out at home. We advised her to correct his behavioral pattern through proper verbal commands, taught her to work on do’s & don’t activities for her son and requested her to give special attention to him.
After continuous therapy sessions,his hyperactive behavior pattern improved a lot and now he is able to respond to commands.
Since he was also having speech difficulty and seemed to utter only one or two words which were not adequate for his age, speech therapy was also an ongoing training for him.His level of speech has been improving much better than before. before.
Mrs P V Choodamani, born in 1966, hails from the traditional town of Kumbakonam. She was educated in different districts in Tamilnadu and went on to complete her graduation in Physics from St Johns College in Trichy.
She worked for a long time in Lakshmi Vilas Bank before taking voluntary retirement.
She was one of the brain-child behind the starting of the Varshini Illam Trust and takes a keen and active part in ensuring the well-being and proper upkeep of the babies in the Trust.
She is married and lives with her husband and daughter.
Mrs Arun cleared her ISCE Examinations from the Convent of Jesus and Mary New Delhi and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Masters Degree in History from Delhi University in 1976. She was a student of Lady Shriram College at Delhi. Mrs Arun also holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from Annamalai University awarded in 1986.
Her father Shri TN Lakshmi Narayanan was an IAS Officer of TN Cadre who after several senior postings at Delhi also served as the Advisor to Governors of Tamil Nadu and Kerela when the States were put under Presidents Rule in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Mrs Arun has chosen to be a Home Maker, well-read whose interests lie in ancient history, fine point painting and crafting jewellery with semi-precious stones when she finds time. She holds a Diploma in Garment Making and Design and has been a Member of the National Geographic Society since 2002 and of PETA for several years. She provides reading support to blind students on request.
She is married to Mr Arun Ramanathan an IAS Officer of Tamil Nadu Cadre who superannuated as Finance Secretary to the Government of India and is currently the Chairman of Equitas Small Finance Bank. They have two children, a daughter: Tarunya Arun a Consultant Neurologist in NHS UK at Oxford and Coventry and a son: Trivikram Arun who holds a senior position in Royal Dutch Shell, Hague, Netherlands. Two grandsons and a granddaughter are a source of joy for them.
Mrs Philomin Joan is a literature Graduate from Holy cross College, Trichy and an ardent Social worker, she is blessed with 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
She loves children and in her spare time in addition to being a busy Home Maker, she spends in the home for the aged and with orphaned children.
At VIT she takes a keen interest in the day to day activities of the home management and takes care of the adoption process.
Dr. C. K. Gariyali is a distinguished administrator and an ardent advocate for women’s empowerment. With a strong academic foundation in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work from the Delhi School of Social Work, she also holds a doctorate in Women’s Studies from Mother Teresa University. Her advanced studies at the University of Sussex on “Poverty Alleviation” and at the Queen Elizabeth House, Oxford University on “Women’s Empowerment” have profoundly shaped her approach to tackling social challenges.
A 1972 batch officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Dr. Gariyali retired as the Principal Secretary to the Governor of Tamil Nadu in 2007. Her notable career includes key roles as a Collector of Chennai and South Arcot districts, where she implemented transformative regional development policies. Dr. Gariyali is widely acclaimed for her innovative work in the Health and Welfare sectors, having served as Secretary of Social Welfare and Secretary of Health. Her career is distinguished by pioneering initiatives, including the inception of the Cancer Screening Programme for women in 1987 and facilitating the expansion of the Adyar Cancer Hospital by securing land previously owned by Raj Bhavan.
As the “Mother of Self-Help Groups of Women,” Dr Gariyali has authored five seminal women empowerment books. Her publications focus on poverty reduction through the self-help group movement in Tamil Nadu, fostering financial independence and community solidarity among women. Her over twenty years of experience in social welfare are marked by significant contributions to health and education, benefiting numerous communities.
Dr. Gariyali has been a trustee and the guiding light behind Varshini Illam Trust’s activities since its inception. Her vision and leadership have been pivotal in shaping VIT’s programs and driving its mission to serve the community. She believes in walking the talk and is a field person. she tirelessly works with our field team to understand the nuances of program implementation. She helps VIT to strategise and is always a person to go to issues
Mr. Rangachary N was an Independent Director and Chairman of Equitas Holdings Ltd. His professional credentials include being a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI-CMA), and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), underscoring his profound expertise in financial and corporate governance.
His illustrious career in public service features pivotal roles such as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). In these capacities, Mr Rangachary contributed significantly to shaping India’s tax policies and regulatory framework for the insurance industry, promoting transparency and efficiency.
Further demonstrating his versatility, Mr. Rangachary served as the Finance Advisor to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, where he provided crucial financial insights to support the state’s economic initiatives. He was also a key member of the Expert Committee on General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR), tasked with addressing tax avoidance and reinforcing the tax system’s integrity.
In 2012, he chaired the high-level Committee to Review Taxation of Development Centres and the IT Sector, formed by the Prime Minister. His leadership was instrumental in resolving complex taxation issues affecting the Information Technology sector and development centres, facilitating clarity and fostering growth in one of India’s most dynamic industries.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr Rangachary is renowned for his philanthropic endeavours. He is Trustee with Varshini Illam Trust. His charitable contributions and active involvement in Varshini Illam Trust have significantly impacted the lives of our service users and children at home. He is the guiding light behind all our initiatives at Varshini Illam Trust.
Mr John Alex, with an academic background in Agriculture and Rural Development, embarked on his career in 1979 as a Group II Gazetted Officer in the Tamil Nadu State Government. From 1979 to 1983, he served as an extension officer (agriculture) and block development officer, playing a crucial role in promoting agricultural development and implementing rural upliftment programs within the state.
Over a 25-year career with the bank, he held various key positions, including Agricultural Field Officer, Branch Manager, Regional Assistant Chief Officer, Senior Manager, and Chief Manager. His assignments spanned across multiple branches in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where he was instrumental in enhancing agricultural finance, supporting rural banking initiatives, and driving regional economic development
In 2008, as part of the management team, he was pivotal in conceptualising and establishing the Social Initiatives team. His vision extended beyond traditional banking, focusing on a comprehensive strategy to address the diverse needs of small clients. His initiatives encompassed critical areas such as Health, Education, Skill Development, Food Security, and Employment Placement for unemployed youth. Notably, he championed an inclusive model to support persons with disabilities and the transgender community, ensuring their integration into the socio-economic mainstream.
As the Founder Trustee of Varshini Illam Trust, he brings his wide experience to the table and oversees all trust activities.
Project ViThai evolved intending to make Early Detection and Intervention of developmental delays in Children, especially from marginalized communities, accessible and available without compromising on the quality of treatment. Early Intervention is the most effective way to address the needs of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Any deviation from normalcy must be addressed soon, as it may lead to developmental delays. A child is considered at risk when found to have developmental delays unless he or she receives early intervention services. Considering the needs of children requiring Early Intervention, the current infrastructure is inadequate to meet the ends. Issues like transportation, lack of awareness, financial stability of the parent, and other constraints, pose a hurdle in delivering Early Intervention services. The needs are enormous, and a lack of support from the system and families will have a long-term effect on the developmental progress of the children. Therefore, Project ViThai aims to bridge this gap by introducing Paediatric Therapy on Wheels (PTOW), where a mobile van fitted with therapy equipment brings therapy to their doorsteps. The specialists in the van will also be involved in creating awareness about early intervention and community sensitization towards the same.
Mr. P. N. Vasudevan, affectionately known as Vasu, is the visionary Founder Trustee of Varshini Illam Trust (VIT). With an extensive career in the banking sector, Vasu has always been driven by a deep-seated passion for uplifting the underprivileged. His lifelong commitment to social welfare has been marked by a fervent belief in empowering marginalized communities through sustainable means, ensuring they achieve not just survival but a dignified existence.
He advocates for holistic empowerment models that provide long-term benefits. Be it the Adoption home or Project ViThai he always focuses on models based on attain self-reliance and resilience. His work is a testament to his philosophy of enabling the underprivileged to build sustainable livelihoods and lead lives of dignity.
Varshini Illam Trust, Mr and Mrs Vasu’s brainchild, embodies their shared vision of creating a nurturing environment where abandoned children can find happiness, fulfilment, and, most importantly, a home. The Trust focuses on a dual objective: fostering joy and well-being among families while equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive independently. Through various initiatives, VIT strives to bridge gaps in healthcare and economic stability, thereby contributing to the holistic development of the communities it serves.
