The welfare activities of the Gandhigram Trust are a set of Institutions that are meant to provide shelter and support for the socially ignored and neglected section. Started in 1947 by Dr. Soundram, Sowbhagya Illam is a home for abandoned destitute children. The objective of starting this Illam (Sowbhagya means all- round wealth and Illam means home in Tamil) was to provide the destitute child with an opportunity. To provide such abandoned children with love, care and education, a place in which the children are made aware that they are no less and provided opportunities to realize their dreams just as any other child. Over the years some 910 children have found a home with the Illam.
At present there are about 180 children, both boys and girls, in the age group 2/18. The 12 member’s staff of the Illam includes 3 house mothers and 6 sevikas. The Illam is divided in to 8 cottages housing children of different age groups. A daily routine starting at 5.00am and goes on till 8.30pm for the younger ones and till 10.00pm for the seniors, keeps the children busy and focused and involved in various activities, curriculum and non curriculum. An annual medical check-up ensures that their health is monitored and timely treatment is provided. Ten part time teachers guide the children for academic excellence. There are four part time teachers for dance, music, computer education, and tailoring. Social rehabilitation of these children is a high priority, so far 105 children have been married, 39 adopted and 534 children have been rehabilitated with their kith and kin after providing them with livelihood skills.
Sunder, abandoned just a month old, and found near railway track by a vegetable vender, found a home in the Illam and today has blossomed into a professional. One year old Lakshmi was found abandoned in a hospital at Madurai, where the police found her. Nurtured in the Illam, today, she is a fully trained Diploma Nurse and combines her professional life with a happy family life.
Every year, on the 2nd of May, Sunder, Lakshmi, and many others like them who have left the Illam return to their Alma matar as gathering of the alumni. All the activities of the Sowbhagya Illam are carried out with the help of generous funds and support provided by philanthropists and well-wishers. There always is a wish list of what need to be done for the Illam, there is a need and opportunity for those willing to contribute / participate. All contributions can be sent in the name of Gandhigram Trust and is eligible for a 100% tax exemption under 35AC of Income Tax Act. Contact Ms. Neela Director – Resource Mobilization Gandhigram Trust
You Can Help!
There are a number of ways in which you can help the children and Sowbhagya Illam Home.
Costs towards ChildCare & Education per Child
| Expenses towards | Amount in Rupees |
| School Education | - 2,500 |
| College Education | - 7,000 |
| Care & Maintenance | - 6,000 |
| 1 Year Sponsorship | - 10,000 |
Donors can make contributions towards these projects. Please contact the Director Resource Mobilization for more details.
| Infrastructure Development Costs | Amount in Rupees |
| Computer Centre (Tuition & Centre maintaining costs) | - 60,000 |
| Tailoring Tutor | - 10,000 |
| Music & Dance Teachers | - 20,000 |
| Art & Crafts | - 25,000 |
| Conducting Children’s Camp (6 Camps, 300 Children x 50) | - 18,000 |
| Subscribing for Children’s Magazines (Quarterly Rs.7000 x 4) | - 28,000 |
Daily feeding for Home (200 Inmates)
| Breakfast | - 2,000 |
| Lunch | - 3,000 |
| Dinner | - 2,000 |
| Evening Snacks | - 1,000 |
| One Day Feeding | - 6,000 |
Donors are invited to celebrate important days for themselves and their families through providing meals for the children. Cheque / DD may be drawn in favour of: Sowbhagya Illam Gandhigram Trust, Gandhigram- 624302, Dindigul Dt Canara Bank, Gandhigram, Dindigul District.
