SEEDS - Street Elfins Education and Development Society (commonly known as Nesakkaram SEEDS) is a non-governmental organization run by the Franciscan (OFM) of St. Thomas the Apostle Province, India. Nesakkaram-SEEDS committed to the growth and development of street and slum children and women in Chennai for past 35 years.
Currently, SEEDS collaborates with approximately 1633 women from various slums, organized into 118 Self-Help Groups (SHGs). SEEDS has been working with these women focusing on women empowerment programs, awareness sessions, and skill development training – Tailoring, Aari works, Chemical product, Garments, Wire works, Chocolate making, Beautician, Soap making, etc. to uplift their socio-economic conditions. They are also organized to celebrate various festivals in their respective groups to find their joy and unity.
Once every two years, preferably on Women’s Day (8th March) or another convenient day, all the women are organized to celebrate the Women’s Mela, called Magalir Sangamam. Accordingly, Nesakkaram invited the women from 118 SHGs to celebrate it on the 9th of March at Stella Maris College. The stage and the open auditorium were well prepared for the event. A total of 1,290 women gathered, dressed in the colorful uniform sarees of their respective groups.The chief guests – Br. Xavier Durairaj Minister Provincial of St. Thomas the Apostle Province, India; Mrs. Aadhi Lakshmi Logamurthy, Advocate from the Madras High Court; Sr. Usha Rani, FMM, Superior of Stella Maris Convent; and others—were given a warm welcome and honored by the women’s groups.
Br. Pushparaj Savarimuthu, the director of SEEDS, welcomed the gatherings and delivered the inaugural address. He was appreciative of the groups that were not taking loans from the banks and yet they have a sound financial footing through their savings. Friar Xavier Durairaj, OFM spoke on women empowerment and encouraged them to be Sakthi (Power) for transformation of the society. And the Advocate spoke of women’s right and their responsibilities from legal viewpoint to play a complementing role in the family and society.
Cultural programs began and the groups entertained the Audience with traditional folk dances – Parai, kaavadi aattam, oyil attam, kuthaatam and fusion dances. Prizes for the best dance, best uniform and complements prizes for all the performers were given. It was a great successful gathering of 1290 women. It motivated and encouraged the women to remain together. Nesakkaram is thankful to the guests, sponsors, college authorities and the staff for their contribution to make this function grand and memorable.
The Communications Staff of the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle
