What started off in 2009 as an initiative, has now become a movement. India’s annual festival of giving christened ‘Joy of Giving’, now ‘Daan Utsav’ continues to bring together Indians from all walks of life and kindles the inherent desire in them to give.

Rotary Central has taken the initiative of organizing this in Coimbatore. ‘Aram Seyya Virumbu’, the grand finale of the week will be held at Rajasthani Sangh, R.S. Puram, on October 10 and 11. This event will be inaugurated by Rtn Kamlesh Raheja, Governor of Rotary District 3201. “This year Joy of Giving beings together 25 reputed service organizations from Coimbatore, Chennai and Ayakudi. These service organizations work in diverse areas like tribal welfare, rural development, specially blessed, orphaned children, women’s welfare, literacy, education, and poverty among others,” Dr. R V Ramani, Convener, Joy of Giving, said.

Visitors can also buy fund raising coupons worth Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 and contribute them to any organization that appeals to them. Organizers of this even invite students, employees, general public and corporate houses to take part in this event by helping the service organizations or by buying the fund raising coupons.

“Joy of Giving brings together people from all walks of life and encourages them to give their time, money, expertise or love. This is the largest philanthropy event of our nation.” Dr U S Prakash, President, Rotary Coimbatore Central, said.

Those who wish to make a contribution towards educating a child, can do so at Joy of Giving. “An NGO from Kolkata that works towards educating a child will also participate in this edition of Joy of Giving. Interested philanthropists can support a child by paying a sum of Rs 2,100.” Krishna Kumar, Rotary Coimbatore Central, said.

This edition of Joy of Giving has a lot of events lined up for the two days. SukiSivam will deliver a special talk on Aram Seyya Virumbu. There is a photography contest ‘Get Snappy’ that is open to all age groups. The theme for this contest is ‘Joy of Giving’. Selected photographs will also be displayed at the venue. We are told that the Tamil drama group 2BHK from Chennai will be performing a play at the venue. Entry passes for the same will be available at the venue itself. Also there is flower arraignment and elocution contest being organized for school children. There will be a cooking demo by Manisha Kemka.

Entry to ‘Aram Seyya Virumbu’ is free. Venue is Rajasthani Sangh, D B Road, R S Puram. Visiting hours on October 10, Saturday, is 10.00 am to 8.00 pm and on October 11, Sunday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.