Jute bags with simple handwork are on display and for sale. Also on the same table for sale and display are neck-pieces (chains) with pendants. We are told that they have been put together by the disabled kids. “The mission of Amar Seva Sangam is to empower the disabled citizens by developing models for self help initiatives, and to integrate the disabled individuals with the society for improving the living conditions in the villages,” S. Mariappan, Public Relations Officer of Amar Seva Sangam, explains.

About 25 social service organizations participated in the ‘Joy of Giving’ celebrations, a public service initiative of Rotary Club, Coimbatore Central. Participants included the Jain Dialysis Centre, Save Your Daughters, Shankara Eye Foundation, Women’s Voluntary Service, Help Age India, and Round Table 31.

“The aim of this event is to bridge the gap between those who wish to contribute to the society and organizations that are in need of funds. Also through this event we are trying to create awareness about such organizations among people,” Dr. U.S. Prakash, President, Rotary Coimbatore Central said.

Joy of Giving, or Daan Utsav, is India’s annual festival of giving that was launched in 2009. The festival is celebrated across the country. This year, there was entertainment for the visitors.

There was a cookery contest, sponsored by ABT Foods. Men too participated in the contest. Friends and Rotarians Vidhya Shankar and Damadoran prepared the Khakada Chaat. Also worth mentioning was Banana Delight, prepared by S. Prakash and C.R. Suri. “The dish can be prepared by anyone and it can be eaten anytime of the day. Made with 12 ingredients, our Banana Delight is very good for health too,” S. Prakash said.

There were donation coupons for Rs.50 and 100. Visitors could purchase these coupons and donate to the social service organization of their choice. For those who wanted to contribute in a big way, there was the wish tree. The wish tree had one wish of a child, who is supported by a social service organization, written and pined up. Visitors were allowed to read the wish and they could make a contribution in cash in order to fulfil the wish of the child.