Companies and educational institutions under the Sakthi Group celebrated Founders’ Day between March 19 and 21 at Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT) campus. This year March 21 will mark the 93rd birth anniversary of Dr. Mahalingam Gounder, the founder of Shakthi Group of Companies. He was fondly called Arutchelvar.

An exhibition called Maha Jyothi showcasing the life and achievements of the founder of held at the KCT campus. Thevarap Pannisaip Potti, an initiative to promote the rendering of Thevaram, a soulful dedication to Shiva to promote this extraordinary tradition and bring awareness among the youth, was also organised. At the culmination of the event, musicians who dedicated their lives to singing the Thevaram were honoured as a befitting tribute to the founder on his birth anniversary.

Dr. Mahalingam was a great fan of the game of chess and an avid patron. In his memory the Dr. N. Mahalingam Memorial FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament was conducted. The traditional Silambam came alive courtesy 1,000 participants who put up a show at the KCT grounds. A group of Silambam artists from all over Tamil Nadu showcased the intricacies of the art, through an hour long synchronised performance.

A total of Rs. 1.04-crores was given to 1,045 students of the Shakthi Group of educational institutions through the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship Award Function.