11th Anniversary of Prabha Rajan Talent Foundation.

Eleven years have flown by since the passing away of my life partner of 40 years on 5th January 2013. Instead of mourning her death, I have been celebrating her memory through the activities of the Prabha Rajan Talent Foundation ( PRTF), which I founded in her memory. Apart from being an accomplished writer in Tamil, Prabha was also interested in singing, gardening, and social work. She was a house-proud woman who believed in maintaining a beautiful home to which one was happy to return every day. I have been living with beautiful memories of my life with her for the last 11 years!

In the last 11 years, PRTF has held essays, short stories, novella contests, and many other ideas in association with Kalaimagal, Mangayar Malar, Ladies Special, and Amudhasurabhi magazines. Has supported 15 budding female writers in Tamil by co-sponsoring the printing of their books mainly published by Manimekalai Prasuram. PRTF also contributes towards women-centric projects of the Rotary Club of Madras South & Inner Wheel Club of Madras South. Many other projects to support deserving female students are also conducted regularly.

Last year PRTF for the first time associated with Kuvikam to conduct a short story competition and in association with Ladies Special magazine recognized two women achievers, both senior citizens with the PRTF Role Model Awards, This year also this programme with Kuvikam and LS repeated.

This year`s event, held at the Anand Chandrashekar Mini Hall in West Mambalam, was a modest affair with 60 60-plus audience. Many of them were accomplished writers in Tamil. The event was conducted with aplomb by Girija Raghavan, editor of Ladies Special magazine, a guest of honour who also doubled also as the Emcee of the evening. After the mandatory prayer and the welcome address by me, the first part of the event witnessed, the 91-year-old Mrs Padma Mani and the 83-year-old Mrs Padma Rajan receiving the PRTF Role Model Awards, given in association with Ladies Special magazine. Presented to them to prove that age is no bar for pursuing one`s passion. This was followed by the release of the 200th book of Kuvikam, containing the prize-winning stories from the short story contest conducted by Kuvikan, prizes sponsored by PRTF. Kirubanandan one of the Kuvikam twins, in his talk briefly traced the story of Kuvikam and briefly explained the process of judging practiced this year. He mentioned that the first three prizes were from the short-listed entries by a panel of three judges chosen by the well-known bilingual writer Vasanthy. It was interesting to hear that over 250 entries were received for the contest this year. The book was released by the chief Guest Dr. S. Murugusundaram, an accomplished Tamil writer and a well-known skin specialist. The first copy was received by Ravi Tamilvanan, Director of Manimekalai Prasuram and a close associate of PRTF right from its inception. The last event witnessed the chief guest distributing the cash prizes to the First three prize winners. In his address, laced with humour, Dr. Murugusundaram, congratulated the Role Model Awardees and the prize winners in the short story contest. He also appreciated the PRTF's efforts to bring to the limelight the hidden talents of talented women, age no bar. He also talked about his second book titled `Dr.Valluvar`, a self-help book in which he gives useful tips based on the health-related sayings of Valluvar. A copy of the book was given free to those interested.

Thank you Kirubanandan and Girija Raghavan for organising and managing the event this year with your trademark efficiency.