During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns left many families without income or access to regular meals, Dr. Kamalakannan Sivanandam took direct responsibility for organising large-scale food relief. Under his leadership and coordination, a sustained feeding programme was launched that provided nutritious meals to 500 families every day. This daily initiative became a reliable source of support for daily wage earners, single mothers, elderly residents, and vulnerable households struggling through the crisis.
Dr. Kamalakannan personally oversaw the planning, logistics, volunteer coordination, and distribution systems that kept the programme running without interruption. The effort reflected not only organisational capacity but also deep personal commitment to community welfare during one of the most difficult periods in recent memory.
In recognition of this humanitarian service, he was honored with the Mother Theresa Award for feeding and supporting people in need during the pandemic. The award stands as a proud acknowledgment of the values of compassion and service that guided the entire initiative.
Substance abuse remains one of the most serious threats to the well-being of young people and the stability of families. Recognising this challenge, Pudhumai Thamizhachi has made drug-awareness and prevention a core part of its community work.
Under the leadership of Dr. Sridevi Sivanandam and Dr. Kamalakannan Sivanandam, the organisation has conducted strong and consistent “Say No to Drugs” campaigns designed to educate, engage, and empower. These initiatives go beyond simple messaging. They create meaningful conversations within families and communities through:
Educational sessions for students and youth on the dangers of drug use and the importance of making positive life choices
Interactive programmes that help young people understand peer pressure, mental health, and healthy alternatives
Parent and family awareness meetings that equip adults to recognise warning signs and support their children effectively
Public pledges and community events that encourage collective responsibility and visible commitment to a drug-free environment
Outreach activities that reach neighbourhoods, women’s groups, and local networks where the message is most needed
Dr. Sridevi Sivanandam has led the grassroots engagement connecting directly with women, parents, and young people, and ensuring the campaigns remain rooted in real community needs and cultural understanding.
Dr. Kamalakannan Sivanandam has strengthened the organisational and technology side of these efforts supporting event coordination, digital outreach, content dissemination, and systems that help the awareness messages travel further and remain consistent across different platforms and locations.
Together, their partnership has enabled the campaigns to move from isolated events into sustained community dialogue. The goal has always been clear: to encourage positive life choices, reduce the risk of substance abuse, and support families in building a healthier and more secure future for the next generation.
True empowerment does not stop at skills or awareness alone. It must also shape the values, habits, and character of the next generation. Pudhumai Thamizhachi believes that strong communities are built when young people grow into disciplined, responsible, and socially conscious citizens.
Under the shared leadership of Dr. Sridevi Sivanandam and Dr. Kamalakannan Sivanandam, the organisation has developed programmes focused on motivating tomorrow’s leaders through reading, discipline, service, and civic responsibility.
These initiatives aim to instil lifelong values that go beyond the classroom or workplace. They encourage young people, especially girls and young women to develop the inner strength and social awareness needed to lead with integrity.
Cultivating the habit of reading Encouraging regular reading of books that expand knowledge, improve language skills, build critical thinking, and expose young minds to inspiring stories of courage, service, and achievement.
Building discipline and self-management Helping youth develop routines of punctuality, focus, goal-setting, and personal accountability, qualities that form the foundation of long-term success.
Giving back to society Creating opportunities for young people to participate in community service, volunteer activities, and acts of kindness, so they experience the joy and responsibility of contributing to others.
Becoming responsible citizens Guiding the next generation to understand their role in society, respecting laws, valuing education, supporting family, protecting the environment, and standing up for what is right.
Dr. Sridevi Sivanandam leads the community and mentoring side of these programmes, connecting directly with young people and families, sharing real-life examples, and creating a supportive environment where values are lived, not just taught.
Dr. Kamalakannan Sivanandam supports the structured and technology-enabled aspects helping organise programmes, develop digital content, promote reading initiatives, and create systems that allow these messages of discipline and responsibility to reach a wider audience consistently.
Through workshops, reading circles, youth interactions, mentoring sessions, and community activities, Pudhumai Thamizhachi continues to plant the seeds of leadership in the next generation. The goal is clear: to raise young people who are not only skilled and confident, but also disciplined, compassionate, and deeply committed to the well-being of society.
