Schoolkids put Aathichoodi into practice during Daan Utsav

They have decided to act on what they learn in textbooks.  As part of the Utsav, they have brought to life the teachings of Aathichoodi, a collection of single-line quotations by Avvaiyar written in alphabetical order. There are 109 lines that talk about the right deeds and acts of kindness. 

“Aathichoodi comes naturally to the children. They have picked up the teachings and put them to work. For instance, some students brought rice and sugar to give them to children in orphanages so that they can make payasam during Diwali. Another teaching is about having control over their anger. There was another group of students, who painted posters and went to the police station. Students from Chennai high schools across the city are doing their bit and the DC Education was forthcoming about this idea,” says Aarti Madhusudan, a social worker and an organiser. 

Some of the private schools too are actively participating in the event.  Kaligi Ranganathan Montford MHS School has created the Kindness Wall to help the underprivileged. “Children are donating surplus materials to the school, which, in turn, is displayed at our Kindness Wall every Monday. It goes to the persons in need of these surpluses. To strengthen their cause, students also campaigned in their neighbourhoods and other schools encouraging people to donate.” 

Daan Utsav is held annually in the first week of October (between 2-8), where people from all walks of life participate in acts of kindness.