CHENNAI: Kanchi Seer Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal donated Rs 1 lakh to the flood victims of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The amount was donated on behalf of the Kanchi Kamakoti Trust. The announcement was made during the 80th Jayanthi celebration of the Swamigal at Krishna Gana Sabha.
“It is important to do good to society. I just did it because as a citizen it is my duty,” said Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal.
Apart from the donation, the Jayanthi (birthday celebration), was a charitable one with 14 underprivileged persons being given sewing machines and clothes iron. Several others were given special awards for their contribution in their respective fields, like flower seller Isaki Rajan, who received the Swasa Ghana Mani award for his relentless work, while K T Saravanabhavan, a visually-challenged violin teacher, was bestowed with the Sangita Kala Ratna Award. “I am deeply humbled and honoured by this award, it inspires me to do better,” said the music teacher.
Notable personalities like actor Bombay Gnanam too were awarded for her contribution to fine arts. Carnatic musician T N Seshagopal was presented the Harikatha Chudamani award by Krishna Gana Sabha. Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal, the successor of Jayendrar, said: “No matter how educated we are, even if we have travelled the world and led a luxurious life, we must never forget our roots, its important to give back to society.”