The Yogaswami Boys’ Home, Chenkalady, runs under the capable management of Mr. S. Vinasithamby
Boys of Yogaswami Boys' Home of the Sivathondan Ashram, Chenkalady live as members of a traditional gurukulam.
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The Yogaswami Boys’ Home, Chenkalady, runs under the capable management of Mr. S. Vinasithamby |
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Boys of Yogaswami Boys' Home of the Sivathondan Ashram, Chenkalady live as members of a traditional gurukulam. |
Yogaswami Boys’ Home, Chenkalady was founded shortly after the tsunami of 26 Dec 2004 struck, for the sole purpose of providing a secure, supportive environment for boys of Vakarai and Kathiraveli orphaned by the tsunami. The administration of this home is presently handled by S. Vinasithamby, B.A. (Hons.), under the able guidance of Chellathurai Swamigal, President of the Sivathondan Society of Jaffna.
The sad, remarkable fact about the Yogaswami Boys’ Home is that every one of its fifteen boys aged 10-15 are tsunami orphans, and all of them originate from just two poor villages, viz. Vakarai and Kathiraveli of northern Batticaloa districtd, that were particularly devastated by the tsunami. That is, before the tsunami struck, this boys' home did not exist.
These boys, therefore, face special problems individually, and the Sivathondan Society facility in Chenkalady too faces special problems, for it was never designed as a boys' home. Its boys, therefore, have to manage with only the most basic amenities which, together with instruction in Saiva religious principles and lifestyle, are intended to instill in the boys qualities of thrift and fortitude that are highly valued in Tamil Saiva culture.
The Sivathondan Society appeals to the public, and especially to kind hearted devotees abroad, to join in the obligation shared by all but bourne by the few to ensure that these tsunami orphan boys may live a happy, full life and grow up to be a credit to their communities.
