Tiru Navukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam, Tambiluvil

Gurukulam Founder Thambiah Swamigal sought to instill virtues of hard work and self-reliance through his own personal example.

Gurukulam residents and staff, March 2005.

Pre-tsunami scene: Swami Vipulananda Children's Home

Tiru Navukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam residents portrait, July 2001

Gurukulam reduced to rubble: aftermath of the tsunami. The Gurukulam's newer facility built in 1991 is visible in the background.

The Gurukulam's new facility built in 1991 (at right) survived the tsunami, but as it lies within 100 meters of the beach, the Government's new building code does not permit it to be repaired or used again. Gurukulam residents are now occupying a rented house nearby.

Gurukulam office, (above) including documents and computer system, was also destroyed by the tsunami.

Anathi.org on 8 Feb 2005 presented Gurukulam residents with a complete new desktop computer system donated by Kauai's Hindu Monastery of Hawaii.

Tiru Navukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam is a non-governmental organization established in 1978. It is registered with:

• Ministry of Social Service NS/SS/C7
• Ministry of Cultural, Religious Affairs HA/ 4/AM/20
• Ministry of Education and Cultural and Sports NEP-Pre-School K/75
• Registered Araneri Sunday School HA/7/56/7
• Approved orphanage

Aims and Objectives:

1. to promote religious, cultural, economical, social and educational activities in this region;
2. to maintain, administer and develop Tirunavukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam orphanage;
3. to provide food, shelter, clothing and educationl needs of needy children; and
4. to take steps for protection and advancement of moral cultural educational and physical welfare of the children

Gurukulam destroyed by the 26 December tsunami

Tiru Navukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam's original beachside facility in Tambiluvil was destroyed by the tsunami of 26 December. One disabled child and three employees lost their lives in the disaster. The total damage is estimated to Rs. 17,609,125. Some buildings were destroyed and all the belongings were washed away by the tidal wave.

In total, some 43 Gurukula children and staff survived the tsunami and are safe. All have only recently resettled in a temporary rented house on the Main Street of Tambiluvil.

At this critical time in its history, Tiru Navukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam looks back on all the kind and selfless deeds of assistance that its supporters gave towards the construction and maintenance of this home.

We urge and invite you to give a helping hand to allow the children to have a happy childhood and a bright future as young adults and members of society.

Your kind hearted donation may be credited to account number 2035, Tiru Navukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam, at Peoples Bank, Tirukkovil branch.

Finance

The fund for Tiru Navukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam is obtained from donations from well-wishers and philanthropists. We keep proper transparent accounts of all money expended. Monthly receipts and payments are prepared and inspected by internal auditors. Annually the accounts are examined and audited by professional associates and management consultants Colombo-11. The correctness of income and expenditure account with a balance sheet is prepared and approved. A copy of the accounts statement is sent the Department of Social Services.

Gurukulam facilities (destroyed by the tsunami)

• 3.5 acre land on beach front (Note: Government regulations now prohibit reoccupation or construction on land within 100 meters of the shore.)
• 66' x 19 Dining hall
• 30' x 19' Study Hall
• 76' x 22' Assembly Hall
• two wells
• multiple toilets

Management

The institution is managed by a body consulting office bearers. Managing Director is the chairperson and adequate staffs on voluntary basic are donating their skills. Annual general meeting is held once a year. The departmental officers are advisors.

Thambiah Swamigal, Founder of Tiru Navukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam

Tiru Navukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam has launched projects of implementation to fulfil the responsibilities individually and collectively to protect the rights of the children taking steps towards the protection and advancement of moral, cultural, educational and social reintegration and physical welfare.

• l/365 Days Food Sponsoring Project
• Gurukulam Home Development Project
• Cultural Social Integration Awareness Project

We urge and invite you give a helping hand towards one of the projects allowing the children to express themselves and have a happy childhood.

It is our most grateful duty to have the support of yours, which has the breath and vision and the capacity to understand the manifold sufferings of the children.

We wholeheartly pray to bless you with best health and prosperity. We assure you of our best services at all times

Do all the good you can. Do all the ways you can Do all the places you can At all the times you can To all the people you can As long as ever you can.

Contact information