SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIALWORK

GRANDPA-MA FEST

“The best class room in the world is at the feet of an elder person”

Grandparents play an imperative role in the life of every child. Grandparents care their grandkids more than the parents and they leave a lasting impression in child’s life. Their knowledge is invaluable and their love is unconditional. So, it’s time to felicitate and honour the grandparents.

Department of Sociology and Social Work, Fatima College celebrated Grandpa-ma fest on 16^th December 2016, Friday. Nearly, 98 grandparents were participated in this program. The program was started with the prayer song and lighting lamp by Chief Guests of the day. Dr.Mrs.Meenakumari, Head, Department of Sociology and Social Work welcomes the gathering. There, she explained the importance of organizing this program.

Sr.M.Fatima Mary, Vice Principal, Fatima College gave the presidential address by saying that “In these times, where some grandparents are sent to old age homes and the family values decreasing, hence, we have made and earnest effort to build up respect and cordiality with our senior citizens who really deserve to get the same in return to all they have done for us”.

Mrs.R.Anandhavalli, District Social Welfare Officer, Madurai gave the Inaugural Address as “The relationship between a grandchild and grandparent is a very special one. While grandparents act as an authority figure and provide unconditional love, they also get to spoil their grandkids in a way parents simply can't. But beyond that, grandparents also wield incredible influence. There are many things that grandchildren can learn from their grandparents”.

Dr.N.Rukmani, MBBS, DGO Joint Director (Health Service) Madurai, Narrated that “The grandparents provide a safe and loving home to their grandchildren in their care. There is no doubt that, they are doing something grand for children every day of the year. At the same time the grand children also should take care of their grandparents by respecting and honoring them”.

After the formal session, the recreational programs were started. Here, the students showed the importance of living in animal kingdom through their street theater, Parai play and group dance performance. Various interesting games were organized for the grandparents that they really enjoyed participating in. The grandparents were very happy to witness this event. Mrs.V.Sofia Adaikala Mary, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Social Work ended the program with Vote of Thanks, where she thanks the Chief guests, grandparents, organizers and press for their immense support throughout the program. Mr.G.Viswanathan, grandparent of a student appreciated the program through short verses and words. Towards the end, Special photo session for the grandparents and grand children were made. Then, the free general physical health camp by Vellamal Hospital and eye checkups by Vasan Eye Care Hospital were organized for the grandparents. And they are benefited out of this programme. The grandparents were then escorted for light refreshments.