On March 10, 2025, Uma Maheswari (Champion of Chennai-Education -2017) was invited to address the students and faculty of Stella Maris College as part of the Women’s Day celebrations. Upon her arrival, she was warmly received and escorted to the Principal’s chambers, where she was welcomed with refreshments. As she shared her inspiring journey—her struggles, perseverance, and dedication to educating hundreds of underprivileged children despite being a school dropout after the 6th grade—the Principal and faculty listened in admiration, deeply moved by her achievements. Stella Maris College came forward to donate a sum of Rs.10,000/- towards her Kannagi Nagar Social Welfare Trust. We at KSA Trust are truly grateful for this.

Meanwhile, students watched a six-minute video montage at the Open-Air Theatre (OAT) showcasing Uma’s remarkable accomplishments. This served as a prelude to her much-anticipated talk. The event commenced with a soulful prayer song performed by the college students. As Uma was escorted onto the stage by the Principal, the audience erupted into cheers and applause. The Principal and the Correspondent then honored her with mementos.

Uma began her address by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the College and faculty for inviting her. She humbly acknowledged the moment’s significance, sharing how unimaginable it was for her, a former school dropout, to be standing before the students of one of Chennai’s most prestigious institutions.

Her speech captivated the audience as she recounted her life’s journey and the transformative power of education—her realization that education was the key to breaking free from poverty and achieving success. The impact of her work, having educated over 3,000 children, deeply resonated with the students and faculty. Through personal anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, she connected effortlessly with the young audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers at every pause.

As the session concluded, students and faculty eagerly engaged with Uma, posing insightful questions about her journey. She patiently answered each one, further inspiring those present.

 

This Women’s Day program at Stella Maris College left a lasting impression on everyone. It was an event that students would cherish for years to come. The proceedings concluded with the rendition of the College song, marking the end of an unforgettable celebration.

KSA Trust thanks Dr.Dolly Thomas, Department of History and, the convener of the day’s program, for her continued support of our cause.

 

As part of our outreach program, we warmly welcome Sri Lakshmi Narayana School, Selayoval, Chennai, who have been kind enough to donate a sum of Rs.10,000/- to our Champion of Chennai 2017  – Education category, Ms.Uma Maheswari, towards her Kannagi Nagar Social Welfare Trust. KSA Trust would like to place on record our deep appreciation to Ms.Radha Ramesh, Correspondent of the school for this gesture.

 

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that one of our esteemed Champions of Chennai awardees for Education – 2022, Vidya Subramaniam, was recently invited to deliver a captivating presentation at Stella Maris College, Madras, as part of their Women’s Day celebrations for the year 2024.

Vidya Subramaniam, renowned for her remarkable journey in entrepreneurship,(Managing Online Carnatic Music Classes with more than 2000 students from around the world along with 120 teachers ) took center stage to inspire and empower the student community with her insightful narrative. Despite her educational background (An All India Rank holder in CA ) diverging from the entrepreneurial realm, Vidya exemplified the power of passion, and determination, in carving out her path to success.

During her talk, Vidya shared invaluable lessons and practical advice aimed at igniting the entrepreneurial spirit within each attendee.

The underlying theme of the presentation revolved around the ethos of embracing challenges, leveraging one’s strengths, and nurturing a fervent desire to excel in the face of adversity. The event reaffirmed the notion that with passion and perseverance, one can surmount any obstacle and achieve greatness.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Stella Maris College for providing a platform to showcase Vidya Subramaniam’s remarkable story.

Here’s to celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and female empowerment!

On the 6th of February 2024, students of the Children’s Garden School were taken on a field trip to the “Kotturpuram Urban Forest”.This area in Kotturpuram Chennai, which was previously a garbage dump was handed over to “Nizhal” (Champion of Chennai- 2018 – Social Initiative ) an NGO that  is passionate about Tree Conservation.”Nizhal” has turned it around into a verdant mini forest with a wide variety of trees and shrubs.

The students thoroughly enjoyed this outing.