BLIA World Headquarters and BLIA, Chunghwa Headquarters Taiwan supported Income Generation Project to help Tsunami Victims in Poompuhar, Nagapattinam District was inaugurated on 22.10.2005 Saturday.

Bakthavatchalam Complex (Upstair) Dharmakulam
Sirgazhi Taluk, Nagapattinam District - Total gathering about 75.

FREE TAILORING TRAINING CENTER FOR WOMEN

The women trainees gathered from 9.30 AM from identified area ie. Poompuhar, Vanagiri at Dharmakulam Center. BLIA World Headquarters guests Ven. Chuehmen, Ven.Miao ru, Ven. Ruhong, BLIA - AP, Ven. Mahanama Mahabodhi Society, Chennai, Chapter BLIA Members from Chennai arrived the Center at 9.40.

After lighting the candle to Buddha Picture Venerable Sanghe Members chanted in Chinese prayer. Ven. Chuehmen removed the cloth screen of the tailoring center display board and sit on a sewing machine and pedaled the same to mark the opening the Free Tailoring Center.

M/s. Siva Manimegalai, President, Poompuhar Panchayat appreciated the project from a Buddhist organization. Mr. B. Jumbulingam, another important Panchayat Member, besides BLIA, Chennai Chapter Members and other local community members attended. Opening ceremony of tailoring center was ended after a group photo and snacks.

R.C. Illam, Poompuhar Main Road, Poompuihar - Total participants 125.

OPENING OF TYPEWRITING AND COMPUTER CENTER FOR STUDENTS

Opposite to the center on the Main Road the BLIA sub-local organizing committee arranged for a tree planting, a flower tree, a fruit tree and a leaf tree was planted respectively by Ven. Chuechmen, Ven. Miao ru and Ven. Mahanama. While entering, the hall was beautifully decorated with Buddhist Flags and BLIA flags by the studests. After cutting the ribbon and lighting the lamps to Buddha Picture by Ven. Mahanama, Computers were switched on by the Chief Guest to mark the opening of the center.

Mr. M. Karunanidhi, Registrar, Co-operative Milk Society, (Audit), Govt. of  Tamilnadu, Prof. B. Jumbulingam, Thanjai Tamil University, and Prof. Viswanathan, Poompuhar College have participated and spoke about Buddha, Buddhism and ethical value of the teachings. Ven. Mahanama offered five precepts to newly enrolled BLIA sub-local chapter members (total 45 taken refuge in five precepts) and presented two Tamil Books on Essentials of Buddhism and Dhammapada. Mr. Ambed Anandan welcomed the gathering and Mr. P. Selvaraj, Treasurer, extended vote of thanks. All the students provided with lunch pockets.

Generally the youths living with a traumatized state after Tsunami experience BLIA Chennai Chapter proposed to conduct friendly tournament in which 6 team joined joyfully. The final match was held on 22.10.2005, 04.00 in the presence of Local Panchayat Member and BLIA World Headquarters Members, which was very interesting, at the end of the game winners were awarded a cup worth Rs.500/-, Rs.300/- Rs.250/- respectively and wheel chairs distributed to the physically challenged persons living in these Tsunami affected area so has to enable them to move out for their livelihood. Mr. I. Elango, Co-ordinator, District Rural Development Agency, Nagapattinam District, other NGO's attended the function.

Kabadi friendly match final & distribution of wheel chairs. Poompuhar Play Ground - Total participants - 400

DISTRIBUTION OF UNIFORMS

Sakya Foundation a Buddhist Organisation established a hostel for students affected by Tsunami in which 55 students are living in two separate houses. The organization requested for uniform earlier. The same was distributed at 4.30 PM on 23.10.05 Ven.Chuehmen, Ven.Miao ru, Ven.Ruhong, Mrs.Malarkodi, Mr.E. Anban, Mr.Jagan, BLIA Members attended the simple gathering. BLIA also donated Rs.1000/- for one full day 'Dhana' to hostel students.

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BLIA's guidelines of HUMANISTIC BUDDHISM emphasize the harmony of material and spiritual development of people. The method indeed the fundamental way to deal with social issues retarding human developments. Ven Master also proclaims "Self Awareness and Practicing Buddha's way" as the activity theme. Our focus on the project will help to assist the people in suffering.

Our sincere thanks and gratitude to all participants and supporters of the project.