Avinashilingam Ayya’s legacy shines on 34th Memorial day

The Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, along with the Sri Avinashilingam Education Trust Institutions, observed the 34th Memorial Day of Padmabhushan Dr. T. S. Avinashilingam Ayya today, honouring the founder whose vision transformed women’s education in Tamil
Nadu.
Chancellor and Managing Trustee Dr. T. S. K. Meenakshisundaram highlighted Ayya’s tireless service and his deep commitment to Gandhian values and the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, noting that his principles continue to guide the institution.
In his keynote address, Thiru R. Somasundaram, Trust Member, shared inspiring anecdotes about Ayya and narrated the beginnings of the Trust and the institution.
Drawing from The Sacred Touch, he reflected on Ayya’s contributions and remembered Dr. Rajammal P. Devadass for her dedicated service. He appreciated the role of past trustees and Vice Chancellors in sustaining Ayya’s vision and praised Vice Chancellor Dr. Bharathi Harishankar for her leadership.
He urged students to read Arivin Aatral and The Sacred Touch to better understand Ayya’s ideals, and also spoke about the influence of Dr. G. R. Damodharan in his life.
Earlier, Mrs. Gowri Ramakrishnan, Assistant Managing Trustee, welcomed the gathering.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Bharathi Harishankar said that “Ayya is not just a memory, but a living presence.”
She outlined initiatives undertaken in his honour, including the renovation of Ayya Mandapam, the establishment of Ayya Rural Libraries in 26 villages, and the digitisation of documents and letters related to Ayya and Amma in collaboration with the Tamil Virtual University.
Family members, trustees, faculty, research scholars, and students took part in the memorial observance.