14/01/2026
Mugavari Foundation - New Students Meet - Academic Year 2025-26 _ Nurturing Futures - 04.01.2026 (Sunday)
The journey of the Mugavari Foundation began in 2002, even before it formally came to be known as “Mugavari,” with its first act of support extended to a medical student. Since then, the foundation has remained committed to uplifting and transforming the lives of countless students. From these humble beginnings, its impact has grown steadily each year. Today, the foundation proudly supports 860 students, including 70 newly selected beneficiaries for the Academic Year 2025–26.
Mugavari takes pride in its strong student network and the meaningful bonds shared among them. To further nurture this sense of community, the foundation regularly organizes workshops and interactive meetings. Continuing this spirit of togetherness, the New Students Meet – Academic Year 2025-26, was joyfully held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Vivekananda Auditorium, Anna University, Chennai. The gathering united 70 newly selected students and 75+ Mugavari students studying in Chennai, creating a vibrant and encouraging atmosphere of shared learning and connection.
The following chief guests participated in the meeting,
1. Mr. A.R. Murugadoss, Film Director, Chennai
2. Dr. M. Rajaram IAS, Former Principal Secretary – Govt. of Tamil Nadu & Former Chairman – Tamil Nadu Lokayukta, Chennai
3. Dr. C. Sivakumar, Managing Partner, RV Industries, Chennai
4. CA A. Selvaganesh, Partner, Manohar Chowdhry & Associates, Chennai
5. Mr. N. Totadhri, Service Delivery Manager, Nokia Pvt. Ltd., Chennai
6. Mr. M. Boopathiraja IRTS, Deputy Chief Operations Manager – Freight Operations, Southern Railways, Chennai
7. CA K. Vijendran, Manager, Tickmarks, Chennai
Tribute to a Guiding Light
The meeting began at 10:00 AM by paying heartfelt respects to our revered Guru, Padma Shri CA T. N. Manoharan, whose vision and leadership have played a defining role in the growth of the Mugavari Foundation. His unwavering support and guidance continue to inspire and strengthen the foundation’s mission. All the dignitaries offered floral tributes to his photograph and paid their heartfelt respects.
Following this, the ceremonial lighting of the Kuthu Vilakku by the dignitaries, initiated by Mrs. Chitra Sivakumar (Managing Partner, Timelinks, Chennai) and Mrs. R. Sumathi (Trustee, Mugavari Foundation, Chennai) which gave the day an auspicious beginning.
A Warm Welcome and Vision for New Beginnings
The welcome address was delivered by one of the Trustees of the Mugavari Foundation, Mrs. R. Sumathi (Principal Quality Manager, Nokia Pvt. Ltd., Chennai). She warmly welcomed all the dignitaries and highlighted the key agenda of the meeting, the induction program for the new students, while emphasizing how the Mugavari student network plays a vital role in supporting and empowering its members.
Tribute to Dignitaries and Voices from the Selection Committee
The Selection Committee members honoured the dignitaries on the dais, acknowledging their gracious and valuable presence at the event. Following this, the committee members Mr. S. Ramkumar, Ms. E. Kavya, Mr. M. Arun Kumar, and Ms. A. Elavarasi shared their experiences and insights from the student selection process at the Mugavari Foundation.
CA K. Vijendran’s Address on Ethics, Integrity, and Leadership
One of the icons of the Mugavari Foundation, CA K. Vijendran (Manager, Tickmarks, Chennai) delivered an insightful and motivating address to the students, emphasizing that ethics and integrity form the foundation of both personal character and professional success. He explained how ethical conduct builds trust, shapes reputation, and ensures long-term growth, while also urging the newly inducted students to develop a strong sense of responsibility and accountability in all their actions. He reminded that knowledge and skills gain their true significance only when guided by strong moral principles, which left a lasting impression on the students. He fondly recalled his experiences with me and his time at Manohar Chowdhry Associates, highlighting the many life lessons he learned from Padma Shri CA T. N. Manoharan.
Honouring Mugavari Achiever CA P. Vishnupriya
Following this, another Mugavari student, CA P. Vishnupriya, who recently cleared the CA Final examination and is associated with Manohar Chowdhry & Associates (MCA), was honoured by CA K. Vijendran in the presence of the Advisory Board Member, CA A. Selvaganesh (Partner, Manohar Chowdhry & Associates, Chennai).
Sponsorship order for the New Students
Mugavari New Students were provided with Sponsorship Order by the dignitaries on the dais and a group photograph was taken with the dignitaries in which this memory will be etched for their lifetime.
Recognition of Selection Committee Members and Office Admins
Following this, the esteemed dignitaries felicitated the Selection Committee Members for the Academic Year 2025-26, as listed below,
1. Ms. E. Kavya, Pre Final Year, BDS, Tamil Nadu Govt. Dental College, Chennai. (Chairman – Phase I)
2. Mr. S. Ramkumar, Final Year, BE (Manufacturing), CEG, Anna University, Chennai. (Chairman – Phase II)
3. Mr. M. Arunkumar, Civil Service Aspirant, All India Civil Services Coaching Centre, Chennai.
4. Ms. M. Kiruthiga, Final Year, BE (Manufacturing), CEG, Anna University, Chennai.
5. Mr. P. Bharath, TNPSC Aspirant, Vetrii IAS Study Circle, Chennai.
6. Mr. T. Pugazhenthi, II-Year, MBBS, Madras Medical College, Chennai.
7. Mr. M. Buvaneshwaran, III-Year, BE (Printing & Packaging), CEG, Anna University, Chennai.
8. Ms. A. Elavarasi, II-Year, B Tech (IT), CEG, Anna University, Chennai.
The office admins were also honored by the dignitaries, after which a separate group photograph was taken to mark the occasion. A special mention and appreciation were extended to the Admin Executive, Ms. A. Pooja, who was entirely in charge of the student selection process and the organization of the New Students’ Meet.
An Insightful Speech by Mr. M. Boopathiraja IRTS
Mugavari’s icon, Mr. M. Boopathiraja, IRTS (Chief Deputy Operations Manager, Southern Railways, Chennai), shared his life experiences with the Mugavari Foundation family. He spoke about his journey as a member of the Mugavari family and his close association with the students. He encouraged the students to maintain strong connectivity among themselves, emphasizing that such bonding would be a great support to each one of them in the long run. He also reminisced about the early days of Mugavari, recalling how I struggled to find sponsors for students, and highlighted the growth of the foundation since then. Additionally, he advised students to visit the Mugavari office regularly and continuously upskill themselves to prepare for future opportunities.
Guidance on Purposeful Living by Mr. N. Totadhri
One of the Advisory Board Members of the Mugavari Foundation, Mr. N. Totadhri (Service Delivery Manager, Nokia Pvt. Ltd., Chennai), and an Advisory Board Member of the Mugavari Foundation, addressed the gathering with an insightful and inspiring speech. He emphasized the importance of health, passion towards anything you do, discipline and remaining grounded in humility, while also highlighting the values of teamwork, service, and gratitude. He encouraged the students to choose their own path, stay focused, and move forward with purposeful intention. This personal reflection added depth to his address and resonated strongly with the audience, inspiring them to live with humility, clarity, and strong principles.
Staying Rooted in Values, Moving Ahead with Purpose: Speech by CA A. Selvaganesh
CA A. Selvaganesh Sir (Partner, Manohar Chowdhry and Associates, Chennai) addressed the gathering with a thoughtful and impactful speech. An Advisory Board Member of the Mugavari Foundation, he emphasized the importance of staying rooted in strong values while progressing in one’s personal and professional life. He highlighted discipline and ethical conduct as the foundation for long-term success and stressed the role of strong networks in creating growth opportunities. He quoted his experience how Mugavari network had supported him in the past and encouraged students to stay focused on their goals and move forward without distractions, underscoring that clarity of purpose and disciplined effort lead to lasting success. He shared that it was a deeply emotional moment for him to pay his heartfelt respects to Padma Shri CA T. N. Manoharan Sir and to listen to everyone fondly recall and speak about his inspiring teachings
Discipline, Self-Forgiveness, and Resilience: A Talk by Dr. C. Sivakumar
One of the Advisory Board Members of Mugavari Foundation, Dr. C. Sivakumar (Managing Partner, RV Industries, Chennai), in his address, warmly referred to Mugavari students as Scholars, recognizing their dedication to learning and self-development. He emphasized the importance of discipline as a guiding force that shapes character and ensures consistency in one’s actions. He also highlighted the significance of forgiving oneself, explaining that self-compassion allows individuals to learn from mistakes rather than be limited by them. Further, he spoke about building an “emotional house,” urging students to strengthen their emotional well-being through self-awareness, balance, and resilience, which he described as essential for leading a stable and purposeful life.
Following the speech, the new Mugavari students sponsored by Mrs. Chitra Sivakumar through M/s. S.G. Sundaram Trust were called onto the stage, and a photograph was taken.
After this, Mrs. Chitra Sivakumar, Mrs. Ramya Murugadoss, and Mrs. R. Sumathi were felicitated by their husbands - Dr. C. Sivakumar, Mr. A.R. Murugadoss, and Mr. N. Totadhri, respectively, in recognition of their support and encouragement.
Staying Committed: Guidance for Students by Dr. M. Rajaram IAS
Dr. M. Rajaram IAS (Former Principal Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu & Former Chairman of Tamil Nadu Lokayukta), addressed the gathering with valuable insights for the students. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and dedication in whichever field they choose to pursue. Highlighting that success is the result of consistent effort and clarity of purpose, he encouraged students to stay committed to their goals, overcome distractions, and cultivate perseverance. His guidance underscored that a focused mindset, coupled with integrity and hard work, is essential for achieving meaningful and lasting accomplishments in any endeavor.
New Beginnings: Mugavari Scholars Embark on Their Journey
Following this, the new budding members of the Mugavari family, Mr. R. Barath and Ms. S. Kalaimathi, shared their heartfelt joy and excitement on being selected by the Mugavari Family to pursue their higher education, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and their eagerness to make the most of this milestone in their academic journey.
Staying Focused and Determined: Insights from Mr. A.R. Murugadoss
One of the Visionary Leaders of the Mugavari Foundation, Mr. A.R. Murugadoss (Film Director, Chennai), addressed the gathering with an engaging and motivating speech. He highlighted the importance of hard work and building meaningful networks as key drivers of success in any field. Emphasizing the value of focus, he urged students to avoid distractions and maintain clarity in their goals. He shared a practical tip: whenever distractions arise, think about one person (Ramesh), whose dedication and perseverance in securing sponsorships for students exemplifies commitment and purpose. Through his anecdotes, he conveyed the message that determination, consistent effort, and a strong support network are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful success.
Concluding with Thanks: Vote of Thanks by Mr. L. Saravanan
The session concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. L. Saravanan (Operations Manager, Mugavari Foundation, Chennai). He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the dignitaries, the newly selected students and their parents, Chennai-based Mugavari students, office administrators, and everyone who played a pivotal role in making the meeting a success. He neatly encapsulated all the key moments of the meeting in a clear and concise manner.
He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors who came forward to support the 70 new students selected for the academic year 2025–26, with special appreciation to M/s. Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India (RGLSI), Chennai for sponsoring 30 students and M/s. Finastra, Bangalore, for supporting the higher education of 10 students.
After the session, a delicious lunch was served at the venue. It provided an opportunity for meaningful interactions among everyone present.
Unveiling the Vision: Presentation by Mrs. R. Sumathi on Mugavari’s Journeys
Mrs. R. Sumathi (Trustee, Mugavari Foundation) delivered a concise and insightful presentation on the 23-year journey, core values, and long-term vision of the Foundation. She highlighted Mugavari’s student-centric model, empowering leadership, ownership, and collective growth among its beneficiaries. Her words provided clarity and motivation, helping students and their parents understand the purpose and impact of their association with the Foundation. Following the presentation, Mrs. R. Sumathi interacted with the students and questioned them on the topics presented, to which all the students responded actively and confidently.
Following the presentation, new Mugavari students, Mr. O. Baskar and Mr. S. Anish Kumar, shared his reflections and thoughts on Mrs. Sumathi’s session, expressing his experiences and key takeaways from the insightful presentation.
Following this, Mugavari students CA P. Vishnupriya, Ms. J. Naveena, Mr. P. Arun, Ms. M. Kiruthiga, Mr. T. Pugazhenthi, Mr. M. Buvaneshwaran and Mr. T. Kaviyarasu shared their inspiring journeys with the Mugavari Foundation, reflecting on the personal growth, valuable experiences, and the strong network of support and camaraderie they have cultivated within the Mugavari fraternity.
Building Bonds: Networking Session for Students
The students’ networking session was conducted by me, to provide an opportunity for meaningful interaction among the students. The session was designed to help both new and existing members of the Mugavari Foundation get to know each other, share experiences, and build connections. By fostering open communication and camaraderie, the session aimed to strengthen the sense of community within the Mugavari family, encouraging collaboration, mutual support, and the exchange of ideas among the students.
Culmination Session:
The culmination session featured the following members of the Mugavari Foundation on stage:
1. Mrs. R. Sumathi, Principal Quality Manager, Nokia Pvt. Ltd., Chennai (Trustee of Mugavari)
2. Mr. M. Boopathiraja IRTS, Chief Deputy Operations Manager – Freight Operations, Southern Railways, Chennai (Icon of Mugavari)
3. CA P. Vishnupriya, Manohar Chowdhry & Associates, Chennai (Achievers of Mugavari)
4. Mr. L. Saravanan, Operations Manager, Mugavari Foundation, Chennai (Operations Manager of Mugavari)
5. CA K. Vijendran, Manager, Tickmarks, Chennai (Icon of Mugavari)
6. Ms. L.S. Priyadharshini, Civil Service Aspirant, Chennai (Executive Committee Member of Mugavari)
7. Ms. S. Pavithra, Software Developer, Societe Generale, Chennai (Executive Committee Member of Mugavari)
The session began by inviting the new students to the stage – Ms. R. Dhanusiya, Mr. M. Marish Dhanush Kumar, Mr. P. Pavish and Ms. T. Manisha, where they were asked to name any 10 Mugavari students including the new and Chennai-based students they had come to know during the networking session. It turned out to be a fun and engaging activity, as students enthusiastically started sharing the names of their fellow Mugavari members, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
Mugavari Students from Aram IAS Academy Honoured
Following this, the Mugavari students (Mr. D. Vetrikannan, Dr. R. Praveen, Dr. N. Deepa, Mr. M. Arunkumar, Ms. A. Vembarasi, Ms. K. Swetha, Ms. V. Nishika & Ms. S.R. Kiruthika) from Aram IAS Academy were invited to the stage and felicitated with a group photograph. A heartfelt note of gratitude was extended to Aram IAS Academy for their remarkable support to the students of Mugavari Foundation.
Representing all of them, Mr. D. Vetrikannan, a Civil Service aspirant, shared his heartfelt journey with the Mugavari Foundation and fellow civil service aspirants, expressing how the unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement he received from the Foundation played a pivotal role in shaping his aspirations and keeping him motivated on his path to success. Ms. V. Nishika and Ms. P. Swetha also shared their experiences and joy of being a part of the Mugavari Family.
Nurturing Future Leaders: Parents’ Feedback on Mugavari
The parents of the new students, Mr. A. Rose (Ms. R.V. Hema’s father), Ms. V. Aarthi (Mr. V. Vishwa’ sister) and Mrs. P. Kalaiselvi (Mr. P. Pavish’s mother) shared their feedback on the day’s proceedings, expressing their immense happiness and pride at seeing their children become part of the Mugavari Foundation. They appreciated the Foundation’s efforts in nurturing not only academic growth but also a sense of social responsibility, and felt honored that their children are now part of a community committed to making a positive impact.
Appreciating the Commitment: Backbone of Support
Following this, the Students Selection Committee members, office administrators, and volunteers were invited to the stage and felicitated for their contributions. The session concluded with a group photograph to commemorate their dedication and support.
Capturing the Spirit of the Mugavari Fraternity: A Memorable group photograph
The day concluded with a group photograph of the new students, followed by a larger photograph featuring all the new students, Chennai-based Mugavari students, and members of the Mugavari fraternity, capturing the spirit of togetherness and celebration.
After a day full of fun, emotion, learning, and meaningful interactions, the students reluctantly began their journey back home, carrying with them cherished memories and a strengthened bond with the Mugavari family.
Gratitude is the Heart’s Memory.
