Dr SG Suryah, the BJP Tamil Nadu State Secretary, expressed his gratitude to the hygiene workers in South Chennai and its surrounding regions in a heartwarming and commendable gesture.
These unsung heroes, who displayed remarkable dedication, especially in the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, were honored with a lavish dinner as a token of appreciation. This noble initiative, which took place on December 30, 2023, was a collaborative effort between the NaMo Foundation, led by SG Suryah, and the non-profit organization “Aram Seya Virumbu.” The event was held at the Kabali marriage hall in Velachery, Chennai, and went beyond being just a grand dinner.
In addition to the delectable feast, more than 150 hygiene workers were felicitated and provided with essential food kits containing rice, pulses, oil, sugar, and other necessities, ensuring their well-being beyond the event.
The highlight of the evening was the impeccable arrangement of the dinner and the regal treatment bestowed upon the hygiene workers. The guests were seated on over 70 throne-like seats, evoking a sense of royalty.
The food was presented on beautifully adorned plates, placed on peacock-shaped holders, adding an extra touch of grandeur to the occasion. The mouth-watering dinner menu featured a variety of dishes, including Dry Gulab Jamun, Paruppu Payasam, Chappathi, Paneer Butter Masala, Vegetable Biryani, Onion-Curd Raita, and a selection of traditional South Indian delicacies such as Sambar, Rasam, Vathakozhambu, Bean-Carrot Poriyal, Potato-Peas Sabji, accompanied by pickles and Appalam.
To complement the meal, buttermilk was served, followed by a delightful serving of ice cream as a sweet conclusion. The extraordinary gesture of appreciation deeply moved and overwhelmed the hygiene workers. Rani, a hygiene worker from Kannagi Nagar, expressed her emotions, stating that during the cyclone, they faced immense difficulties in accessing basic necessities like milk, food, and clean water.
Rani, a sanitation worker residing in Kannagi Nagar, expressed her sentiments, stating, “Amidst the cyclone, we faced immense difficulties in accessing basic necessities such as milk and essential food items. Even our drinking water became contaminated. However, sir and his team were the first to arrive in our area, providing us with food, water, and other essential supplies. Those who had visited during the elections were nowhere to be found when we needed them the most.”
She further emphasized, “We do not seek sympathy. All we desire is to be treated as equals and respected. I will forever remain grateful to Suryah sir for treating us with utmost respect and granting us dignity.”
Dr. Suryah expressed, “This occasion will forever remain imprinted in my heart. Witnessing the joy in their eyes brought tears to my own. It dawned on me that they undertake the most challenging tasks on a daily basis. Despite their homes being severely affected by floods, they were the ones tirelessly working on the streets. No amount of money or relief supplies can adequately compensate for their sacrifice. I desired to express my gratitude in a manner that would leave a lasting impression. And what better way than to honor them like royalty with a lavish feast.”
Dr. Suryah had honored a group of sanitation workers in South Chennai by organizing a padha pooja ceremony for them. This touching occasion serves as a powerful testament to the significance of acknowledging and valuing those individuals who selflessly dedicate themselves to serving our communities. It showcases the profound impact that a small gesture of appreciation can have in promoting solidarity and empathy within society.