Tara Cherian

Sir, - The late Mrs. Tara Cherian was a rare personality whose compassion to the fellow-beings was well-known. Knowing her fine qualities and capabilities, Ms. Sarojini Varadappan, former Chairman of the Central Social Welfare Board, persuaded Mrs. Cherian to accept the Chairmanship of Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board in 1976. Though reluctant, she accepted, but resigned in 1978 due to some differences between her and the State Government. She was again invited by the State Government and the Central Social Welfare Board in 1981 to be the Chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Board which she held till April 1988.

Though she appeared very sophisticated, yet she never hesitated to visit slums and villages whenever the occasion demanded. She had interaction with the beneficiaries and did her best to extend help in all possible ways.

The Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board expanded well during her period and maximum assistance was availed from the Central Social Welfare Board for the programmes in Tamil Nadu.

New programmes such as family counselling centres, publication of books like Know Your Rights for women in Tamil and English, prevention of handicaps in children during birth, dowry legislation, Criminal Law Provisions, Manual for Family Counselling Centres (guide book) and quarterly news letters `Share and Care' for family counselling centres, pictorial maps to show the progress of Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board in the State as well as a video tape indicating the programme implemented, were undertaken during her tenure of office.

The ethnic problem in Sri Lanka erupted during her period of office. She was asked by the State Government to organise welfare programmes for the refugees at Mandapam and Kollapatu camps.

A health centre, canteen, vocational training for youth in cycle, radio and TV repairs, chappal making, tailoring, creches were started through the coordination of voluntary organisations like Red Cross, Indian Council of Child Welfare, Sivaganga Multipurpose Society, Ramakrishna Mission and Maithri. The Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board monitored the programmes under the leadership Mrs. Cherian.

Similarly, Tamil Nadu experienced floods during 1977-78 and 1985- 86. Relief work was organised as well as special schemes were drawn and implemented for the affected through the Board. She personally visited and supervised the relief work in the districts as well as at Madras.

M. Bargavi Devendra

Chennai

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