A couple of days ago, I visited the Velachery Government Library in Dhandeeswaram, where I met Ms. Mariammal, the librarian. She is truly service-oriented and actively organizes various programs for children—dance, singing, elocution, and more—with the support of the Readers’ Club (Vasagar Vattam). During our conversation, we discussed about cleaning the library on a lighter vein.I casually mentioned that I could try gathering our Payilagam trainees for the task, knowing we have many kind-hearted individuals. She welcomed the idea and invited us to join on Saturday.
On Friday, she followed up, asking for a headcount. By then, we had around 15 volunteers. She assured us that they would arrange tea and lunch for everyone.
This morning, we started gathering at the library from 9:30 AM. The Payilagam team included Kaviya, Ilakkiya, Vimala, Amalareegan, Yaswanth Krishna, Gunasekaran, Vignesh, Neelakandan, Pavithra and Malathi. Chuttipayil Cuties—Harshavardhan, Santhosh, Mithilesh, Rithika, Arulamuthan, and Niraimathi—enthusiastically joined in. Vijay and Logesh also participated.
Though we initially thought the cleaning task would be easy, we soon realized we had underestimated the effort required. We began by cleaning all the ceiling fans and then removed the accumulated dust from the top of the racks. The main task we did today, is – Taking all the books from every rack, cleaning the rack, replacing old news paper with new one, Removing dust from books and keeping there again. The team was split into five groups, each responsible for a section in both the floors. Ms. Mariammal and three other librarians guided us on cleaning the books, providing Masks, arranging newspapers under them, preparing tea, and serving lunch.
We worked from 10 AM to 1 PM. Some of our members had part-time jobs to attend, but they stayed until 1 PM, ensuring their contributions were complete.
Initially, I was hesitant to ask our trainees, wondering how graduates would respond to such a task. However, my doubts were completely misplaced. Every person who committed to joining us not only showed up but gave their best for today’s service.
It was truly a fulfilling and happy Saturday, made special by TEAM Payilagam!
Few Moments of today:
Vimala, Ilakkiya and Kaviya in full swing
Guna, Vignesh, Neelakandan, Yaswanth and Reegan during Tea Break
Santhosh and Mithilesh
Vijayaragavan – Cleaning Ceiling Fans
Pavithra and Malathi
Cleaning going on in First Floor
Team Payilagam