The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Every year, Sevalaya marks the UN International Year with a science exhibition by its students at its centre in Kasuva village near Thiruninravur in Tiruvallur.
The exhibition was inaugurated on 12 August 2026 by V Ezhilarasi, District Child Protection Officer, Tiruvallur. Sumathi K, Agriculture Officer, Eekkadu, also participated. Students from various government and private schools in Thiruninravur participated in the exhibition. The exhibition is open to all school students and the public until 15 August.
Ezhilarasi in her speech encouraged the students to pursue every task with full involvement and emphasised the importance of education. She urged them to make the best use of the opportunities available to them at Sevalaya. Addressing the parents, she requested them to be role models for their children, guide them about right and wrong and spend more time with them. Sharing a personal connection with Sevalaya, she said, “20 years ago, I came to Sevalaya from my college for a 10-day NSS camp. At that time, I was inspired by Muralidharan and wanted to serve people. Today, I am doing my best to serve people through my work.” Sumathi in her speech spoke about various government schemes of the Agriculture Department. Parents also shared a few farming practices that they follow.
The exhibition featured more than 60 science projects and models prepared by students from Std IV to XI on themes such as the history and future of agri-food systems, the achievements and challenges of women farmers. The Chief Guest appreciated the students for their innovative projects.
Earlier, V Muralidharan, Founder and Managing Trustee, Sevalaya welcomed the gathering and spoke about Sevalaya’s activities. He said that Sevalaya’s children’s hostel can accommodate more underprivileged children and that Sevalaya provides them with free education and vocational training. He appealed to the Child Protection Officer to allocate more children from government care to Sevalaya. He also shared that two young women who grew up in Sevalaya’s children’s home are now employed and are getting married in August and September. Students presented colourful cultural programmes. Amarchand Jain, Member – Executive Committee, Sevalaya delivered the vote of thanks. A memento was presented to the Chief Guest.
