The Department of Social Work of Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College, Madurai, organised its seventh annual state-level multi-talent competitions for college students on Friday, September 11, 2026.
Before the programme, a condolence ceremony was held in memory of engineer S. Rajagopal, who had served the college as secretary, vice-president and president and was currently its honorary president, and his wife Vanitha Rajagopal. The couple passed away together on September 8, 2026. College Principal Dr. Ramasubbaiah unveiled their portraits, placed a floral wreath and observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect.
The competitions were subsequently inaugurated with their blessings. College Principal Dr. Ramasubbaiah presided over the event. College President Vijayaraghavan and Treasurer Alwarsamy were present. Director of the Self-Financing Section Prabhu and Dean of Student Welfare Dr. Alagesan delivered felicitations.
Dr. Ramasubbaiah inaugurated 11 multi-talent competitions. A total of 1,124 students from 47 colleges across Tamil Nadu participated in the competitions. The participating colleges came from districts including Madurai, Chennai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Sivaganga, Perambalur, Dindigul, Ramanathapuram and Dharmapuri.
Silambarasan, Head of the Department of Social Work and organiser of the event, delivered the welcome address. Event coordinator Diana Vinsila proposed the vote of thanks. Co-coordinator Alberta, along with the professors of the Department of Social Work and the student coordination committee, made the arrangements.
Industrialist Mathi Venkatesh, described as a youth icon and mentor from Madurai, participated as the chief guest. Addressing the students, he said education was the most powerful weapon available to today’s youth and urged students to pursue their education without allowing financial constraints to become a barrier.
He assured students that he would support them if financial difficulties hindered their education and encouraged them to develop their diverse talents along with academic knowledge. He also urged youngsters to choose the right path in life, work towards success and resolve to build a drug-free society.
Mathi Venkatesh distributed prizes to the winners. Madonna College, Madurai, won the overall championship and received a cash prize of Rs 20,000 and a trophy. Maria College, Tirunelveli, secured second place and received Rs 10,000 and a trophy, while Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan University, Tiruchirappalli, won third place and received Rs 5,000 and a trophy.
The chief guest doubled the cash prize amounts for the winning students as a gesture of appreciation. In recognition of his social service, the Department of Social Work honoured Mathi Venkatesh with the Young Achiever Award.