The programme commenced with an Invocation dance by the students from “Natya Shetra” Bharatnatyam School. A special dance was performed by the renowned Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi Dance Artist Kalaimamani Snehalatha Kandan. Rev. Fr. Paul Raj, SDB, Director, Niraivagam felicitated and welcomed the dignitaries, associates and collaborators of Niraivagam. He presented the annual report of the Institute through a comprehensive audio- visual presentation. The report documented all the significant social and academic achievements of the Institute, besides highlighting the aims and objectives.

The “Life Time Contribution” to Mental Health was awarded to Dr. Udaya Mahadevan, Professor Emeritus (Rtd) Dept. of Social Work, Loyola College. She responded to the award with grace and humility and shared her experiences of working in the field of Mental Health. The seed to serve the mentally distressed was sowed when she was at the tender age of sixteen. She highlighted the dangers associated with working with the mentally disturbed; on the other hand she emphasised that these difficulties count for nothing when compared to the fulfilment in helping the other. Dr. Satheesh a trustee of ANBAGAM was the recipient of the award for “Institutional Excellence” in Mental Health Service. He was gracious to acknowledge and commend the services that Nirivagam offers. Mr. Mari Selvaraj, Film Director received the award for ‘Mental Health through media’ for his movie Pariyerum Perumal.

Niraivagam conducts Certificate courses every month on the 2 nd Saturdays and Sundays for the Psychologist, Clinical Social Workers, Medical and Psychiatrist and Practitioners on different topics. The internal and external resource people who are part of the certificate courses were present for the Niraivagam Day and witnessed the convocation of 11 students who qualified for the Level II certification in Psychotherapy. The awards and certificates were presented by the Chief Guest Rev. Fr. K.M. Jose SDB, Provincial and Rev. Fr. Don Bosco Lourdusamy SDB Chennai Province of Chennai Province. A Short Film Contest was held based on Theme “Mental Health of Young People in a Changing World”. Three awards were given for this short contest and they were honoured with a cash prize, certificate and a trophy.

A Tamil Poetry Competition was conducted at two levels - for school students and for college students and the general public. About 250 contestants participated in the competition. There were three student prize winners and 3 winners from the general category. The winners received a cash prize, certificate and a trophy.