SYMA honoured good Samaritan(s) - Childfest 2026

 

Imp Pre-script :  the mind blowing act of honesty   happened in Jan 2026, everybody from the CM to Corporates recognized the person.  Being a Triplicanite, SYMA thought it fit to honour them on stage – that of Childfest 2026 Prize Distribution.  A small write-up coming up rather belatedly. !!

 

The proverb "honesty is the best policy" originated in late 16^th -century England, emphasizing truthfulness as the wisest long-term strategy over deception. It reflects cultural values of integrity in personal and public affairs. Moral character is formed by one's actions. The habits, actions, and emotional responses of the person of good character all are united and directed toward the moral and the good. Character and action are intertwined  

 

The great Thiruvalluvar said : 

தூய்மை துணைமை துணிவுடைமை இம்மூன்றின்

வாய்மை வழியுரைப்பான் பண்பு.

 

It is slightly off the topic yet conveys :  in this Thirukkural, Valluvar highlights the qualities of – ‘Integrity, resourcefulness, soul-determined & truthfulness – as the hallmark of a person who can be a trusted emissary. Integrity and truthfulness are hallmark of great sincere honest people too !!  

Embezzlement in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) primarily falls under Section 405 (Criminal Breach of Trust), defining it as dishonestly misappropriating or converting entrusted property, with Section 406 dealing with general punishments, while Section 409 imposes stricter penalties for specific individuals like public servants, bankers, or agents.  Not to feel tempted and not to usurp other’s asset is a great virtue.    

 

In Indian ithihasam – the epic tale of Harishchandra stands out – a real tell-tale version of striking testament to unyielding honesty, pushing the limits of human endurance. King Harishchandra of Ayodhya, famed for truthfulness, boasted to sage Vishwamitra about his integrity.  He descended into poverty, working as a menial cremation ground keeper enduring lashes and humiliation while upholding his vow.

 

In the 17^th  century, Galileo Galilei honestly shared evidence that Earth orbits the Sun, despite opposition from authorities. Facing house arrest, his truth advanced science and earned posthumous vindication, proving honesty endures beyond personal risk. Benjamin Franklin exemplified honesty through his personal virtues and life experiences, often weaving it into his writings and actions. His autobiography and "Poor Richard's Almanack" highlight stories where truthfulness built trust and success. Franklin listed "Sincerity" as one of his 13 virtues: "Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and if you speak, speak accordingly." He tracked his adherence daily, crediting it for his influence and relationships, as it made others seek his company despite imperfections.

 

Honesty remains a timeless virtue, as illustrated in engaging moral stories that show truthfulness leading to rewards and inner peace.  Triplicane’s couple Mr Subramani & Mrs Padma are epitomes of these virtues.    

 

Srinivas YOungmens’ Association [SYMA] founded in 1977 has been actively engaged in social service, enabling betterment of the society in many ways.  From 1989, we have been running a Medical Centre, where free medical consultation and medicines are provided (at a notional fee of Rs.2/-).   From 2008, we are running a Free Educational support centre – SYMA Growth – taking care of more than 100 years every year. This centre has two X Std sections and one each of +2 Commerce & Science groups.  The beneficiaries are from the economically challenged group of citizens.

 

Childfest is our initiative for the past 3 decades – this year on 7^th & 8^th of Feb 2026  we conducted 10 competitions at NKT National Girls High School – more than 80 schools and 2000 students participated in the two day extraganza.    

0n 8^th Feb 2026 evening, Prize Distribution was held.  The Chief Guests were -  Subedar Major Anandasayanam, more than 3 decades of distinguished service in the Indian Army, (Army Service Corps);  Mrs. A. Jayanthi, a teacher in Army Public Schools across various states Mr Kasi Viswanathan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chennai Super Kings  were on stage.  

On the stage – SYMA honoured Mrs Padma & Mr Subramani [for sure you have seen news about them in various media / social media and more] … still to recap.  In Jan 2026, Mrs Padma employed as a Conservancy worker found a bag in Maharajapuram Santhanam Salai, T Nagar .. .. .. and it was jewellery of 45 Sov (approx 50 lakhs worth!).  without battling an eye-lid, she along with her co-workers and husband went to Pondy Bazaar Police Station and handed over the bounty.  It was simple and plain – it was not mine, someone had missed it and it should reach them !!  moving back a few years, in Feb 2021, her husband Mr Subramani, an auto driver found a bag in Beach road and handed it over to Police – it contained Rs.1.75 lakhs in cash. 

Mr Subramani is well known to Triplicanites – he now drives an auto and earlier was a devoted Sripathamthangi (bearer of vahanams of Perumal) at Sri Parthasarathi swami thirukkovil.  They are shining jewels of Triplicane.    

 

SYMA thought it fit to honour them on stage as they will be a living example of honesty for the future generations.  Those on stage too felt overwhelmed in appreciating and honouring them on stage. 

Here are some photos of the honouring of the couples at SYMA stage on 8^th Feb 2026.  

Regards – S Sampathkumar
Vice – President, SYMA
10.3.2026