Faith in Action: The Man Who Transformed a Wedding Feast into a Movement Dr. CRS
When culture, tradition, and devotion (Bhakti) converge, miracles unfold. Every year, as summer approaches, the city of Madurai prepares for the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Tirukalyanam, a grand celebration of the celestial wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar. And where there is a wedding, there is a feast.
For the past twenty-five years, on the day of this fervently celebrated wedding, over a hundred thousand people in and around Madurai are served food as part of the festivities. This year, for example, a bustling community kitchen was set up at Sethupathy High School in Madurai, managed by a dedicated team of volunteers. Some volunteers contribute their time, chopping vegetables, cooking, serving, and cleaning, while others donate food items. The entire process adheres to the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
Despite the scale of this massive operation, it runs seamlessly. The kitchen receives around 5,000 kg of rice, 12,000 kg of vegetables, 120 cans of oil, 1,000 kg of sugar, 300 kg of garlic, 1,000 kg of onions, and 4,000 kg of ghee. The feast includes a variety of mixed rice, vegetable side dishes, chutneys, and sweet Pongal, creating an atmosphere of joy and festivity. As the lines of people outside grow, food is swiftly transported to the dining area.
However, the behind-the-scenes story of Thiru Chamundi Vivekanandan, whose vision, generosity, and charitable spirit drive this effort, is less known. Vivekanandan, however, insists that this is a wedding feast (Kalyana Virundhu) and not charity (anna danam). This event has even set a world record for a community feast.
I first met Vivekanandan twenty-five years ago when he sought my professional help for a family member with a mental health condition, who has since recovered. Our relationship grew and deepened through numerous interactions over the years.
He established a betel nut business near the Meenakshi temple. He initially offered food to a small group of people during the Meenakshi wedding, but his efforts faced strong opposition from those who resented an "outsider" taking such initiatives. Undeterred, Vivekanandan pursued legal action and won the case. A deeply religious man, he had made the annual pilgrimage to the Ayyappan temple since 1967.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vivekanandan generously provided food to patients and staff at hospitals, as well as residents at Bodhi and Trishul, units of the MS Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation. When he was diagnosed with COVID-19, he chose to be admitted to Ahana Hospitals, the clinical services wing of MSCT&RF, rather than more prominent hospitals. Even while on a ventilator, his concern for ensuring that food reached Bodhi and Trishul on time deeply touched me.
Vivekanandan passed away due to COVID-related complications at Ahana Hospitals. His legacy is now being carried forward by his son, an IT professional who has dedicated his life to his father's sacred cause.
Chamundi Vivekanandan's life was his message. He embodied the principle of being the change one wants to see in the world. His remarkable blend of religion, charity, and social commitment sets a standard worthy of emulation.
