EVINCING INTEREST: Diana Dunningham Chapotin, International Secretary of Theosophical Order of Service, having a look at handmade paper products at Manakuppam in Cuddalore on Friday. — Photo: T. Singaravelou

CUDDALORE: As part of the tsunami rehabilitation programme, the Theosophical Order of Service (TOS) has donated machinery worth Rs. 5 lakhs to the Annie Besant Ammaiyar Coastal Women's Federation for setting up a paper recycling unit at Manakuppam here.

Diana Dunningham Chapotin, international secretary of TOS, inaugurated the unit on Friday in the presence of B.L. Bhattacharya, national director, and C.V.K. Maithreya, president, Chennai region.

The federation, consisting of 11 women self-help groups with over 200 members on their rolls, would run the unit. The unit would produce paper files, pads, pencil holders, etc., from used or wastepaper.

Ms. Chapotin also handed over tools and implements to the tsunami-affected craftsmen from Nagapattinam. She said she had brought greetings from Theosophical Society and the TOS from all over the world.

She said the TOS was happy to support the SHGs because they enabled a collaborative network of non-governmental organisations, government officials and women's federation.

Ms. Chapotin said it was heartening to see so many women involved in this "constructive, positive and eco-friendly project," as it would help in their economic independence.

Mr. Maithreya said the TOS had its presence several countries, taking up public causes such as education, environment and health care. It has so far contributed over Rs. 1 crore — in cash and kind — to the tsunami-affected areas in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and the Andman and Nicobar Islands.

To make the groundwater potable, that had otherwise turned saline owing to seawater incursion, the TOS had so far installed six reverse osmosis plants and one more was in the offing.

For livelihood support, it had set up 11 sewing centres, and one more paper-recycling unit would come up at Pazhaverkadu in north Chennai. These programmes were intended to obliterate the proprietor — labour distinction and make women "owners of the units."

Mr. Maithreya hoped that the women's federation would foster communal harmony by adhering to the ideals of theosophy — truth and universal brotherhood — and prosper in life. B.L. Bhattacharya, national director, said the vision of Annie Besant had come true through the setting up of the unit. He wished all success to the federation.

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