Dream Project – to establish CHILDREN’s THEATRE COMPLEXES in every district of India – as published in the then Weekly SCREEN (Indian Express Group, BOMBAY) dated 28^th April 1967, to serve children and youth, to mingle with one another, to spread camaraderie and spill out the hidden talents in all disciplines. These complexes with multi purpose theatres to screen Children’s films exclusively for kids during day hours on Holidays and during evenings as also for the elderly to witness classic films and cultural events, discourses and stageplays. The complexes with facilities to train the youth in sports and games including athletics and to produce the country’s best in all departments.

Organized the very first PAINTING COMPETITION for school children in Madras in 1964 in A.V.M. Rajeshwari Kalyana Mandapam where it was a sight to see kids from over 120 schools unearthing their hidden talents using colours and crayons and bringing out invaluable pieces of Art. The jury headed by Principal of the Government College of Arts & crafts had a tough job to select the meritorious ones and we ventured to give 100 awards. This was followed every year from 1964 to 1971.

Founder-Member, Madras Children’s film club, with school kids as members and eight shows per year in theatres, for a paltry membership fee of Rs.2/- each per year were shown in 5 cinemas. (then Rajakumari, Krishnaswami, Kapali, Vina, Balar Arangam)

Founder-Member, AA India Federation of Children’s Film club and instrumental in founding children’s film club in Puduchery, salem, Coimbatore, Nagercoil, Alleppey, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Bangalore, Davangere, Udipi, Shimoga, etc, etc.

Founder-Member, EBFO Housing society ltd. In 1970, underwent all the teething troubles, sparing more time for the improvement and overall development of Besant Nagar in general and to bring forth basic amenities which were lacking at that time.

Life Member,

·         All India Sai Samaj, Madras

·         Bhakta Mandali, Madras

·         Chinmaya Mission, Madras

·         Gita Sangam, Madras

·         The Mylapore Academy, Madras

·         South Indian Artistes Association, Madras (A signatory in the minutes of the founder’s meet)

·         Charter Member, Lions Club of Besant nagar (1976-1983)

·         Lions Club of Madras Temple City (1985-1991)

·         Panel Member, Central Board of Film Censors, Govt of India for the period 1989-1991.

Honorary Liasion Officer for 2^nd International Competitive Children’s Film Festival held in Madras in 1981 to interact between Children’s film society, the state government and the film industry in South.

Participated in similar festivals held at Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Thiruvanathapuram etc. In the Bangalore festival, presented a paper on “Distribution-Exhibition of Children’s films in India”. The presentation was well applauded by National and international delegates present. The full text finds place in the printed booklet specially published by the sponsors.

In November 2000, Friends Cultural Academy bestowed EXCELLENCE AWARD for being Pioneer-Promoter of CHILD FILM MOVEMENT in a colourful function at the German Hall.

Recipient of AWARD of DISTINCTION from the Birth Centenary celebrations committee of Director K.SUBRAHMANYAM, held at Narada Gana Sabha on 9^th June 2004. Former President, Shri R.Venkatraman gave the award.

Blessed with a family (wife, daughter, son-in-law, son, daughter-in-law & four grandchildren), is a fully contented man, continue to serve the society around, to make everyone’s life blissful and worth-living.

R.Padmanabhan
Besant Nagar, Chennai.
Ph - 24911904.

Pl contact Vivek P for further information.

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