A classroom and library for children in two villages in Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, India, has been completed with funding from Meetings Industry Meeting Needs, the events industry charity. Working through the Sri Aurobindo Society, the building provides a sheltered learning environment for 400 children and their mothers at a cost of just £5,000.

Sri Aurobindo Society’s SARVAM project is working in Poothurai and Perambai with nearly 7,000 people from the lowest castes and economically disadvantaged communities. The work is coordinated through 15 coordinators from the village itself.

Previously much of the teaching took place in the open air, but this cannot be done in the rainy season. The building, called 'New Creation' is also where cultural, fine arts and crafts programmes will be organised and educational film shows will be conducted. During the day it will be used as a meeting and activity centre for community workers, women and youth.

MIMN’s Peter Rand MBE said: “We are delighted to help the society with this project that assists the education of needy children – particularly because of the involvement of Subhash Thaker of Taj Hotels.”

Sri Aurobindo's Vijay Vijay Poddar said: “The new building in the village is ready and is looking beautiful. It is being used regularly to organise various activities for about 400 children and their mothers. Your contribution has been a great help as now we can continue these activities even when there is hot sun or there are heavy rains, which we were unable to do earlier."