ABOUT US
Our Mission
To cure and care by assisting organizations that serve the underprivileged and provide medical support to the needy.
Our History
Spreading the light of happiness
With the mere sighting of a distressed woman and child on the streets, a group of compassionate women, led by Mrs. Suryakumari Ramakrishna, were inspired to kindle a transformative initiative. This flicker of empathy, called ‘Prayas,’ epitomized their dedication to effecting a positive change. Started in 1996, Prayas Trust meaning “effort” or “endeavour” in Sanskrit, symbolized their commitment to uplifting the disadvantaged. Founded by the spouses of L&T Construction employees and female staff members, Prayas Trust functions as a non-profit organization dedicated to social welfare, receiving nurturing and financial support from L&T’s management. Serving as the driving force behind L&T’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Prayas mobilizes the nationwide L&T family to unite in community service.
In its nascent stages, Prayas operated from a modest setting, utilizing a rented marriage hall in Virugambakkam to provide vital medical services to the marginalized community. Following Mrs. Suryakumari Ramakrishna’s tenure, the stewardship of Prayas Trust passed to Mrs. Chitra Rangaswami, a driving force behind the establishment of scholarships catering to underprivileged children. Through her advocacy for universal access to quality education, she exemplified Prayas Trust’s unwavering dedication to fostering social equality and empowerment.
Over time, Prayas has transformed into a beacon of hope for numerous underprivileged individuals under the guidance of Mrs. Meena Subrahmanyan , President Prayas Trust . At present, the heart of Prayas is continually fueled by the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of over 300 members, united in their mission to brighten lives and inspire smiles.
In addition to healthcare initiatives, Prayas actively participates in educational and socio-economic upliftment endeavors tailored to the needs of underprivileged communities. Recognizing the financial constraints faced by many organizations and individuals working with the marginalized, Prayas extends a supportive hand by assessing their needs and addressing fundamental necessities.
Through its steadfast involvement in diverse CSR activities, Prayas reaffirms its commitment to making a tangible impact on society, proudly representing L&T’s CSR endeavours.
Community Service
Prayas Trust extends its support to numerous non-profit organizations dedicated to serving the underprivileged community, ensuring they can sustain their valuable services. Through various means, Prayas aids these organizations in addressing medical, educational, psychological, and emotional needs.
Joy of Giving
Every October, we embrace the spirit of giving through our ‘Joy of Giving’ celebration. During this month, Prayas Trust extends a helping hand to NGOs dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged. Through meticulous scrutiny of their needs, authenticity, and the impact of their endeavours, we carefully select the NGOs to support.
Our efforts have brought significant benefits to numerous children of contract employees at L&T. We have collaborated with NGOs such as Premavasam, SERD (Social Education and Rural Development), and PCVC and supported cancer patients in their journey towards recovery. Furthermore, we facilitated an outing to the Marine Kingdom for schoolchildren suffering from muscular dystrophy, fulfilling their wishes.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister honours Meena Subrahmanyan, President of PrayasTrust, with Best Social Worker Award
Mrs Meena Subrahmanyan, President of PRAYAS TRUST, was honoured with the prestigious Best Social Worker Award by the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M.K. Stalin. The award, presented during the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St. George, Chennai, recognizes her outstanding contributions to women’s welfare and social upliftment in the state.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award,” Mrs. Subrahmanyan stated. “This recognition reflects the efforts of our team and the invaluable support of donors and volunteers. We remain dedicated to empowering women and uplifting underprivileged communities.”
Under Mrs. Meena Subrahmanyan’s leadership, Prayas Trust has empowered thousands of people through its various initiatives, including healthcare for over 60,000 people annually, and monthly dialysis treatment for 400 patients. The Trust’s contributions extend to education, with tuition centres benefiting 150 children monthly, tailoring units supporting 80 women annually, and mobile medical units bringing care to underprivileged communities. In partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Prayas Trust’s work has been instrumental in rural development and skill-building initiatives.
Looking ahead, Prayas Trust plans to strengthen self-help groups and expand skill development programmes to further support women across Tamil Nadu.
OUR MILESTONES
A LEGACY OF CARING
Mrs. Surya Kumari Ramakrishna sparked the initiative when she, alongside four spouses of L&T employees, established Prayas Trust. Initially operating from their residences, the organization later shifted its base to a marriage hall
Supported the nation by generously contributing to the Kargil Fund
Inauguration of the Prayas Medical Centre
Bhoomi Pooja for the New Medical Centre at Virugambakkam in Chennai
AMN graces the 12th Annual Celebration of Prayas Trust
Signing of the MOU with Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital Pvt Ltd.
Inauguration of the new state-of-the-art Medical Centre
Inauguration of the Dialysis Unit at the Prayas Medical Centre
Awarded Mary Club wala Jadhav Award for humanitarian service
Launched the Prayas Tuition Centre to offer high-quality education to underprivileged children.
OUR MILESTONES OVER THE YEARS
Launched a sustainable skilling programme for women through the Prayas Tailoring Institute
Awarded AVM Rajeswari Ammal Memorial Award
Introduced a mobile medical unit to provide quality healthcare directly to the doorsteps of impoverished and elderly individuals in need
Mobilised and dispatched aid to the people affected by the Chennai floods
Release of the first edition of Prayas Times
Collaborated with DAVITA Health Care for the Dialysis Unit at Prayas Medical Centre
Flagged Off the Prayas Toy Van. The initiative aims to ignite the spark of learning through fun and play for the students of Government Schools
Prayas Medical Centre accredited with ISO Certification
Educational support initiative to the Kovur Govt School
Inaugurated the new Prayas Trust office at L&T HQ
Handed over a Sanitation Complex at Girls Higher Secondary School, Ashok Nagar
Introduced the Smart and Integrated Village Development Programme within the Tirukazhukundram block of Chengalpattu District
Provided COVID relief materials in the form of dry ration and hygiene kits to 2000 plus households in the villages adopted by Prayas Trust
CSR Award received in December
Successful completion of the first phase of Smart & Sustainable Village Development project with 3200+ villagers befitted, 10+ multi-specialty camps, 76% women anemia free and over 700 children educated through Smart Classrooms and Child Learning Centres.
New Organization of Prayas Affiliates announced.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister honours Meena Subrahmanyan, President of PrayasTrust, with Best Social Worker Award