The TANKER family bid farewell to one of its oldest staff members in Coimbatore – Velammal Raman – who retired Monday, October 11, 2021, after more than eight years of continuous service.

What retirement? She is still so young at heart that it is impossible to believe that she is retiring!
That is what came out when she sportingly danced along with Ms. Gayathree Theertha, a B.Sc. Dialysis Technology student of RVS College, for a spunky song sung by Advisory Member, Mrs. Sudha Lakshmi Mohan Rao, to entertain the guests.

While the Coimbatore dialysis unit staff were present in person, others joined online to wish housekeeping staff Velammal Raman well.

Managing-Trustee, Mrs. Latha A. Kumaraswami, praised Velammal’s hard work and care for the patients and staff. Her work during the pandemic was appreciated by Deputy General Manager, Mrs. S. Geetha.

Along with Mrs. Latha Kumaraswami and Mrs. Geetha, Head Admin, Mrs. Vasanthi Ravichander, proposing the vote of thanks, hoped that Velammal would continue to be associated with TANKER Foundation.

The retiring housekeeping staff was presented a citation that was read by EMCEE, Mrs. Kirubankani Kameswaran and attested by Founder-Trustee, Mr. Georgi Abraham and Mrs. Latha Kumaraswami, and it applauded her work. Unit Manager, Mr. Marteen, added his words of appreciation for the hard work put in by Velammal.

When asked to render her acceptance speech, Velammal, without any fuss, came forward to speak in sweet Kongu Tamil, her mind. Yes, that is what she did. After thanking everyone for honouring her by getting up the retirement function, she praised the staff for the hard work they put in.

She had everyone in splits when she said, “Please tell (actor) Suriya,” about her retirement. She recalled that she had seen him when he came to inaugurate the Coimbatore dialysis unit. This spunk was seen when she danced unabashedly to Tamil song ‘Pokkiri Raja Podhume Taaja’, sung by Mrs. Sudha Lakshmi Rao, along with Ms. Gayathree Theertha, who earlier presented a short semi-classical dance.

Velammal was presented a cash reward which included her settlement along with gratuity which is applicable for five years’ service and above.

On behalf of TANKER, Ms. Baby Prasanna honoured her with a shawl (ponnadai), while Ms. Jessy David handed over the gifts that included two silk sarees.

For their part, the staff of the unit also presented her with a gift.

Those involved in organising the beautiful event were thanked, including Advisory Member, Ms. Rohini Menon.