The activities of this 72-year-old woman are as diverse and varied as her interests -- she has been helping the needy,promoting science and culture, and organizing carnatic music competitions for youths. She has also been donating to organize cultural events for the past one decade.

Madhuri Thathachari, retired research data manager of University of California, who runs Bhramara Trust of YT and Madhuri Thathachari, has been contributing generously towards natural disaster relief funds. She has helped many people who lost their family members during the earthquake in Gujarat and tsunami near Chennai.

Every year, Madhuri, with the help of various institutions across the nation, identifies the good works of scientists in their respective streams and felicitates them by presenting an award in memory of her husband professor Y T Thathachari, a renowned scientist and scholar. Apart from presenting the awards, Madhuri gives a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh to deserving scientists to promote and create interest among youths in the field of research and development.

This senior citizen is also into organizing carnatic music competitions (with free entry) to provide a platform for youngsters in the filed of music. She has also instituted an award in the name of legendary carnatic vocalist M S Subbulakshmi with a cash prize of Rs 5,000.

Madhuri Thathachari said good works of scientists should be identified and appreciated.

"Everyday, people use many things invented by scientists. But they may not know those who have made them possible," she said, adding: "I organize music competitions to promote and create awareness about carnatic music among youth."

Madhuri says that she is planning to open a veterinary hospital, so as to provide treatment for stray dogs and stray cattle suffering from diseases and injuries.

Madhuri does not raise funds to help the needy people. But she uses her own source of income for the purpose. She has helped many needy students by paying fees for courses like engineering and nursing.

This down-to-earth senior citizen has also helped patients suffering from cancer and heart diseases by paying for their medical expenses.

You can visit the website of the trust at http://www.bhramara.org/