It was a day of mixed emotions and feelings. A poignant story of Mahesh, music composer who died of cancer way back in 2002 still lives on in many people's hearts. The pediatric ward was opened in his name recently at the Cancer Institute, Adyar. It was inaugurated by 10 year old Manoj, a cancer survivor in the presence of music wizard A.R.Rahman, Justice Prabha Sridevan, Judge, Madras High Court and N.Srinivasan, Managing Director of India Cements.

The Mahesh Memorial Trust (MMT) handed over the pediatric ward to Dr.Shanta, Chairperson of Cancer Institute, Adyar. Speaking at the occasion, Dr.Shanta said, "This is not a ward, but a symbol of love. Today around 8,000 people suffer from cancer and pediatric oncology is a unique specialty which can be cured at an early age itself. Around 2.2% of cancer is pediatric cancer only today."

It was Mahesh's last wish to start a Trust in his name and help the people who are battling against cancer and with the help of his friends, MMT was born and funds were collected from near and dear ones. Mani Ratnam, noted film director also asked Kajol and Ajay Devgan four years ago to participate in a game show and dedicate the prize amount of 1Crore to MMT. At that juncture, N.Srinivasan humbly donated 50 Lakhs from his side to the pediatric ward. With the architecture done carefully by Sujatha, to suit the preferences of children, this 22,000 square feet and a 50 bed ward had contributions of Thotta Tharani who did a ceramic mural especially for MMT.

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Media shy A.R.Rahman who posed with cancer affected children for photographs with a smile said, "Mahesh was my colleague and a close friend of mine. It was his wish to start a cancer hospital and his dream has come true."

This pediatric block caters to the needs of children aged 3 to 10. The facility houses General wards, independent rooms, an ICU, Procedure rooms, Consulting rooms, Telemedicine facilities, Library, Dining room, Meditation room, Montessori study room and a children's play area.

Near and dear ones of Mahesh shared their memories with Mahesh and the mementos given to contributors were paintings done by the children of the hospital. Justice Prabha Sridevan who was a very close friend of Mahesh right from her childhood said, "I still remember Mahesh telling I'am Mahesh son of Mahadevan. When I think of him, the things that come to my mind are music, friendship and laughter. Be it any obstacle, he strives forward and not to forget his smile. If Taj Mahal was a symbol of love, then this pediatric ward is a symbol of music, friendship and laughter. Somewhere Mahesh is strumming his guitar and looking at all of us here." She was glad that this pediatric ward has also taken the educational aspect as it is a fundamental right now. "Once you know Mahesh, it is impossible to forget him," she said. Also present at the occasion were Ajith Kumar sporting his Asal look, Aravind Swamy, Mani Ratnam, Evam Karthik Kumar, TV artiste Mohan Ram.

Anitha R