Chennai: The students of Middle School in MGR Nagar were tickled pink this morning.
Not because they were given a holiday or exams were cancelled or their math teacher was on leave.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, children had huddled up to take part in ‘Kalvi seer vazhangum vizha’ with parents at Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple, located just a few metres from their school.
Minister for School Education, K A Sengottaiyan, had appealed to the public to generously contribute to meet the needs of government-run schools. Following this, several institutions informed the parents to volunteer for the welfare of the students.
At MGR Nagar, over 200 parents lined-up with items such as stationery products, cupboards, dustbins, tube lights, chairs and other essentials for the school that offers education from kindergarten-level to class eight and teaches 1,050 students.
“This is the first time that our school is witnessing such a jubilant happening. For long, we have had several needs and now parents are coming forward with open hearts to donate whatever they can,” said school Headmistress, Sujatha S.
“Though we were given short notice, the parents did not fuss or fume when we informed them around a week ago,” Sujatha added while she was giving directions to a parent.
With traditional percussion instruments playing in the neighbourhood, just like in Indian weddings, the parents, all smiles, walked towards the school with their children, doing their bit for the institution.
“Although I can afford to enrol my child in a private school, I decided to admit here because of the impeccable quality of education they offer. I was pondering as to how to help the school and this suggestion comes at the right time. Along with other parents, we got a list of materials required for the school and have given whatever we can,” said a parent, T Ilakiya, while walking with the group.
The parent further added that such State-run institutions must be brought on a par with private schools by upgrading the facilities. “People spend even lakhs for kindergarten admission: the same amount can be pumped in here for the welfare of children. I did not find highly-educated teachers anywhere else but in this Middle School, which is why we did not hesitate to come forward to do our bit for the cause,” added Ilakiya.
“Individuals must come forward for the development of government-run schools,” stated an elated Sujatha.