Former Chief Minister Kamarajar fought a good fight to ensure children from the underprivileged class of society were educated. Similarly, a resident of Nanganallur, Chennai, T V Meenakshisundaram is following his footpath to provide the same.
In our country, there has been a steady dropout rate in high school-level in State-run institutions. Alarmed by it, he is doing his bit to the society by launching an enrollment drive and also teaching students who require special attention in his neighbourhood.
To support the cause, he founded ‘Edu Passion’, a not-for-profit organisation in 2016. In conversation with News Today, the 67-year-old retired bank employee shares his journey thus far and more.
“Majority of the children in Tamilnadu study in government schools. Though the State organises drives to achieve 100 per cent admission from lower strata, it is appalling to know that only a few sustain and enter higher education and a majority discontinue right after primary schooling. We realised that it is because more than 50 per cent of the students do not know to read or write. I felt the urge to offer additional support for such students in academics and that drove me to start the organisation,” recalls Meenakshisundaram.
He also says, “By 2025, India will have the highest number of youth population in the world. They should be empowered to catalyse change for which laying a strong foundation is essential. If they take the wrong path, our country will be doomed.”
As part of his movement, so far, he has approached five corporation institutions in Nanganallur, Ullagaram, Pazhavanthangal, BV Nagar and Vanuvampet and teaches below average children ranging up to 250 in number, after regular school hours.
“Though we started the firm a few years ago, it took us a lot of time to meet the principals to convince them for handling special classes with the help of teachers whom I have recruited for this purpose. It was certainly an arduous task. In an organised way, I plan to extend the same support to the rest of the institutions in the city and State, too,” shares he.
When Meenakshisundaram met the Station School Education Minister, K A Sengottaiyan and the Principal Secretary, he was assured of granting support from the administrative front and he is already motivated to carry out the good deed.
However, it is not only in academics does he offer support, but also in extra skills. “As part of our plans, we teach children music, dance and kung fu to bring a holistic growth,” he adds.
Agreeing that government schools are in lack of several tools, the crusader wants to upgrade facilities to bring them on par with private institutions. “I want these schools to be recognised as ‘model schools’ for which we will be installing smart class equipment, providing computers, library, CCTVs and other provision required,” he adds.
Nonetheless, things are not rosy as it sounds. With minimal funds and manpower, Meenakshisundaram and his team are battling with the cause. “Since we have targetted only five schools, the expenses add up to Rs 30,000. The co-founder and a few kind-hearted people donate whatever they can,” he shares.
Reach Meenakshisundaram at 89399 58123 / 80561 49008 for volunteering or donation.