Chennai: It was a day of powerful emotions at Sri Saradha Middle School at Eswaran Koil Street, that celebrated its 83rd anniversary on its premises recently. The event at the school that was founded in 1936, saw the participation of several former students, many of whom were around 80 years.
Speaking about this, school headmistress D Malligai Selvi said, “Hundreds of old students turned up for the celebrations, while our correspondent B Sivasubramanian felicitated those aged above sixty, on the occasion.” Recalling her experience, Sumathi Subramanian, one such alumnus said, “Our school was a landmark in West Mambalam during those days, as it was situated near the Railway Gate. All the classrooms were then functioning under huts, with a spacious playground for children.”
“We were taught not only education, but also discipline, worship, respecting elders and preserving nature. Right from class three, we started learning Thiruppavai, Thiruvembavai, Thirupalliezhuchi and chanting pasurams. During the month of Margazhi, girls would compete with each other to draw huge kolams in the school premises, and get appreciation from teachers and staff members”, she said.
About the alumni association, Malligai Selvi stated, “There are several of our old students, whose children are now studying in the school. All of them have joined together for this forum. The speciality of our association is that we have a blend of youth and elderly people. Their knowledge and experience comes in handy for the present children”, and added, “We also welcome many more alumni to enroll themselves in the association and support the activities”.
Meanwhile, Mambalam M Murugan, social activist and president of Lions Club of Wisdom, who is also an alumnus here, said, “There used to be a huge demand for admission during that time, as the institute promoted quality teaching, importance to discipline and obedience and nurturing the children towards learning slokas and encouraging them to participate in various extra-curricular activities”.
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