A traditional welcome by a troupe comprising ‘nadaswaram,’ ‘thavil’ and ‘jaalra’ (hand held Indian cymbals) and a ‘kumbh,’ traditionally used in temple festivals, will not appear unusual at most locations, even in a school.
However, such a scene had many a unique features on Monday at the Panchayat Union Middle School at Kandegoundan Salai in the district.
For, not only was it to welcome the arrival of English section in this government school but also to mark the golden jubilee anniversary of the school.
Alumni
Further, making the scene special was that all the nine artistes who gave the performances were old students of the same school and were putting on the show on their own initiative. These artistes had also admitted their children to the school.
Occasion of pride
“It’s an occasion of great pride and joy”, said T. Chelladurai, one of the nadaswaram artistes.
“Almost my entire family studied in this school. After my studies at the school, I admitted all my three daughters here. Two of them — C. Sindhu and C. Gopika — have gone to high school while the third daughter, C, Ganga, is now studying Class III,” he added.
Further, his wife, C. Rajeswari, heads the school management committee, which played a vital role in the school’s functioning.
High school status
Expressing happiness at the launch of English sections, he said the school must now try to obtain high school status.
According to G. Banumathi, HM of the school, 25 students have already been admitted to the English section in Class I and many more applications had come.
Further, given the response of the parents in the locality, she said they were also considering starting English sections in Class VI.
