The Nilgiri Documentation Center (NDC) launched the year-long bicentenary celebrations commemorating the founding of the Modern Nilgiris at the Denad Panchayat Union Primary School recently.
In a press release, the honorary director of the NDC, Dharmalingam Venugopal said that the founder of the modern Nilgiris, John Sullivan, first set foot in the district two centuries ago in January of 1819.
Visit
“The bicentenary marks the first visit of the English administrator, John Sullivan, who almost single-handedly brought revolutionary changes in the economy, administration and development to the natives of the district,” added Mr. Venugopal.
As Sullivan started the first ever primary school on the hills of Denad for native children after his visit in 1819, Mr. Venugopal said that it was appropriate that the bicentenary celebrations were kick-started in the Denad Panchayat Union Primary School, which thanks to the efforts of local teacher, S Dharmaraj, had been making waves recently after it was resurrected and its student strength increased to over 50 pupils this year. A few years ago, the school had a student enrolment of only five children.
Awards
“Dharmaraj’s commitment, determination and innovative ways of teaching and motivation have won several awards-global and national,” said Mr. Venugopal, adding that it was appropriate that the celebrations were started at the school.
