The auditorium was buzzing with energy. Around 130 students from 65 city schools who passed Class XII gathered on Sunday evening to receive The Hindu Group Science Topper awards.
Not only this, six children of newspaper vendors who completed Class X, were given an ‘In school’ scholarship that will take care of their educational expenses for the next two years.
“This is a great privilege for us,” said A. Chandrashekhar, a vendor who has been supplying newspapers in Kolathur for the past 20 years.
His daughter C. Harshini was among the chosen six to receive the scholarship. “She wants to become a doctor. I was not sure if I would be able to help her pursue a career in medicine. Now that she has received the scholarship, I can save money for her college fees,” he said.
C. Sylendra Babu, Additional Director General of Police, Coastal Security, Tamil Nadu, held a scientific question-and-answer session with the students.
He also gave away his autographed book You Too can Become an IPS Officer to the ones who gave correct answers.
‘Encourage research’
“Instead of forcing students to study, we must encourage them to research, explore and discover. We can then witness their progress,” he said.
“We hope that, after this programme, our students are encouraged and carve their own paths in life,” said S. Kalaivani, Vice-Principal, Everwin Matriculation Higher Secondary School. Sai Prakash Leo Muthu, CEO-Sairam Institutions, and J. Ajeeth Prasath Jain, Senior Principal, Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram, were present at the event.
