The Hindu reached an important milestone on Thursday as it celebrated its 140th anniversary. What made the occasion more memorable for the management and the employees was several of its loyal readers commemorating the occasion in their own way.
One such reader is Nagavendra Rao, who retired as executive director of APSRTC in 2005. Pleasantly surprised to read in the newspaper that The Hindu completed 140 illustrious years, he instantly decided to do his own bit to mark the occasion in his neighbourhood and distributed fruits to students of government-aided Prakasham Vidya Niketan High School at Anandnagar Colony in Khairatabad.
“I am a reader of The Hindu since 1962. I hail from a humble background and studied in Zilla Parishad High School. It was my school teacher’s advice to read The Hindu if I wanted to gain command over English language. That advice made me what I am today,” he said.
People of under-privileged sections go to government schools these days and do not have much of parental guidance in their education. Hence he chose Prakasham Vidya Niketan High School to distribute fruits and also offer a piece of advice to students. “Read this newspaper to improve your English language and general knowledge.” Sharing with this correspondent why he is proud of The Hindu ’s milestone, he said, “People normally celebrate the birthdays of film stars, political leaders, and other icons. Families celebrate the birthdays of their elders. But rarely do they celebrate birthdays of institutions that contribute greatly to society. Turning 140 with a record of integrity, objectivity and credibility is not a small achievement”.
Institutions, individuals and society influence one another and they cannot be separated. “If individuals are good, institutions will be good and if institutions are good, society will be good. Society ultimately will benefit from good institutions,” he summed up.
Congratulating the employees of The Hindu group, he said their contribution was equally important in the growth of 140-year-old institution.
Interestingly, 96-year-old R. Tyagarajan, a neighbour of Mr. Rao and ardent reader of The Hindu , also joined him in celebrating the 140th anniversary of the newspaper at the local school.
