School to be protected: Minister

‘No compromise on development of Attakulangara school’

Governor Sheila Dikshit honours 94-year-old alumni Janardhanan Nair and former teacher Malathi Amma (middle) during ‘Oruvattomkoodi,’ a reunion organised for former teachers and students of the Government Central High School, Attakulangara, in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar is also seen. Photo: S. Mahinsha

It was a promise that nearly 500 people who had assembled at the Government Central High School, Attakulangara, here on Sunday were waiting to hear.

And he delivered it. Whether it was plain rhetoric or an oath that Minister of Health V.S. Sivakumar will keep, only time will tell.

While he did not categorically rule out the possibility of a shopping complex and new bus terminal coming up at East Fort, Mr. Sivakumar stressed that any decision made by the government would not compromise on the development of the school and the natural environment around it.

The Minister was speaking during the 125 anniversary of the Attakulangara school, the celebrations of which were held as a reunion for former teachers and students of this heritage institution.

The gathering was titled ‘Oruvattomkoodi’, a phrase that brings to mind a poem by O.N.V. Kurup on nostalgia and reliving old memories, said renowned dramatist Kavalam Narayana Panicker. He added that it also bears a slightly distressing undertone of ‘one last chance’ for everyone impacted by the school to get together here again.

“Let us hope that it’s not the case and the school will be here to witness its bicentennial anniversary and more. I’m sure no one needs to remind the government of the importance of developing our educational institutions,” he said, casting a sideways glance at the politicians on the dais.

The former Minister M.M. Hassan, also an alumnus, was also present and he too underlined the need to protect the school.

As Governor of Kerala, it was the last event inaugurated by Sheila Dikshit.

She said she was honoured to be part of such a historic function being celebrated by one of the oldest schools in the city. Ms. Dikshit also felicitated the oldest alumni, 94-year-old Janardhanan Nair and former teacher Malathi Amma, who recently turned 90.

Alumni belonging to batches spanning several decades convened from different parts of the world for the occasion.

Former students honoured their teachers during the session following the inaugural ceremony.

Organisers also screened a documentary called ‘Verukal Murikkumbol’ made by Suresh Elamon and Balachandran.