It's usually hefty donations that parents shell out to schools to ensure their children get a good education.
But parents of the Chennai Middle School-MGR Nagar II did something different — they brought books, mats, lunch boxes and other useful articles as kalvi seer varisai (‘gifts to the school’) on Friday.
Dressed in silk sarees, parents and some teachers of the school, set out carrying trays with tiffin boxes, mats, notebooks, pencil boxes, mops and other items.
The procession, which began at a temple about 500 metres away from the school, was led by two musicians playing the nadaswaram and thavil, leading many residents of Kamarajar Street in MGR Nagar to wonder if a wedding was taking place at the school.
‘Expression of gratitude’
Meher Nisha, a parent, explained, “Unlike private schools, Corporation schools do not ask us for donations and yet they impart quality education to our children. Hence, we wanted to express our gratitude to the teachers of the institution.”
The seer varisai was deposited in the school. “We want all the children to use the gifts we have given. We came to know about this [initiative] only a few days back. Otherwise, we would have given more,” said Charumathi, another parent.
Mathiarasi Shankar, also a parent, was pleased to have brought some gifts. She said, “My child’s education has improved. Like private schools, all the children here also learn yoga and karate. I want the school’s name to be known to everyone.”
Ms. Nisha agreed with her and added that all her relatives were sending their children to private schools.
“After seeing my child’s skills, they want to know more about this school. If such [good] quality Corporation schools are available, people will not opt for private schools,” she said.
The decision to hold such an event was discussed at a school management committee meeting under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
“It [ kalvi seer varisai ] is taking place in 43 schools of the city. In each education block, at least four schools are carrying out this programme,” said S. Sujatha, Headmistress of MGR Nagar-II school.
