Those behind the PRISM project (Promoting Regional Schools to International Standards through Multiple Intervention), with the help of which the infrastructure facilities at Government Vocational Higher Secondary School, Nadakkavu, here was improved, were felicitated during a public function on the school premises on Tuesday.
Inaugurating the function, Mayor A.K. Premajam said the Nadakkavu school was testimony to the fact that public educational institutions could be elevated to enviable standards if there was a concerted effort on part of society. “This is a model for the entire country to emulate,” she said.
Former Education Minister M.A. Baby, the chief guest, said every effort to destroy the public education system, labelling it as ‘uneconomical and unfeasible,’ should be defeated through combined and resolute efforts. Referring to the instance of the Aided Upper Primary School, Malaparamba, in the city being destroyed allegedly by its manager, after obtaining government sanction to close it down, citing economic reasons and other lame excuses,’ Mr. Baby said, “such tendencies should be nipped in the bud.” Mr. Baby, lauded A. Pradeepkumar, MLA, who ‘conceived the idea of PRISM and successfully implemented it with the help of discerning and capable partners such as the Faisal and Shabana Foundation and higher education institutes such as the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K).’ He also presented mementos to the Foundation trustees.
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Fireworks, laser shows, music, and neatly choreographed dances, simultaneously on four stages including one on the terrace of the school building, captivated the audience.
Mr. Pradeepkumar, Faisal Kottikollon, his wife, Shabana Faisal, and others spoke. School Principal Beena Philip welcomed the gathering. Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) president Soja Baiju presided over the function.