For Government Central High School, Attakulangara, which overcame the threats of closure and demolition, the new academic year is a token of love from its alumni, nature lovers, and teachers.
“Give us back this cultural cradle. The lovers of nature and children have put in great efforts to rejuvenate the school,” poet Sugathakumari told Minister for Health V.S. Sivakumar. She was speaking at the inaugural of ‘Pravesanotsavam 2015’ at the school.
“A school for poor children, Central High School should stand with its head held high for several more years. I request the Minister to do the needful to release it from TRIDA and return it to our children,” she said.
More than a hundred children have joined the school this year, according to school authorities. With a smart classroom and a mini computer laboratory donated by well-wishers, the school has been upgraded.
Teachers have also set up a school library.
Many alumni have shifted their children to the school to preserve and pass on to the next generation the goodness of their childhood.
“With some measures to improve hygiene and sanitation, the school can compete with any other school in the city. I grew up under the shadows of these trees and my son shall enjoy the same,” says a parent.
The Minister had promised a school bus for the children, said Venugopal, a retired teacher and well-wisher of the school.
School bags and umbrellas were distributed to the children and they were welcomed with ‘payasam’ and sweets.
Units of scouts and guides and sports training will be started in the school.
Ms. Sugathakumari recited a poem about Gandhi and the children repeated the lines, their collective voice resonating from the tree tops.
Anagha Jayan E.
