Dr. K.T. Jaleel, Priyappetta Thaddesa Svayam Bharana

Vakuppu Manthri,

Shri E.T. Muhammed Basheer MP,

Shri A.P. Unnikrishnan MLA,

Smt. R.K. Hafsath, President, Tirur Block Panchayath,

Smt. Rahmath Soudha, President, Purathur Grama Panchayath,

Shri C.P. Kunhimoosa, Chairman, Welfare Committee GHSS

Purathur,

Shri G. Ramakrishnan, PTA President, GHSS Purathur,

Shri M. Devadas, Principal, GHSS Purathur,

Priyappetta Adhyaapakare,

Sneham Niranja Vidyarthikale,

Madhyama Suhruthukkale,

Priyappetta Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.

I am very happy to address you after inaugurating the new block of the Government Higher Secondary School atPurathurin the Tavanur Constituency of Malappuram District.  We have also laid the foundation stone for the new school building, to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 5.39 crore.

       Let me begin by appreciating the efforts of Dr. K.T. Jaleel, Minister for Local Self Government, who is also the MLA of this constituency, in planning a comprehensive development for this school. The Block we have inaugurated was constructed with the MLA's asset development fund of Rs.1.5 crore. While handling a portfolio that involves over one thousand local government institutions, it is commendable that he has framed a development agenda for a school in this village, with the active cooperation of the people and the Welfare Committee.

       Personally, I feel a sense of satisfaction when I attend programmes like this, where the MP or MLA funds are utilized. In fact, it was during my term as Judge in the Supreme Court that we passed a verdict in favor of the constitutional validity of the MP LAD funds.

       Education or human resources development is undoubtedly the greatest investment that any government can make for the future. It has been proved time and again that the greatest social changes have been brought about through the power of education. All over the world, Educational institutions strive to mould children into responsible citizens who would lead the world one day.  Since the education imparted at the school level is the foundation of one's personality, we have to ensure that the best training and facilities are given to our children.

          It is with this idea in mind that the Government of Kerala has implemented an ambitious programme to set up around 45000 smart class rooms in the State.  I understand that more than half of that work is over.  Similarly, the move to raise some schools to international standards is also a novel idea, which is going to be a model for the entire nation.

       It goes without saying that infrastructure is essential for the right kind of human resource development.  To strike a personal note, I would say that today's children are very fortunate to have the entire society concentrating on ensuring facilities for schools.

       Whenever I hear children and parents complaint about not having fan or enough number of computers in the classroom, my mind goes back to my school in the village in Erode.  It had a roof with Mangalore tiles and not a single fan! You can imagine how hot it must have been!  But, it was my school that I first visited, after I became a judge. The classrooms of that government school were still the same, even after decades.  And, I felt the same joy that I had felt as a student there. I was only proud that my journey had started from that classroom and the scorching heat under that tiled roof!

My generation and that of many elder people sitting here, did not have the elaborate educational facilities that today’s children have.  But, we were not as tense or confused as most children are today.  Today's children live in a highly connected environment, but there is very little social interaction. Schools must therefore, encourage informal interactions which give an overview of how the various components of our society function.

Such interactions will help our students to improve their social skills, which are essential to live in harmony with society. And, most important among them is the development of the children's communication skills, because in this age, those skills decide our success or failure.

I would also like to add that schools should encourage students to ask for knowledge about their rights as children.  That would give insights into how zealously the society and the nation endeavor to protect them. We should also educate our children about ‘Preamble’ and ‘Fundamental Duties’ as provided in our Constitution to every citizen.  It would certainly inspire them to think about their role as future citizens. Such learning would also endow them with a clear understanding about the social realities of our times.

Coming back to the school and its facilities, I would request the teachers to ensure that the modern facilities and educational environment encourage students to apply their knowledge to practical use.  Teachers must also instill in the minds of the students, the spirit of inquiry which will channelize their energy in pursuit of academic excellence and social awareness.

             I sincerely hope that the new building and the facilities added to this school would improve the standard of formal education in this locality.  I compliment the   Parent-Teacher association, the Local self government institutions, members of the Welfare committee and the people of this constituency and particularly Dr. K.T. Jaleel, MLA of this constituency and Minister for the interest they have taken in the development of this school.

       I once again greet all the students and teachers and
wish them success.  I also compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind

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