Adv. M. Vincent, Member of Legislative Assembly,

Shri V.K. Prasanth, Mayor,

Shri T.P. Sreenivasan, Former Ambassador,

Dr. M.R. Rajagopal, Pallium India,

Smt. Deepthi Girish, School Manager,

Smt. P.L. Sreelatha Devi, Headmistress,

Priyappetta Adhyaapakare, Vidyarthinikale,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.

       It gives me great joy and pride to address you on the occasion of the Centenary Celebrationsof Venganoor Girls   Higher Secondary School, Thiruvananthapuram. 

       First of all, let me partake in the joy of the students, teachers, staff, management and former students of Venganoor Girls Higher Secondary Schoolas their institution crosses a significant milestone in its history. Let me also recall the contributions of the teachers of this school, past and present, who have worked with utmost devotion all these years, to enlighten students and to shape them into responsible citizens.

       The story of how this institution was founded as a primary school in 1920 by the Late Shri N. Vikraman Pillai, in the premises of Sri Neelakesi Devi Temple, its relocation to the present site, its bifurcation as Boys' and Girls' schools in 1961 and subsequent upgradation are too well known to be recounted in detail. I am happy to note that today, this school, which is an alma-mater to thousands of students belonging to three generations, stands tall with over 2000 pupils and 105 staff members.  Besides, it is good to know three teachers of this institution had been bestowed with the National and State awards in the past.

       Every school must stand as a symbol of the cultural and educational awakening of the locality it serves. I am happy that this school has performed this role very well in Venganoor, which is famous as the land of Mahatma Ayyankaliwho fought for the rights of the downtrodden by giving priority to educational rights. Besides, this village was blessed by the visit of Mahatma Gandhiwhen he came to Travancore in connection with the Temple Entry Proclamation.  I understand that the freedom fighter Shri G. Chandrasekhara Pillaiwho later became the lrrigation Minister of Travancore State also belonged to this place and that the Neyyar Dam, which he helped to build, continues to be a boon to the farming community.

       The real merit of a school is measured not only by the educational achievements of its students, but also by how they serve society in future. The variety in the areas where the former students of this school serve, points to the balanced mix of knowledge and social awareness imparted by this school. 
I am happy that  this School has illustrious former students like Shri P. Viswambharan, former Member of Parliament,Justice M.R. Hariharan Nair, Dr. Jones (Former Director General of Fisheries),andCapt. Jerry Prem Raj, the recipient ofVir Chakrawho sacrificed his life in the Kargil war against terrorists.

       What adds to our pride is the presence of another old student, Dr. M.R. Rajagopalof Pallium India, who was awarded Padma Shrilast year.  By presenting financial aid to him for his matchless social service, this school community led by Justice Hariharan Nair and Shri Ramakrishnan Nair shows its true concern for the suffering of cancer patients.

       Social reformers all over the world have believed in the power of education in changing society. And, education, asSwami Vivekananda once said, must be a process by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, and intellect is sharpened, so that one can stand on one’s own feet. How far a school equips a student to stand on his or her feet decides its impact in society.  The presence and active co-operation of former students, parents and others indicate the positive social impact of this school.

       As you may be aware, Kerala has embarked on a mission to provide nearly 40,000 Smart classrooms in the schools.  I am certain that the introduction of such infrastructure in Government and aided schools would help to attract more students to study in such institutions. This would also help our students in being updated with the latest technological advances. I hope that this school has also modernized its infrastructure.

       However, in our efforts to keep pace with the sweep of Information Technology, there is a danger of our attention getting concentrated on updating of technical facilities alone. Let us also regard the cultivation of a human vision as complementary to technological growth.  After all, true education aims at the blossoming of human personality, through a harmonious blending of knowledge and human values.  Let these values guide our children to use modern technology for the betterment of the society and the less privileged sections.

       The school plays a very significant role in deciding the values that a student imbibes through education. Therefore, it is really important to expose the children to the social realities of their times and to sensitize them to various inequalities that prevail in society. It is through such social interactions that children shape their opinions and attitudes as they grow up.

       Schools should also educate children on their social rights. Today, Education is a fundamental right of every child. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 obligates the State to provide education to children in the age group of 6-14 years. In fact, every child who receives school education must be made conscious about the rights of other children including the differently abled. Schools must sensitize them on issues like gender discrimination, the need for ensuring inclusive facilities for the differently abled etc.

       I would also like to mention a word about the former students of this school, since a visit to any school reminds me of my student days in a government school with tiles on its roof. We had no fans and you can imagine how hot it was during the summer. But, I feel proud when I recall that it was that humble classroom that gave me the energy to move ahead. And, the first institution that I visited after being Chief Justice of India was that primary school.  I am certain that many former students of this would also have great love for this school.
I hope their attachment would translate into cooperation for improving the facilities here and for helping students in need.

       I hope all the programmes to be conducted as part of the Centenary Celebrationwould add to the stature of this school in society. I convey my best wishes for the success of these programmes.

       I also compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind

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