Date:19/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/19/stories/2008071959510600.htm

Tamil Nadu

Minister inaugurates residential school

Staff Reporter

MADURAI: Velammal Residential School was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs, V. Narayanasami, at Ladanendal in Sivaganga district, near here, recently.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister wanted the children to always have a “probing and innovative” mind. The Centre was providing Rs. 32,000 crore annually to State governments for running government schools. Private institutions should not only be profit-oriented but also impart quality education.

The chairman of Velammal Educational Trust, M.V. Muthuramalingam, said that the total cost of the school, including the staff quarters to be constructed, was Rs. 21 crore. “This school has a special place in my heart as I have started it in my native village. I hope it will benefit the villagers here,” he said.

Film director Bharathiraja said that education was vital for everyone to succeed in life. He praised Mr. Muthuramalingam for having built the institution in a rural location.

Bharathanatyam danseuse Urmila Sathyanarayanan said that it was unfortunate to note that the classical dance was losing favour with the current crop of younger generation. It was such an important part of the country’s heritage.

Founder-chairman of Jaya Group of colleges A. Kanagaraj and founder-chairman of RMK Engineering College and RMD Engineering College R.S. Munirathinam spoke.