Date:11/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/11/stories/2008101151860300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Computer lab, library await formal inauguration

R. Arivanantham

The project marks the golden jubilee of Uthangarai Government HSS

About 140 alumni donated liberally for the building project

Photo: N. Bashkaran

Lying unused: The modern computer lab and library building at Uthangarai Government Higher Secondary School in Krishnagiri district. —

KRISHNAGIRI: A computer lab and library built at a cost of nearly Rs. 1 crore at Uthangarai Government Higher Secondary School is awaiting formal inauguration by former President Abdul Kalam for the past six months.

The school library, which had 6,000 books was functioning in a small cramped room.

Hence, the headmaster P. Ponnusamy had suggested construction of a modern building at the Parent Teacher Association meeting.

The association headed by V. Swaminathan, who is also Uthangarai Union Secretary, and V. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Vidhya Mandir Group of Educational Institutions, gave shape to the idea. They swung into action and contacted the old students of the School.

Besides library, a computer lab and free IAS, IPS coaching centre for aspiring rural students in and around Uthangarai town was planned.

On hearing about the project, about 140 former students came forward to donate liberally for this noble cause. Two lecturers from Krishnagiri Government Polytechnic designed the 4400 sq.ft. building plan.

The ground floor of the building housed the library and in the first floor, a modern computer lab with 40 computers was installed at a cost of Rs. 15 lakh.

All the computers were inter-linked through networking system. The computer room is fully air-conditioned.

Internet

Students can access information-related sites through internet for their education and reference purposes. The building called e-library was built at a cost of Rs. 70 lakh in a span of 10 months. One of the alumni, V. Selvaraj, Managing Director of Sun Minerals in Chinnappanaikanpalli in Tumkur district, donated Rs. 20 lakh for construction of the first floor.

The Uthangarai Government Higher Secondary School, which was started in 1957, is celebrating its golden jubilee this year. Mr. Ponnusamy says the prestigious project marks the golden jubilee of the school.