Date:19/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/19/stories/2008121957200200.htm

Tamil Nadu

A fair attempt by students to help the poor

Syed Muthahar Saqaf

Service-oriented: The fun fair under way at Mount Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Pudukottai.

PUDUKOTTAI: Students of the Mount Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Pudukottai, participated in a day-long fun fair held in the school. The fair was organised with the innovative idea where the students could have fun, learn the nuances of business and then also help the poor with the profit raised. The students of different classes had put up stalls and sales was made using the token printed specially for the occasion. Many students had brought various delicacies prepared at home for sale. Some others preferred to prepare it in the school campus itself. They came well equipped for the task with stoves, oil and utensils. Chicken 65, fish fry, bajji, noodles, etc., were served hot. Some brought briyani, parottas and others fresh lime juice, ice-cream etc.

Parents also actively participated in the event with some helping in the preparation of food stuff and many others enjoying the mouth-watering delicacies.

The computer laboratory was converted in to a video game arcade and movies were screened in halls for the movie buffs.

The president of the Lions Club of Pudukottai Victory, S. Jawahar inaugurated the fun fair and the school correspondent, Jayabarathan Chelliah presided. The Headmistress, Florence Jayabarathan presented a report on the help rendered to various deserving people with the previous years profit. Students of the local school for deaf and dumb children, the children of widows employed in the institution, and inmates of a couple of old-age homes were among those who received assistance. The students had also brought in newspaper cutting containing appeals for help for children undergoing medical treatment. Demand drafts were sent to party cover the expenses for surgery or treatment of these hapless children.

At the valediction, the Senior Principal, Jonathan, J. said that the proceeds from this year’s fun fair would also go entirely towards charitable purposes.