“It is heartbreaking to see that there are villages without a single school or library, but has at least two TASMAC shops. The scenario is so bleak that many Government schools don’t have teachers for many subjects. Such topics have to be openly discussed in the schools. The need of hour is to bring a change, only then India can witness growth,” remarked actor Suriya at the book launch of ‘Aram Seiyya Virumbu’ by the Agaram Foundation.
The main mission of Agaram Foundation is to fulfil the needs of the first generation in a family wanting to pursue education. The parents may be illiterate and they suffer from issues of not being able to buy study materials. This is where the foundation tries to help as the bridge to books and study material, besides help with fees, etc.
“We have lots of ups and downs in society. There are students who are very proficient in their studies, but are unable to pursue them due to financial inadequacy. The biggest questions struck our minds — Should these intelligent students who complete12 years of education go back doing daily labour? This was the moot point to start ‘Agaram Foundation’ that began with 160 students in 2010”, the Singam star adds.
The prolific actor says that the greatest joy is to help people get educated and see them glow. “When compared to other states, we see that Tamil Nadu stands out with additional 45% of students pursuing graduation after their 12th grade. Our country should give more importance to education. It is quite disappointing to see that there are villages, where there isn’t a single school or library, but at least two TASMAC shops.”On the book he says, “The book isn’t just a record of fiction, but the testimony of real life instances that is witnessed through the eyes of Agaram Foundation.”
On the context he added, “In 1965, concepts like free education and free mid day meals made children come to school that instigated them on education. The situation to take education to the next level has occurred now. Given the fact that teachers should help the students to bring about change, the scenario is so depressing that many Government schools don’t have teachers for many subjects. The need of hour is to bring a change only then India can witness its growth.”
The actor makes a very good point about the scenario in the state which also markets liquor directly to the people. While a number of voices from Kollywood are making more political points on the state of Tamil Nadu, Suriya brings out a very valid point about how primary education is suffering without teachers and school infrastructure in villages. Udhayachandran, state Secretary of School Education Department was also present on the occasion and might have been apprised of ground realities and where the state could help by funding teachers and making basic education better.
