Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s first-ever government school for children with hearing impairment is now 75 years. Government VHSS for Deaf, Jagathy, which started with just two students in 1942, now has an extensive list of alumni it can take pride in.
Inaugurating the school’s platinum jubilee, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan mentioned the names of a few. They included Abhirami Krishna U. S., who participated in the national and international sports meets, as well as Saji Thomas, who built a low-cost aeroplane.
He said that he had seen art made by students here.One of the paintings he received during the function was made by Joshi George, a young alumnus who is now a drawing teacher at his own school. He spoke in sign language, and Manju Annie Mathew, a teacher, interpreted it for the media.
He looked excited as he conveyed that he was constantly striving to motivate the students.Several grey-haired ones were present at Wednesday’s function – some were former teachers, some former students.
There was K. P. Thomas who was the school principal in 2001.There was a counter to collect details of unemployed former students. “After collecting details we will try our best to find employment for them,” said Rakhi V. R., VHSS principal.
The school had to struggle through tough times in its initial years as a small private school. J. Devanesan, who founded the school, had to rent out a one-room facility to conduct classes, according to Reji Cherian Mathew, a teacher here. Later, when Prof Joseph Mundassery was education minister, the government took it over.
The school still has infrastructural challenges. A couple of years ago, teachers here had collected money to set up a smart classroom, in addition to another for which the government gave funds. Corporation’s education standing committee chairman S. Unnikrishnan said this year’s budget had set aside Rs 50 lakh for
the school.
