I come from Valikandapuram, a small village near Trichy, Tamil Nadu, where childhood days were marked by darkness in more ways than one. When I was growing up, my village did not have electricity, nor did our school. Despite this, I was fortunate to attend a small government school that became the crucible of my dreams. Our teachers did not give up on us—many stayed back to hold extra classes until 11 PM, guiding us by the dim glow of lanterns. Their dedication was unmatched and inspired a deep thirst for knowledge in students like me.
Coming from an economically disadvantaged background and raised by parents who had no formal schooling, the odds were stacked against me. However, those late-night classes, combined with sheer determination, helped me break barriers. I eventually topped my school and district. I was able to secure admission to the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Trichy, formerly called Regional Engineering College (REC), Trichy—an achievement that felt like a beacon of light piercing through the darkness of my early life. This milestone was not just a personal victory; it symbolized hope for my entire village and community.
After completing my engineering degree at NIT Trichy, I pursued a master’s degree at the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani. These years of study broadened my horizons and equipped me with skills I would later apply in the industrial sector. Over the past 36 years, I have garnered experience across various industries, including oil, gas, fertilizers, and cement. My last project was as General Manager of Projects at a major petrochemical corporation, a role I cherished and which challenged me to contribute meaningfully to the industry.
However, success for me is not only about personal milestones. My thoughts often return to the government school in Valikandapuram where my journey began—a school that now educates nearly 500 children from five surrounding villages within a 4.5-kilometer radius. That school, built on land donated by villagers, has evolved into a beacon of hope with achievements like winning the Kamarajar Best School Award and earning a Green School Award through tree-planting initiatives. Yet, a lack of adequate infrastructure still holds back its true potential.
Driven by gratitude and a belief in paying it forward, I have been involved in several initiatives to improve my alma mater. In previous years, we constructed 13 toilets, a library, desks, benches, and writing boards to enhance the learning environment and sanitation facilities for the children. This year, we have initiated a scholarship program to support deserving students, and we plan to continue providing these scholarships every year. Additionally, this year, we are taking a big step forward by developing the school infrastructure further with a compound wall repair, a stage and shed, and paved pathways.
To fund these efforts, my fellow NIT alumni and their families generously contributed funds, a gesture for which I am truly grateful, and a dedicated Zumba trainer, Vithya, conducted special sessions for the fundraiser. I’m grateful that over 100 people participated, and all the registration fees collected were directly donated to the school fund.
Reflecting on my story, it is clear that the brightest light in my journey has been the unwavering belief of my teachers and community, even when the physical lights failed us. Their dedication, combined with a hunger for learning, opened doors I once thought were locked forever. Today, I hope to illuminate those same doors for the children of Valikandapuram, proving that adversity is never the end but merely a crossing point toward greater things.
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