Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K Annamalai reached Tiruvannamalai as a part of his En Mann En Makkal Yatra. Tiruvannamalai being the bastion of DMK Minister EV Velu, Annamalai used the opportunity to pounce upon the allegations surrounding the the Minister of Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports in the state.
Annamalai commenced by sharing a poignant tale illustrating how former liquor brewers have risen to become esteemed figures in the field of education in Tamil Nadu. He supported this by specifically referencing MLA EV Velu from the Tiruvannamalai constituency as an example.
He said, “He is running Jeeva Velu International School Tiruvannamalai, is he taking donations? Oh, ₹1.5 lakhs fees! Our district head is saying we should pay ₹1.5 lakhs to study in that school. The problem in Tamil Nadu is anyone can become the father of education, someone who brews liquor is the father of education. Somehow, after looting money, he starts a school and gets the title of father of education, and gives money to some private college to get a doctorate. With the help of 4 people who shout slogans, he gives himself the title “Educational Icon”, and in ten years transforms himself from a liquor brewer to the father of education. EV Velu is an example of that kind.
He started a different business after coming to the politics, he is doing ATM business but after starting international school, he sells seats for ₹1.5 lakhs.”
Further, Annamalai challenged Velu, urging him to permit the establishment of the central government’s Navodaya schools in Tamil Nadu and to compete with the high standard of education they offer, emphasizing that children can avail of this education for free.
He stated, “I’m saying dear brother EV Velu If you really have honor and dignity, tell me that you will allow central government’s Navodaya schools in Tamil Nadu. We will bring a hundred schools in a week. Let’s take up this challenge between the international schools in Tamil Nadu and our Navodaya school. If your International school competes with Navodaya and wins, that day I will leave politics. I’m saying this truth standing at the feet of Arunachaleshwarar.”
In addition to that Annamalai criticized Velu, accusing him of operating a high-priced international school catering exclusively to the affluent, at the expense of neglecting the educational needs of the underprivileged.
He said, “You run a private school where only rich people can get education and run an international school where poor people cannot afford to enter and get educated. You are taking five lakhs to issue permission to start a CBSE school”.
He asserted, “Modi is ready to give Navodaya schools, it is a school of international standard, there is not even fee of one rupee, from uniform to food – everything is provided by the central government. What exam should your children pass? IIT, NEET, they will clear everything. I’m challenging you. Let all the fathers of education tomorrow morning we will bring 100 schools in Tamil Nadu, for a district of two to three schools, let’s have 78 schools. After 1 year, let’s have a Learning Ability Test for Navodaya and international school students, if your international school wins that day I’ll leave politics, that day will be my last day in politics. They should accept this challenge”
சாராயம் காச்சினவங்க இன்று கல்வி தந்தை.
திமுக அமைச்சர் ATM வேலுவுக்கு சவால் விடுத்த தலைவர் @annamalai_k. pic.twitter.com/NMJ5qUSG4y
— Krishna Kumar Murugan (@ikkmurugan) January 30, 2024
Navodaya Vidyalaya
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) established in 1986, constitutes a network of central schools specifically designed to cater to academically gifted students, particularly those from rural areas in India. The aim is to address the challenges arising from financial, social, and rural disadvantages that could hinder their access to advanced education. Operated by the autonomous Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti under the Ministry of Education, these fully residential and co-educational schools are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Despite being present throughout India, Tamil Nadu stands out as an exception to their nationwide coverage, owing to the influence of the education lobby in the region.
Navodaya Schools serve as a valuable alternative education system in India with a specific focus on delivering quality education to rural and talented children. Their merit-based selection process ensures admission is granted based on academic potential rather than financial status. By concentrating on rural areas, these schools provide an educational lifeline to economically disadvantaged students, offering free education, including textbooks, uniforms, and boarding facilities.
Equipped with modern infrastructure, such as well-furnished classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities, Navodaya Schools create an enriching learning environment. The establishment of these schools in various states and union territories ensures regional balance, contributing to the overall development of remote and rural areas. Emphasizing holistic development, the schools encourage participation in extracurricular activities, sports, and cultural events. They follow a three-language formula to promote multilingual proficiency and implement a unique migration scheme to foster national integration among students.
By integrating technology into education, Navodaya Schools prepare students for the digital age, and community participation ensures a sense of ownership and collective responsibility. In summary, Navodaya Schools play a vital role in bridging the urban-rural education gap, identifying and nurturing talent in remote areas, and contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the nation.
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