Reporting by Janani K; Photos by Dani Charles. Photos from the audio launch are below the report.
The event, which was held at Thiyagaraya Community Centre in T Nagar, was rather special – It was completely organized by the students of Agaram Foundation, which comes under Sri Sivakumar Educational and Charitable Trust. At the 36th edition of the award function, twenty-five student beneficiaries were felicitated for their excellence in the field of academics. Also, some important announcements were made.
The Sivakumar family – Actor Sivakumar, his sons Suriya and Karthi, and his grand daughter Diya – were dressed in their casual best. The function began with a classical number performed by Sivakumar’s daughter Brindha.
At the event, every speaker heaped praises on Sivakumar, and the actor, citing instances from former-President Abdul Kalam’s life, explained how important it was to stay humble in life. “Education is very important. However, marks alone do not define one’s life. One, who cannot do well in studies, must identify his/her special talents and use it efficiently. Parents should always encourage their children and identify their talents,” he said.
Suriya and Karthi had quite a number of memories to share about the organisation’s modest beginning. “It feels heavenly to have funded the education of students for several years”, said Karthi, who appreciated his dad for running the trust successfully for 36 years. Suriya, flanked by his little daughter Diya, shared a few important life-lessons with the students. “Education and character will definitely help you climb the success ladder”, he said. Never give up on life at any time, he added. “I can see friends of my age giving up on their life easily. I request you not to do the same. Approach life with positive attitude’, he said. “Students like you, coming from tough backgrounds, are real achievers,” he said.
Suriya also made an announcement that Agaram Foundation was planning to provide soft-skills training to those who were weak at academics. The training centre, which is under construction now, will start functioning soon.
