Uniforms, bags, books distributed

CHENNAI: T Saranraj had excitement written all over his face as he scrutinised his new uniform, clutching a set of notebooks close to his chest, while K Yamuna slung her schoolbag, the price tag still intact, over her shoulders with a toothy smile.No, it wasn't their first day to school, they were among the many youngsters who assembled at the Jain temple, Saidapet, on Sunday morning, where books, uniforms and school bags were distributed to students from low-income families.Minister for Information, G Senthamizhan, who presided over the event, appreciated the Shree Jain Sangh society’s contribution to educate children from economically and socially backward families. He also requested the Jain community to extend their help to more children.K Raghupathi, Founder- Secretary of South India Schedule Tribe Welfare Association, said that the Thiruvalluvar Gurukulam School in the area had benefitted immensely from the Jain community's efforts to provide food and education for children belonging to the Narikurava tribe over the last 10 years.R Shrimathi, a Class 11 student of Chennai Higher Secondary School, Saidapet, said, “I have been coming here for the past four years and I am happy that I can save at least `110 — the money I would have had to spend to buy the notebooks.” However, the event was also marked by confusion regarding the allotment of books and stationery to some of the children.J Vijayalakhmi, an anxious parent, who had brought both her daughters, Sushmitha and Akshaya to the event, was worried that the stock wouldn’t last. She said, “I was allotted a token to collect the books, but I am not able to find the person in charge of collecting the books.” The event saw children from the Jain community who scored over 90 per cent in the public exams receive mementos for their academic excellence.About 500 students from Classes 1 to 12 received notebooks and stationery.One hundred students in primary classes received school bags.S Latha Selvakumar, Municipal Councillor for Division 136, Hansraj Gaang, President of the Shree Jain Sangh, S Padamchand Chhajed, Secretary of Shree Jain Sangh, and C Harakchand Chhajed, Chairman of Book Bank Committee, were present at the event.