Malcom Granath's testimony

There are special uncontrolled moments in our life where we experience an orderly silence, which result in deep personal reflection. Then all of a sudden, we are conscience of life happening around us, quickly bringing us back to reality.
During these moments of pure silence we get a glimpse of who we really are in terms of our value to the world. Still uncertain of my future, I’ve lived through some important moments like this, which have already had a significant influence on my life.
My recent trip to India is where I experienced moments like this, where I discovered that I am here for a reason and that is to help others. Last summer, I worked in Chennai, the new name of Madras to be more specific. I volunteered for “Heart for India”, a NGO taking care of abounded and underprivileged children. My initial reaction upon arrival was shock by the crowded conditions, filthy streets, non-stop noise and overpowering smog, which covered the sun.
Each day I travelled two hours away from the city to work at a rural public school.
The first day I arrived at the school I felt like a celebrity because they had little exposure to Caucasians. I was the center of attention and I felt overwhelmed and had no idea of what they expected out of me at that moment. As they got used to me, I taught them classes everyday in English, Geography as well as sports. I brought a bag filled with common everyday things, such as soccer balls, rugby balls, plastic lanyards and crayons, which appeared to me as meaningless objects, but was worth fighting over for them.
I realized that I was meaningful to them and after a short while they became meaningful to me. The experience that brought everything together for me was when one of the girls put a ring on finger as a remembrance of her. All of this gave me a glimpse of who I am and my value in the world in terms of helping other people.
I will continue to support the charity and the school for the rest of my life. This experience changed my life by making me realize I have a purpose beyond my own needs.

Malcom Granath
Marks of gratitude
From SUEB and all the techers working for Heart for India.
 
From students PUM School Nanmangalam.
 

Congratulations from the Heart for India project coordinator, the staff and the workers.
Drawings from the children
Dear Mum,
I am Saranya. I study in VIIIth std in English Medium. I study well. I thank you to give us opportunities. In our hostel we have lots of facilities. We have music and  tailoring classes etc. I also learn that and all. I am very happy to see you. In my school they organized sports days:  I won prizes in running 100 m, 200 m, long jump and height jump also. And our DGP of Tamil Nadu gave me a medal and gave me a cup, certificate and all. I enjoyed myself. My mother’s name is Usha. She works as a house servant. And I have a younger brother. He studies in std I. I  improved in studies. I thank you very very much for giving us facilities.
Letters from the children
 
Click on the thumbnails to open
the letters in PDF format

If I become a leader…

Please find in this short essay, what I intend to do for the poor people of my country, if I do get an opportunity to ‘become a leader’.

If I do become a leader I will provide for the poor people of my country – free drinking water facility, electrical connection for their homes & street lights. I will make provision for free education, provide classrooms/school buildings, footwear, uniforms, books etc… I will also try to provide 2 eggs per child each day. Medical facilities will be made available & housing facilities be made available for the homeless people. I will work with truth & integrity.

Not as a leader, but as a friend will I mingle with all my people while working sincerely. Will also provide bicycles for school children.

Will try to bring in a ban on smoking – will close down all alcohol bars & shops. I will also provide 2 ration shops for the easy access of the people. Rice, dhal, kerosene oil etc. will be provided for the very poor.

Will try to control air pollution from vehicles – will make it compulsory to wear head gear while riding vehicles. Will provide vocational skill training for poor children.

In conclusion:

I would like to provide more & more of good facilities & help for the people of my country… I will do it!

S. Ramzan Parveen,
Std VIII ‘A’
Nanmangalam Govt. School.
 

My Dream (My Desire)

My desire & dream is to study well & be the first rank holder in the board exams & become the leader for my district some day… I would like to share what I intend to do if my desire is fulfilled in this short essay.

Road:
Will look into the proper maintenance of roads. To maintain the roads well, I would require the help & cooperation of the people…

  1. By not emptying out garbage on the roads.
  2. By not littering the place for example do not throw the banana skin on the road after eating the banana.
  3. If one does find any garbage or the place littered get into the habit of picking it up & dump it in the waste bin.

Education:
Will make provision for more schools to impart education - and for the poor & needy facilities for free education, will also provide them with uniforms, footwear etc.

Service:
Will build oldage homes for the senior citizens – will provide them with enough food, clothing & the necessary facilities required.

Office:
For the youth, I will provide infrastructure to provide them with jobs. I too will work hard.

In conclusion:
I propose to cater to all the above needs in the future…

 

R. Ragapoojitha
VII ‘C’.
Nanmangalam school.
 

If I become the Chief minister…

The path shown by the former leaders Mr. M.G. Ramachandran, Periyar,
& Kamaraj & with their ideals scripted deep down in my heart, as I dream to take up this challenge of becoming the ‘Chief Minister’… see what I would focus on…

If I am entrusted with the highest power of the State of being the Chief Minister – I will try to cut down on inflation of rising prices, Will improve on finances of the state. Will promote & propagate education among the people of the villages.
Will promote agriculture as one of the main vocation. Will support programs on education. Will empower the youth to take up jobs. Water facility to be provided for all. Will work on the underground sewage system to ensure that there is less communicable diseases due to the over flowing sewage & thus take care of my people.

Would make facilities to ease traffic on the roads, will promote regular maintenance of roads.
Will increase on the travel facilities & reduce on the travel fares to benefit the poor.

Just like the government has already has a goal set as “Education for all” I would propose a scheme of “One house for all” where each should have a shelter to live in.

Will make it mandatory to impart Computer & English education for all, In order to create a ‘resourceful India’ for the future..

Then will bring in the plan ‘One tree per child’ – when there is a birth in the family, one tree has to be planted.
The above are my desires, ideals which I hold dear to my heart…

My dear fellow students, I urge you to dream & it will come to pass for real.
Work hard & we shall gain victory. Do not forget that we are our country’s future leaders….

N. Saradha.
VII ‘A’
Nanmangalam Govt. School
   
Drawing competition

1st price girls: Anitha, 11 years old

1st price boys: Satish, 11 years old