Corpn school students interact with actor Soori

Madurai: Class VIII and IX students of corporation schools in the city had an opportunity to interact with film actor Soori, as part of ‘thalir thiran’ a skill development programme organized by the city corporation.

While initially the programme was aimed at students of age 10 to 14, it was later narrowed down to Class VIII and IX students, covering a large number of students. Now, 3,000 students are benefitting from the Madurai corporation schools.

Madurai Corporation Commissioner S Visakan, had asked the education department to organize the program, which would help these students to develop their personal skills, and also bring out their abilities in various aspects. This program launched by Madurai district collector Dr T G Vinay on June 4 will go on till June 16. People who have excelled in various fields are made to interact with the students through these programs.

The actor, an alumnus of the Elango Boys Higher Secondary school in the city, told the students that they should aspire to reach great heights through education. “You may think, I a Class VII dropout, have been able to achieve something. But there had been times when I have been handicapped by lack of proper education and my inability to speak in English,’’ he said. ``You must all learn Tamil well, but also be skilled in other languages,’’ he added. Students were thrilled to be able to speak to the actor in person and asked him many questions. “These sessions are definitely empowering the students,’’ said chief education officer of the corporation Pon Vijaya.