Kumba :

Town Higher Secondary School in Kumbakonam, which started as a primary school in 1864, reached a milestone at the start of this year when it completed 150 years.

The school, which moulded stalwarts like mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, former Union finance minister  T T Krishnamachari, HCL chief Shiv Nadar, mridangist Umayalpuram Sivaraman and many famous personalities from different walks of life, celebrated its 150th anniversary at a three-day function, which began on January 26.

The school was started by retired English head constable Martin who was also its headmaster. Later, it was managed by Indians and local philanthropists donated a piece of land where a big building was constructed. The new school building was inaugurated in 1892.

Ramanujan was a student of the school in 1898 and it was here that he came across a book titled ‘Synopsis of Elementary Results in Pure Mathematics’ written by G S Carr. Influenced by the book, he began working on mathematics on his own, summing geometric and arithmetic series, says a write up on Ramanujan by Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

Governor K Rosaiah who took part in the celebrations on Wednesday said that the educational institution produced several eminent and great citizens of India.

“Starting with a humbling beginning, when we turn back and see the years passed by, this great institution has been doing remarkably well right from its inception,” Rosaiah said. “I am delighted to see that his renowned temple of learning is seated in the heart of this temple town” he added.

The governor also appealed to the teachers to build students into men and women of sound mind with a good heart coupled with a fine blend of character. The 21st century belongs to the knowledge society and it has opened tremendous opportunities. The schools and educational institutions should take it as their onerous responsibility to build the youth into leaders of tomorrow. “The national’s future progress depends on our ability to innovate,” he said.

Earlier, accompanied by Union shipping minister G K Vasan, the governor paid floral tributes to the statue of Ramanujan.

Speaking to TOI, Umayalpuram Sivaraman said, “Discipline was the hallmark of the Town High School. Headmasters were very particular about students coming to school on time and used to stand at the gate. The very look of the headmaster used to make us run and never turn late in the following days.” He studied in the school from 1944-45 till 50-51.

The teachers of the school were affectionate and took personal care of the students. “The standard of teaching was very high and there was no escape from showing the report card or assessment sheets to parents. The teachers used to counsel students who were poor in some subjects and also inform the parents,” said Sivaraman.

Many of the old students have paid back in kind to the school by donating money towards renovation of buildings, providing computers and other modern equipment for the school. Shiv Nadar has provided computers, an LCD projector and other accessories worth Rs 60 lakh to the school.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Trichy> Primary School / TNN / January 30th, 2014