Pursue your passion, A.C. Muthiah urges youth

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2011

Having come into being in the mid 1970s and added a new dimension to school education and educational tourism in this popular vacation destination, the Good Shepherd International School (GSIS) at Muthorai Palada near here kicked off its two-day 35th Founder's Day celebrations with an engrossing cultural programme on Saturday.

Acknowledging the high standards set by the institution, prominent industrialist and Chairman, Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation (SPIC) A.C. Muthiah, who participated as the Chief Guest underscored the importance of school education and exhorted the students to, “identify and follow your passion.”

Adverting to the indelible mark left by the co-founder of Apple Steve Jobs who died recently, he attributed his phenomenal success to his courage to pursue his passion.

Stating that the phase associated with life in schools is the best period to discover oneself, he said that the GSIS and the Good Shepherd Knowledge Village have become what they are today due to the visionary approach of their founder.

Emphasising the role of students in improving the society, Dr. Muthiah said that the world is in need of young minds.

Urging the students to be sensitive to the work being done by their teachers, he said that they should be respected and thanked for their tireless efforts. He added that in pursing knowledge the teacher and the taught should be equals.

Education should not be confined to classrooms. It should teach the students to uphold values, nurture fellowship and become responsible citizens. Expressing the view that the GSIS is focusing on wholesome education, he asked the students to make optimum use of the facilities.

Lamenting that education is still out of reach for many, he pointed out that recent studies had shown that almost 50 million children in the age group 6 to 14 years do not get education. The main reason for this is poverty.

Despite the government's efforts to bring children to schools there was not much improvement in the situation.

Stating that the parents should be made to understand the importance of education, Dr. Muthiah opined, “it would be of great service to your nation if each one of you helps an under-privileged kid to get educated.” All must join hands to make India 100 per cent literate and in the process transform the country into a superpower.

The Founder-Principal P.C. Thomas, Senior Vice Principal Elsamma Thomas and Devagi Muthiah participated.