Aangor ezhaikku

அன்ன சத்திரம் ஆயிரம் வைத்தல்
  ஆலயம் பதினாயிரம் நாட்டல்
அன்ன யாவினும் புண்ணியம் கோடி
 ஆங்கோர் ஏழைக்கு  எழுத்தறிவித்தல்

   Anna chathiram aayirm vaithal
Aalayam pathinayiram naattal
Anna yaavinum punniyam kodi
Aangor ezhaikku ehutharivithal

Bharathi said this which means:

Building a thousand choultries and offering free meals to all those who come; Building ten thousand temples; These are good deeds indeed. But it is far far better and useful if you help a poor student's education.

I wish to narrate one or two incidents I know personally which prompted me to initiate a proposal that follows.

Case I

A tribal girl from a remote village near Tirunelveli was studious and completed her degree in Maths with a first class, having been first in the district among tribal students. With the help of well wishers she managed to get a seat for MCA in a reputed institute. The banks in her locality refused even to hand out a loan application to her. But again with the help of some well wishers she was able to get a loan. But alas the institute had included only the amounts required to be payable to them and she simply applied for that amount. When she was required to purchase a laptop which was so essential for the course the bank refused because it was not included in the loan application and it was not possible to alter the sanction terms. Her parents who were very innocent and poor said if it was so essential and they can't afford it, better she discontinue the studies. But determined as she was, she again found some well wishers to fund the laptop.

Case II

A studious boy from a village near Trivandum, studying in a private engineering college, having managed to pay the fees for the first two years with the help of relatives found himself at the end of the road while entering the third year. He approached a nearby bank who said since his father had availed a loan under a government scheme and was a defaulter his loan cannot be sanctioned. Somehow with the help of some well intentioned people the old loan was settled under compromise and his education loan was sanctioned and he completed the course. But he was not fortunate to grab a placement in the campus selection. It was tougher in the open market. He was forced to do some further computer courses to equip himself better in the job market. Who will fund it?

Case III

A visually challenged boy doing a course in computers required a meagre rs.6000/ to undergo a surgery which will improve his vision and enable him to get a better job. But his family cannot afford it.

I am having in mind such persons for whom even a little help, if offered at the right time, will make a lot of difference.

One more academic year is about to begin. It has always been my passion to offer a helping hand to the deserving and needy students. This time I have a desire to strengthen my hands with those of my friends in order to expand the same. I am sure you will come forward to make me formulate a decent strategy. I list down broadly what I have in mind.

1. Any of the contributors to the pool can refer a student. The student should be genuinely needy. One who refers the student should be personally convinced of this. And it should be verifiable. Amount will be released subject to availability of funds in the pool.
2. He/She should be continuing the studies.
3. Should have a decent (not necessarily exemplary) academic record.
4. Even if he/she has obtained an education loan but requires finance for any reasonable study related expenses not covered by the loan may be considered.
5. Maximum amount may be fixed at say Rs. 20000/ for one person for one year to start with.
6. He/She should make a commitment to contribute to the pool after getting an employment, atleast an amount equal to the help received.

With this in mind I intend to start a pool with the help of all my near and dear ones with a committed contribution (whatever the amount is).

And the pool is to be formed by:

1. Anyone can send a contribution either in a lump sum or by monthly remittances to an a/c used exclusively for this purpose. Remittances will be accepted only from friends and relatives and persons well known to them. Identity of the sender is a must.

2. Monthly remittances may be to the tune of say Rs. 1000/ per month for one year. No upper limit.

The account can be scrutinised by any of the contributors at regular intervals.

We can think of auditing it when the amount grows.

I sincerely seek your suggestions to improve any of the above.

I also seek your liberal contributions.

யாம் பெற்ற இன்பம் பெறுக  இவ்வையகம்

May others derive the benefits that we got out of education.