From tiny seeds grow mighty banyans

|S VENKATESHWARAN|

If there is a landmark in Hindu Colony, Nanganallur, it must be Chellammal Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School. Though many people have contributed to this status, two noble persons’ work stand out and to be reckoned with. One is Mathaji Chellammal, who had founded the school, and Mr. R. Kuppusamy, who has been with Chellammal School since its inception.

Chellammal Education Society was formed six decades ago by prominent individuals who believed in providing quality education at an affordable cost. The Society was established by Mathaji Chellammal, who dedicated her life to education. After earning her M.A. and LT degrees from Presidency College and Lady Willingdon Teacher Training College, she began her teaching career in 1933. In 1935, she joined Lady Sivaswami Girls School as a history assistant and was later promoted as Headmistress in 1940 and correspondent later on, a position she held till 1991.

In 1969, Mathaji Chellammal founded the first Chellammal Nursery and Primary School in Chennai with a few students. With the limited funds she received upon retirement from Lady Sivaswami Girls Higher Secondary School, she started the school in Mylapore. Later, she established another school in Hindu Colony, Nanganallur, which has now become a landmark in the area.

Today, the Nanganallur School follows the CBSE syllabus and teaches more than 2,700 students. Many of its alumni have gone on to become doctors, engineers, CEOs and directors of reputed companies. Some students have excelled in sports, representing district and state cricket teams and this amplifies the mission statement of the school – “School should be a place for all-round development”

As the secretary of the Chellammal Education Society for 40 nearly years, Mr. Kuppusamy, a lawyer by profession, played a crucial role in the school’s development. What started as a humble institution in a thatched hut has now grown into a well-established school with multiple buildings, thanks to his efforts and those of his team. He is now the president of the Society.

Affectionately known as ‘Kuppusamy Mama’ in his close circles, he is also the vice-president of National Boys and Girls Education Society, which runs several schools in Chennai.

A philanthropist by nature, Mr. Kuppusamy is known for his deep respect for moral values and dedication to Sanatana culture. He actively supports Veda Patasalas and has contributed to many social and religious causes. He is also the vice president of Rasika Ranjani Sabha in Mylapore. Many say that no one who knocks on his door leaves empty-handed, whether financially or emotionally.

Mr. Kuppuswamy is actively involved with ‘Sneha Foundation’ for more than three decades which is a suicide prevention organisation (snehaindia.org) in Chennai. His efforts saved many lives who, otherwise, would have taken an extreme step in life. They offer unconditional emotional support to anyone who could be feeling distressed, depressed or suicidal. No matter what situation you are in, or what choices you have made in your life, if something is bothering you, or weighing you down, you can talk to them about it. They are here to listen to you and to be with you and offer complete confidentiality to those who reach out to them. You can also choose to remain anonymous while contacting Sneha on 044-24640050.

At 84 years, Mr. Kuppusamy remains active. His humility, dedication and virtuous life serve as an inspiration to many. He truly embodies the qualities that every individual aspires to achieve.