The pride of a school cannot be measured by its buildings alone. Its true worth is shown through the contributions made by its alumni to the society, stated Hon. N. Vethanayahan, Governor of Northern Province.
The Founder’s Day and the Annual Prize Giving Ceremony for the year 2026 of Vaddukoddai Hindu College took place today (Tuesday, 6.10.2026) at the college open-air auditorium. Attending as the Chief Guest, the Northern Province Governor presented awards to students who achieved success in academics, sports, and co-curricular activities, while also extending special honors to national level achievers.
Highlighting that Vaddukoddai Hindu College holds a long history of academic tradition and uniqueness, the Governor noted that its prestige does not rest merely in its past or its buildings. Rather, the true identity of the school lies in its past students who reached high positions in various sectors and contributed to the community and the nation.
He highlighted that several key officials, including his Secretary, Sivapathasuntharam Sathiyaseelan, and the Asst. Commissioner of Local Government/Jaffna Region, P. Partheepan, are past students of this college. The alumni serving in responsible government positions stand as proof of the school’s education, culture, discipline, and leadership training.
The Governor emphasized that educational institutions must not isolate themselves from their surrounding communities. They should contribute to the region’s knowledge, economy, employment, research, and social development. He cited the social oriented work of past pupils like Prof. A. Atputharaja, the incumbent Vice Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya, as a best example.
The Governor also addressed the need to strengthen rural schools in the Northern Province. With increasing competition for admission in urban schools, enrollment in rural schools is declining, leading to overcrowding in city schools and weakness in rural ones.
Creating quality schools in every village is the sustainable solution to this problem, he noted, adding that rural schools like Vaddu Hindu College continue to prove that they can achieve in national level success including in academics, sports, debating, and environmental activities.
Meantime, human resource shortage prevails in remote areas of the Northern Province and it forces the deploying teachers to other districts. He stated that it is necessary to maintain human resource balance in the future for teacher recruitment. He stressed that students educated in a particular area should return as the future teachers, doctors, engineers, and administrators of that region.
As the key aspect of the event, the students achieved at the national level were honoured specially by
receiving their awards directly from the Governor. The event highlighted the national achievements including national competitions for debating, announcing, inter-school sports, National President Scout Award, and the Young Scientists Award.
As today remarks the World Teachers’ Day, recalling the great concept, “The one who imparts literacy is equal to God,” the Governor expressed his heart-felt wishes and gratitude to teachers for shaping future generations.
Students should reach great heights, while not to forget the school and land that shaped them, he urged them. “Let your success be the victory of your family; let your service be the pride of this school; let your leadership be the future of this land, he added.
The ceremony was presided over by the College Principal and attended by Mrs. Yamuna Rajaseelan/ Zonal Director of Education, Valikamam, Mr. S. Sivasiva/ Deputy Director of Education, Valikamam, Mr. P. Partheepan/ Asst. Commissioner of Local Government, Jaffna Region, Sivasri Sapa Vasudevakurukkal/ Old Boy of the School and Head of Veenaagana Gurupeetam, Teachers, Students, parents, and alumni.
The event featured Saraswathi Pooja, the lighting of tradional oil lamp, hoisting of flag, a welcome dance, special addresses, and the presentation of awards.
