The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that academic knowledge alone does not make a person complete. He emphasized that students must also cultivate good character, develop strong leadership qualities, and foster a sense of responsibility towards others and society as a whole.
The inaugural ceremony of the Vaddu Central College Centenary Celebrations – 2026 was held today – on Friday, 11 September 2026. The Governor made these remarks while addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the event.
Noting that the centenary milestone of Vaddu Central College, established in 1926, represents far more than a mere number, the Governor stated that the school’s remarkable journey over the past century has been made possible through the collective dedication and contributions of successive principals, teachers, students, parents, old students and the wider community, all of whom have played a vital role in its growth and development.
Stating that student development should extend beyond classroom education, the Governor emphasized that students can discover and nurture their inherent talents and leadership potential through active participation in diverse activities, including sports, the arts, debates, leadership initiatives, event organization, and community service.
Noting that the present generation lives in an information-rich world, the Governor observed that although mobile phones provide access to vast amounts of information within seconds, not all information obtained through such sources is necessarily accurate or reliable. Emphasizing the importance of developing critical thinking skills to distinguish fact from falsehood, he urged students to cultivate the habit of reading books and newspapers and to approach information with discernment.
Stating that the perception of rural schools as “backward” must change, the Governor emphasized that recent achievements demonstrate that academic excellence is not confined to urban schools.
As an example, the Governor highlighted the remarkable achievement of Surendra Sabin, a student of Dr. Thangamma Appakuddi Primary School in Mallakam, within the Valikamam Education Zone, who secured first place at the national level in the 2026 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, obtaining 188 marks in the Tamil medium.
Furthermore, the Governor emphasized that parents should not measure students’ success by marks alone, but should also value their character, leadership qualities, and sense of responsibility towards others.
The Governor expressed hope that Vaddu Central College would continue to serve as a strong educational institution, shaping the lives of generations to come. He also commended all those involved in organizing the centenary celebrations and extended his best wishes to the students who received awards.
The event commenced with the guests being escorted in a procession accompanied by a traditional Tamil musical ensemble, followed by the unveiling of the statue of the college founder. The stage proceedings then got underway, during which the Governor presented awards to outstanding students. The event also featured cultural performances showcasing the students’ artistic talents.
Mrs. Jamuna Rajaseelan, Zonal Director of Education of the Valikamam Education Zone, participated as the Special Guest at today’s inaugural event.
The centenary celebrations of Vaddu Central College will continue over the next two days.
