A change is urgently needed in the deeply rooted mindset in our society of “opposing everything.” The negative tendencies observed among officials are merely a manifestation of this societal mentality. Therefore, as students who will adorn high positions in the future, you must break free from this negative cycle and develop yourselves into individuals with positive thinking, stressed the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The Founder’s Day and the annual prize-giving ceremony of Jaffna Ramanathan College were grandly held today – on Thursday 18 December 2025, in the morning under the chairmanship of the Principal, Mrs. Ambikai Sivagnanam. It was while addressing the gathering as the chief guest that the Governor made the above remarks.
The guests were escorted in a procession to the accompaniment of band music. Following this, the statue of Lady Ramanathan was unveiled by the Governor. In addition, the special book titled *Karmayogi Lady Ramanathan* was also released.
Continuing his address to the students, the Governor further stated:
Next to the home, schools stand as central institutions that teach good morals and virtues. The teachers who taught us served as excellent role models. That is why even today we proudly remember them.
In the present era, exemplary leadership is indispensable for those holding high positions. Positive thinking, compassion for fellow human beings, a mindset to help others, and the quality of respecting others are extremely essential for those in high position.
My father raised me with the belief that service to the people is service to God. However, it is distressing that some who hold noble positions capable of serving the people are missing those sacred opportunities.
You are the ones who will assume high positions tomorrow. With dedication, perseverance, and hard work, any goal can be achieved. When you rise to responsible positions in the future, you must properly utilize the opportunities to serve the people.
Today in our society, those who promote good causes and do good deeds face the most criticism. A question also arises as to whether those who forward such criticisms have the qualification to do so. This is increasingly becoming a habit in our society. However, my expectation is that you, as children, should not be discouraged by such criticisms but grow to be different from them and become seeds of social change.
Following the chief guest’s address, prizes were awarded and honours bestowed by the Governor to students who excelled in academics and other fields.
The event was attended by notable personalities including _Senchotchelvar_ Dr. Aru. Thirumurugan, Valikamam Zonal Director of Education (Deputy), retired Principal of Victoria College Mr. Varatharajasharma Srikanthan, as well as many other dignitaries, teachers, students, and parents.
