Education should not be pursued solely for earning money or attaining positions of power, but rather for serving the people. The highest purpose of education is to shape individuals who dedicate themselves to public service, stated the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The annual celebration of the Alaveddy Gnanodaya Trust Fund, together with a ceremony to honour principals, teachers, and students, was successfully held yesterday – on Thursday evening, 25 June 2026, at the Pannalai Varaththalam Pillaiyar Temple Hall. The Governor made these remarks while delivering the keynote address as the Chief Guest.
Speaking further at the event, the Governor said:
“Education is indispensable for the holistic development of a village. However, today we are witnessing education becoming increasingly mechanised. Many people regard education simply as a means of making money. This attitude must change. Regardless of the profession we pursue, we should cultivate a spirit of service.
A fine example of this is Dr. Bhavanantharajah, Hon. Member of Parliament, who was born and educated in our village and is now serving many people through his profession. What matters is not how high a position we hold, but how we use that position to serve the public.
Furthermore, the rise or decline of a school or any institution largely depends on its leadership. Institutions achieve excellence only under capable leaders. Therefore, as students, you too must develop strong leadership qualities.”
Continuing his address, he stated:
“There is no benefit in holding high positions while neglecting the responsibilities that come with them. We must work with dedication for the welfare of the people.
In this regard, the work carried out by the Alaveddy Gnanodaya Trust Fund over the past two years, with the noble objective of providing children with better opportunities and a brighter future, is truly invaluable. The school where I studied up to Grade Three was later closed. Therefore, the efforts undertaken by this Trust Fund to improve the educational standards of village children deserve high praise.
Through the initiatives of this Trust Fund, students should grow into individuals of strong character and leadership.”
The event was chaired by Mangalam Manisekaran, President of the Alaveddy Gnanodaya Trust Fund. Among those in attendance were Hon. Dr. Sri Bhavanantharajah, Member of Parliament; Hon. Somasuntharam Sugirthan, Chairman of the Valikamam North Pradeshiya Sabha; A. Ananthakumaran, the International Coordinator of the Trust Fund; as well as numerous teachers, students, Old students and other distinguished guests.
