The sense of pride was palpable when Tiruvannamalai Collector K.S. Kandasamy on Friday paid a surprise visit to Government High School at Melakalkandarkottai in Tiruchi, his alma mater.
Having risen up to the level of an IAS officer after undergoing education in Tamil medium till eighth standard in the government school, Mr. Kandasamy was ecstatic to serve as a role model for the present students.
While on a personal visit to attend a family function, Mr. Kandasamy, a 2009 IAS officer, got in touch with Headmistress R. Kalaiselvi and expressed his desire to pay a visit.
The overjoyed headmistress arranged the visit instantly. The enthusiastic students, most of them from poor economic background, gave him a rousing reception as Mr. Kandasamy stepped into the campus after a gap of about 30 years.
While visiting the classrooms and playground, he interacted with the students. Seated on the floor along with teachers and students, he turned nostalgic while recalling the contribution of his teachers.
The IAS officer spent most of his four-hour stay in the school in motivating the students.
“School days are unforgettable. I owe my career progression to the school as the institution taught me everything. If my visit would motivate at least one student into following suit, I will feel extremely happy,” said Mr. Kandasamy.