New water facility at Khadki school

¦ THE S V S High School, Khadki, run by the South Indian Association, now has a new drinking facility. The drinking water tank was inaugurated by Prof A Balasubramaniam, president and dean, Balaji Group of Educational Institutes, Wakad, during the Pongal Festival. He also agreed to finance the project.

Assocation president Francis David presided over the function and felicitated the chief guest Prof Balsubramanian. His wife Tilakawathy Balasubramaniam was the guest of honour who distributed prizes to meritorious students in academics and sports. On the occasion, scores of Tamilians along with their families gathered and celebrated Pongal with zeal and enthusaism. Association general secretary Prof S A Kankraj welcomed the dignitaries.

He spoke about the importance of Pongal celebrations and the Tamilian culture and customs. SIA vice-president Omprakash Ratnaswamy sang a special song in praise of the chief guest.

Ace hockey player Dhanraj Pillay, a former student of the school, who was the special invitee, recalled his school days and said his teachers are instrumental in whatever he achieved on the sports field. Prof Balsubramaniam asked the SIA management to hold an inter-school hockey tournament every year in the name of Dhanraj Pillay. He declared a prize money of Rs one lakh for the winner.

PMC corporator Shaila Khedekar was the guest of honour. She said she will provide Rs 5 lakh from MLA’s Fund for the school. KCB member Sangeeta Gawli was also present. SIA joint secretary proposed a vote of thanks. School headmaster A Sahadevan, teachers and members of the managing committee coordinated the programme