In the Tsunami of 2001, several villages of fishermen in the coastal areas were destroyed by Tsunami floods. Lack of education and resources has caused a havoc in these areas. To empower the children with the right education, HH Sri Swamiji has established a school in one of these areas. A school building was constructed at Katarivaripalem, in Prakasam Dist of Andhra Pradesh on the coast of Bay of Bengal, which also serves as the cyclone relief center for the nearby villages. This was supported by IDRF of Houston and several other organizations.
As a permanent relief measure for the Tsunami affected fishermen at the coastal village Katarivaripalem, Prakasam Dist, Andhrapradesh India, a free school was started by VTSeva to educate the children of those fishermen families. There are 108 students studying different classes (grades).
Free food and study material was provided for these school children. The school is operated by VTSeva from the funds received from generous supporters.
The school for fishermen families in the village of the sea coast, Jeeyar Gurukulam has grown by leaps and bounds in a short span of one year helping 100 poor children getting education, who, other wise would have been deprived of the fruits of literacy.
The children in this school are given, along with ethical values and spiritual knowledge.
HH Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji inaugurated the school that is constructed by VTSeva at Kataripalem near Chirala in May 2006, and classes were started for the children.
In the beginning, 95 Students from the fishermen families have joined the school and
classes have begun. The inauguration function was celebrated grandly by the village people. HH Sri Swamiji addressed the Children and the parents and blessed them for good progress and prosperity. Education is being imparted free to the children and also additional facilities are being provided like study material and uniforms.
HH Sri Swamiji offered special Mangalasasanams to Smt. Githaji of Houston who supported the school through IDRF group. Many philanthropists are coming forward to support this noble cause. Chicago temple has extended its part of support for this purpose.
The First Anniversary of Jeeyar Gurukulam at Katarivaripalem, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India was celebrated on 22nd May 2007 in a grand and jubilant manner.
Smt. B. Udaya Lakshmi, IAS Collector and District Magistrate of Prakasam Visited the school on this occasion and appreciated the good work done by Jeeyar Educational Trust Society and the school’s functioning. She also said that the services rendered by the school would go by a long way in the uplifting of the down trodden.
Sri P. R. Mallikarjuna Sastri, District Educational Officer of Prakasam District and his wife graced the occasion and participated in the First Anniversary Celebrations. The dignitaries who witnessed the cultural events, performed by the children, got thrilled and amazed. Games and Sports were organized on this occasion and prizes were given away to the children by the Chief Guest and his spouse.
The kind gesture of helping people, especially, the poor and needy is a true gift. The helping hands of the philanthropists helps the growth of the neglected children of the underprivileged of the society.
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