Scholarship Award Function - 2008

The annual Scholarship Award function was conducted on 6 September 2008 in the college auditorium from 2.30 to 5.30 p.m. Padma Bhushan Dr. Shiv Nadar presided over the function and Mr. Gopal Srinivasan, Director, TVS Electronics was the Chief Guest. The other dignitaries gracing the occasion were Ms.Kala Vijayakumar, President of SSN Institutions, members of the Management Committee, Dr. S. Salivahanan, the Principal, Dr. K. Kasturi, Dean , Mr. B. Srinivasan, Director SoMCA, Dr. S. V. Albal, Director SASE, and the alumni of the college
 

Ms.Kala Vijaykumar then outlined the genesis of the scholarship scheme.  Referring to an anecdote in Dr. Nadar’s college life, she disclosed how he received a scholarship at college, an event that boosted his self-confidence and inspired him to excel in studies. Dr. Nadar’s desire now is that no meritorious student should be deprived of quality education because of his financial limitations. Ms.Kala Vijaykumar also outlined the various categories of scholarship awarded that day - Merit Scholarships, Merit-cum-Means Scholarship, Fee Waiver scholarship, Walk-in-Walk out Scholarships, Sports Scholarships, postgraduate scholarships and the newly introduced scholarship for 20 government school toppers from rural areas.
 

The much-awaited address by the Chairman followed. The audience sat in rapt attention as Dr. Nadar focused on his vision of the future of SSN. Envisaging a Nobel Laureate from the college, he said that success comes to those who believe that nothing is impossible. A Tamil medium student himself, Dr. Nadar was aware that though rural students are likely to fare well academically, they lack self-confidence and the competitive spirit unlike their urban counterparts. In this context, he announced his pilot project of setting up state-of-the-art SSN schools exclusively for rural students to provide an international level primary education to them and thus nurture their talents. He also stated that the purpose of these schools is to mould rural students into confident, competitive, responsible and productive citizens. Before he concluded, he spoke about his relationship with TVS Electronics and its Director, Mr Gopal Srinivasan.

The Chief Guest was introduced by Mr. B. Srinivasan, Director, SoMCA, who hinted that the very fact that Mr. Gopal Srinivasan was chosen to be the Chief Guest for the day, certifies the reverence SSN has for him. Leafing through the biography of this multifarious personality is a stunning experience for lovers of technology and administration.

The Chief Guest adorned the rostrum next. He responded to the warmth demonstrated by Dr Nadar and admitted to their association over a long period of time. What was remarkable about his words was that he motivated the students to be influenced by the high ideals of Dr. Nadar and do what he has been doing for the student community. This would tantamount to their serving the entire Indian community.

The Alumni Association, inspired by the scholarship awarded by the Institution, contributed a generous amount to four rural students for their education, and also promised to give much more in the years to come. Srivatsan T. K., Project Leader in HCL Technologies, who spoke on their behalf, reiterated that they were following Dr. Nadar’s example of returning education to the society that educated them.

This was followed by the most important item on the agenda for the day -  distribution of Scholarships. The toppers, the ones empowered to create their own reality, received a certificate of merit and a DD for the scholarship amount. In all 490 scholarships amounting to Rs 4.3 crores were distributed by the Chairman and the Chief Guest. Scholarship holders vied to get closer to the dignitaries for a photograph that they would treasure forever.

Recipients of the scholarship expressed their gratitude and also admitted their pride and sense of belonging to the institution owned by a magnanimous personality. This was followed by Dr. Nadar presenting a memento to the Chief Guest. Dr S.V. Albal, Director SASE proposed a vote of thanks.

As the National Anthem wound up the proceedings of the function, every one of the audience perhaps had a prayer in their hearts for the well being of the Padma Bhushan awardee, Dr. Shiv Nadar so that he continues to lead SSN to greater glory.