By V. Sivaji
Well-wishers and donors opened their wallets generously to contribute towards the classroom building fund for SJK (T) Ramakrishna earlier this evening.
The dinner gathering was held at the SJK (C) Shang Wu hall in Ayer Itam where some 900 guests gathered.
Guest-of-honour at the dinner was the Chief Minister of Penang YAB Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow himself took the lead to donate RM50,000 towards the classroom building fund.
In his address, he stressed the importance of education in making the future leaders of the state and the country.
“It is our duty as leaders, teachers and parents to help these students gain a sound education so that their full potential can be realised.
“The Penang state government welcomes and supports all vernacular schools be it Chinese, Tamil or Punjabi schools. Meanwhile, SJKT Ramakrishna has demonstrated its educational excellence to safeguard the culture and values of the Tamil language”, said Chow in his address.
The organising chairman and Ramakrishna School PTA chairman K. Kumarathiraviam said that the new classrooms are to cope with the increasing number of students.
“The two new classrooms will also offer a conducive atmosphere for students and teachers at the school.
“I also take the opportunity to thank generous sponsors and donors for their kind donations”, said Kumarathiraviam.
Also present was the Member of Parliament for Jelutong RSN Rayer who also donated RM50,000 towards the school along with State Exco for Housing and Environment Dato Seri S. Sundarajoo.
Others in attendance were Dato Gulab Mahatam Rai, Dato Rethinam Pillay, Datin S. Barathi of CMI, Penang Island City Council Mayor Dato A Rajendran, SJKT Ramakrishana headmaster C. Sritharan among others.
