NAMAKKAL: Students were allegedly subjected to hardships in Sowthapuram Government Higher Secondary School in Namakkal district when a local functionary of the ruling TVK organized a function to celebrate chief minister C Joseph Vijay’s birthday.According to reports, “Thalapathi” Surya, deputy secretary of Sowthapuram panchayat union, announced that gold coins would be presented to Class X and Class XII toppers on Vijay’s birthday. “The event, however, forced students to wait for more than an hour under the scorching sun, with many being seated on the ground due to lack of space,” said a teacher, requesting anonymity. “Teachers were instructed to make students carry chairs, benches and microphone stands. The programme began nearly an hour late,” the teacher said. During the function, organizers were seen engaging professional cameramen to shoot reels, further delaying the proceedings.“This is a school, not a political stage. Students should not be made to wait in the sun or do manual work for such events,” remarked another teacher.When contacted by TOI, Surya said, “I don’t want to comment on this.”The incident drew criticisms as it came just days after school education minister A Rajmohan had warned party functionaries not to disturb students during school hours or shoot reels on the campuses.
