Madurai Apple Dealer Donates Rs.1.81 Crore for Construction of Classrooms in Corporation Schools
Madurai, Tamil Nadu – In a heartwarming act of generosity, a well-known apple dealer from Madurai, Rajendran, has donated a staggering amount of Rs.1.81 crore for the construction of classrooms in Madurai Municipal Corporation schools. The philanthropic deed was personally acknowledged and appreciated by the bar referee, Professor Salomon Papaiah.
Rajendran, an 86-year-old potato vendor from Dattaneri, has been running the renowned company ‘Tirupati Vilas’, along with his trade in waffles, mormila, wathal, and vadagam. Having migrated from Virudhunagar to Madurai with just 300 rupees in his pocket, Rajendran’s humble beginnings shaped his compassionate outlook towards the education of underprivileged children. He dedicates a portion of his business income for the welfare of needy students and the construction of new classrooms in corporation schools.
The Madurai Municipal Corporation, in 2018, constructed 10 classrooms, a worship hall, a two-wheeler parking space, and phones at a significant cost. This year, the Corporation built 4 classrooms, a bore well, toilets, and a student seating and dining area at Kailasapuram Primary School, all amounting to Rs.71 lakhs and 45 thousand. Furthermore, the Corporation has pledged an additional Rs.7 lakh for the construction of a kitchen in the school.
Rajendran’s selflessness and dedication have gathered immense praise and recognition. The Tamil Hindu published a detailed account of his contributions, which gained traction and caught the attention of Professor Salomon Papaiah. Known for his own philanthropic endeavors, Professor Salomon Papaiah, a former student of a corporation school in Madurai, extended his personal congratulations and appreciation to Rajendran.
During a media interaction, Salomon Papaiah stated, “A society will perish when medicine and education become business. To build a prosperous society, healthcare and education should be accessible and free. We need to prioritize the betterment and maintenance of educational facilities. That is why I donated to the corporation school. However, I was truly astounded to learn about Rajendran’s generous donation through a news article. He has gone above and beyond, showcasing true saint-like qualities. He is a modern-day Thiruvalluvar, a beacon of inspiration to all.”
Salomon Papaiah further emphasized the importance of support from affluent individuals for government schools, as they lack a substantial source of income compared to temples. He commended Rajendran as the ultimate guide and role model, highlighting his immense contribution of crores of rupees. Salomon Papaiah humbly admitted his own unworthiness in comparison to Rajendran, emphasizing the latter’s remarkable generosity despite not having received an education himself.
Rajendran’s philanthropy serves as a shining example of compassion and empathy, inspiring others to follow suit in bettering the education system and uplifting underprivileged students in Madurai. The Madurai Municipal Corporation and the local community express their deepest gratitude to Rajendran for his exceptional act of kindness that will positively impact the lives of countless children.