On Sunday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that Ayi Puranam Ammal, a resident of Kodikkulam in Madurai, would be conferred with the Chief Minister's award on Republic Day for her generous donation of land valued at over Rs 7 crore to facilitate the expansion of a government school.
Emphasizing the enduring significance of education, Stalin conveyed his sentiments on X, stating, "Education is an imperishable wealth." He expressed the profound impact of Ayi Puranam Ammal's donation, noting that thousands of students would benefit from her altruistic gesture.
Describing Ayi Ammal as a symbol of the Tamil community, which holds education and teaching in high esteem, Stalin announced that she would be honored with a special award from the Chief Minister on Republic Day, recognizing her commitment to fostering education.
Ayi Puranam Ammal, employed as a clerk at a nationalized bank, took proactive steps when she learned that a government school near Otthakadai in Kodikkulam required land for conversion into a higher secondary school. In response, she visited the land registrar, officially registering the land in the school's name. Subsequently, she handed over the pertinent documents, affirming her dedication to the cause, to the Chief Education Officer.
The news of her commendable contribution prompted Madurai MP Su Venkatesan to visit Kodikkulam and meet Ayi Puranam Ammal on January 11. In acknowledging her selfless act, MP Su Venkatesan remarked, "There are many who only wish to take, but only a few who wish to give. We have to celebrate such a person who wishes to give when we find one."
