On 5th August 2024, Sevalaya’s Mahakavi Bharathiyar Higher Secondary School, along with students from Government Schools across Tamil Nadu, gathered to commemorate Putlibai Day. The event was graced by M. Prema, Coordinator of the Gandhi Study Centre, her husband A. Annamalai, Director of the National Gandhi Museum, Delhi, and G Ram Mohan, a devoted Gandhian and former Safety Commissioner of Indian Railways, who attended with his wife as the Chief Guests. The programme commenced with a series of student performances, setting a grand tone for the event. Sevalaya’s Founder and Managing Trustee, Murali, highlighted the significance of Putlibai Day,an annual tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s promise to his mother before he departed for higher studies in England.This day is observed to honour Gandhi’s vow to his mother and to address the detrimental effects of alcoholism, a prevalent issue today. For the past eleven years, Sevalaya has celebrated Putlibai Day in accordance with G. Ram Mohan’s guidance. The goal is to educate students about how alcoholism adversely impacts individuals, families, communities, and the nation. During his address, Ram Mohan emphasized that Gandhiji made three vows to his mother and adhered to them until his return from London. He urged Sevalaya students to be self-aware and resolute in avoiding the pitfalls of alcoholism. The aim for Sevalaya students is to excel academically and succeed in life with self-awareness and problem-solving skills. Students from Sevalaya’s schools and community colleges wore t-shirts with the slogan “I Will Never Drink Alcohol” and took an oath, reminiscent of Mahatma Gandhi’s commitment. Approximately 780 students from Sevalaya’s Mahakavi Bharathiyar Higher Secondary School, community colleges, eight government schools, and one private college participated in the event.
The participating schools included:
- Panchayat Union School, Onambakkam- Kanchipuram
- Municipal Middle School, Mudalaipatti – Namakkal
- Municipal Middle School, Devanagaunder – Salem
- Panchayat Union School, Uthiramerur – Kanchipuram
- Municipal High School, Kumarapalayam – Namakkal
- Government Higher Secondary School – Tindivanam – Villupuram
- Panchayat Union School, Zamin Endathur – Chengalpattu
- Government High School, Valasiyoor – Salem
Additionally, students from Sriram College of Arts and Science NSS unit participated from the Kasuva Centre. G Ram Mohan, generously donated refreshments and t-shirts for the event. After the programme, mothers shared their heartfelt hopes for their sons to uphold their promises and lead healthy lives, and those who shared their experiences were awarded prizes. The event concluded with refreshments served to the parents. S Kanchana, Head, Value Education, delivered the vote of thanks.
