Kunthavi, now a Kovai icon

COIMBATORE: Based on her Karate performances in the past, the 12-year-old Sai Kunthavi Senthilkumar has received an award called, ‘Icon of Coimbatore’ from Rathinam Group of Institutions. The award was given as she represented the city globally.  

Renowned Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu, who was also the chief guest of the event, handed over a short story book to her written by him and wrote a motivating message on the first page of the book.

“Wish you all the best. Be a world champion and always do your best,” Vairamuthu penned before he handed over the award to her.

“He also said I will soon hit the books of world records,” gleams Kunthavi. mKunthavi also excels in Bharatanatyam, horse riding, yoga, swimming, aero-modeling, stage magic and is also an athlete.

“Based on her achievement many people have contacted Kunthavi from various countries and they appreciate her achievements. Many even call her their role model and they want her to motivate their children too. They are all watching her social media posts. One well wisher from Singapore even named his daughter after Kunthavi,” shares her father P. R. Senthilkumar.

Kunthavi was just seven when she started learning karate. The reason to get her in to the martial art was just for self-defence, said her parents.

But, it was her master who recognized her talent and pushed her to participate in various competitions. She has won many international karate championships like USA Open and Junior International Cup, and owns many gold medals in nationals, state and district level competitions.

Schools reward students for their success
It was like a shower of awards on the students of National Model Senior Secondary School when the school celebrated awards day to recognize the achievement of each student in every sector.

The students who did not take a day’s leave were awarded with 100 per cent attendance award along with their parents. The students of all class who bagged the maximum number of prizes in the intramural contest were presented with best achiever award.

Students who possessed proficiency in each such subject were bestowed with the subject topper awards of that class. Over-all toppers in academics won the diligence awards for their class.

Overt orators were chosen from classes six and above through ESSP (everyday short speech program) an effort to develop public speaking skills among students and honoured for the same.

Students’ council members were given certificates propagating their efforts in building the school’s character.

Overall trophy was lifted by the Mariners House who beat the other houses; Skiers, Sprinters and Flyers. Krish Beethoven, city-based international athlete presided over the function and distributed the awards.

This was followed by the 10th Junior Sports day where children from the primary level enthusiastically exhibited their talent in calisthenics and aerobics, yoga and karate.