Chennai: It has been three years since the 11-storied under construction building at Moulivakkam collapsed on June 28, 2014 killing 61 people.
While the repercussions of the accident are still haunting people who invested in the building, the 650-odd students of Adi Dravidar Welfare HSS, who came to the newly constructed school after three years, are elated.
The spacious classrooms in the school are a real boon to the students who were shifted to Adi Dravida Welfare primary school at Jothi Nagar, one-and-half kms away.
Fresh paint and an upgraded toilet facility have given a new lease of life to the school, which remained dilapidated for three years. Lack of classrooms and a playground facility at the primary school had riled students who were anticipating the completion of the renovation work at the higher secondary school.
Adi Dravidar Welfare Higher Secondary School is the only government school in the Kundrathur Union of Kancheepuram district catering to the educational needs of 25 special children.
A slow learner, S Jithesh who is studying Class-11, is delighted coming back to his ‘old’ school. “The old school at Jothi Nagar was very congested. We could not use computers, as there was no space. My teacher said she would soon arrange for the demonstration here,” said Jithesh, after giving deep thought to the issue.
At a corner of the classroom for special children, computers were arranged and the teacher promised they would be soon be used.
The in-charge headmaster of the school, D Narayanaswamy told Deccan Chronicle that the Director of Adi Dravidar Welfare, Sivashanmuga Raja, has promised to build an auditorium in the school premises.
Meanwhile, teachers suggest that the building collapse site, which is next to the school could be given to the school, so as to upgrade the school.
“The number of students is increasing every year. Most of them are economically backward and come from great distances. If a hostel facility is provided, it would benefit many students,” a teacher seeking anonymity told Deccan Chronicle.
