The saplings he planted years back are now big trees, giving shade to many. However, the life of the man who planted them remains the same . This social activist, goes everywhere on his cycle and is popularly known as 'bicycle teacher'. When one calls him by his nick name, he turns back and says 'this is my scooter'. The wheels of the life of Shanmuga Sundaram have followed a Gandhian way over the 50 years.
Speaking to Talk Media he said ' my parents are my motivators. My mother taught me the meaning of ' kindness' through her deeds and I learned the importance of hard work from my father'
After completing schooling in Arcot, his home town, and was a teacher there for two years. He learned Gandhian way of living through a training programme. In 1963 he joined Chennai Boys School as a teacher.
The man who is always seen in white attire has introduced meditation and mid day meal scheme in his school and was appreciated and followed by other schools in the city. 'Most of the students of schools run by the Corporation were from the lower strata of society without anyone to care and guide them. 'That made me to take teaching as a profession in Chennai.' said Shanmuga Sundaram. He had also planted trees and maintained a beautiful garden in the school for which he was appreciated by the then Governor.
Even after his retirement as a headmaster in 1995, he didn't deviate from his path of encouraging the students, He added ' whenever I come to know about the achievements of school children, I go to their home and give them small gifts to encourage them'
He believes that a social activist should give importance to the moral values of life.'A social activist should follow a peaceful way to help the community.They should be simple and humble with a service oriented mind' said the retired teacher.
According to him, family has a vital role in shaping an individual. 'Family is the root, first serve the family, then state, nation and finally the world. Our life should benefit society as well as family. Thirukural learning has taught me to respect everyone 'added Shanmugam who is a member of Tirukural Sangam Literature Association.
He was awarded Best Teacher Award in 1986 by the state government. He was honored as the National Best teacher in 1989. He was also rewarded Tamilnadu Parents Teacher Silver Jubilee Award, Rotary Vocational Award and Asiriyar mani Exnora Award.
Just at that time his wife Lakshmi Kantha brought us some steaming coffee. She was all smiles seeing her husband being interviewed. 'He is happy,' she said,' for it brings back old memories. He loves those old days, they were happy times and more than anything else, he is full of satisfaction that he was able to do his bit to society.'
Shanmugam got up, for he said he had another engagement. 'My wife has inspired me a lot by providing ample support and encouragement' he said. Shanmuga Sundaram lives near Valluvar Kottam with his daughter.
(Courtesy: Nungambakkam Talk)
Speaking to Talk Media he said ' my parents are my motivators. My mother taught me the meaning of ' kindness' through her deeds and I learned the importance of hard work from my father'
After completing schooling in Arcot, his home town, and was a teacher there for two years. He learned Gandhian way of living through a training programme. In 1963 he joined Chennai Boys School as a teacher.
The man who is always seen in white attire has introduced meditation and mid day meal scheme in his school and was appreciated and followed by other schools in the city. 'Most of the students of schools run by the Corporation were from the lower strata of society without anyone to care and guide them. 'That made me to take teaching as a profession in Chennai.' said Shanmuga Sundaram. He had also planted trees and maintained a beautiful garden in the school for which he was appreciated by the then Governor.
Even after his retirement as a headmaster in 1995, he didn't deviate from his path of encouraging the students, He added ' whenever I come to know about the achievements of school children, I go to their home and give them small gifts to encourage them'
He believes that a social activist should give importance to the moral values of life.'A social activist should follow a peaceful way to help the community.They should be simple and humble with a service oriented mind' said the retired teacher.
According to him, family has a vital role in shaping an individual. 'Family is the root, first serve the family, then state, nation and finally the world. Our life should benefit society as well as family. Thirukural learning has taught me to respect everyone 'added Shanmugam who is a member of Tirukural Sangam Literature Association.
He was awarded Best Teacher Award in 1986 by the state government. He was honored as the National Best teacher in 1989. He was also rewarded Tamilnadu Parents Teacher Silver Jubilee Award, Rotary Vocational Award and Asiriyar mani Exnora Award.
Just at that time his wife Lakshmi Kantha brought us some steaming coffee. She was all smiles seeing her husband being interviewed. 'He is happy,' she said,' for it brings back old memories. He loves those old days, they were happy times and more than anything else, he is full of satisfaction that he was able to do his bit to society.'
Shanmugam got up, for he said he had another engagement. 'My wife has inspired me a lot by providing ample support and encouragement' he said. Shanmuga Sundaram lives near Valluvar Kottam with his daughter.
(Courtesy: Nungambakkam Talk)
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