Madras HC judge helps transform British-era ‘stage’ into an open auditorium at Government Boys School in Ranipet

For years, the small brick ground of the Government Boys’ High School, built in 1867 in Vannivedu village near Walajah town, served as an open auditorium for students to receive trophies and medals during annual sports day events.

That was until Madras High Court Judge M. Nirmal Kumar stepped in to give new life to the age-old structure by converting it into a full-fledged open auditorium for school functions.

The effort to renovate the place was to mark the centenary birthday celebrations of his late father, alumnus V. Murugesan. “A new cycle rack for students, an arch at the entrance of the school and renovation of the ground are among the few things suggested for its contribution. Judge Mr. Kumar chose the old structure for renovation,” said M. Satish Kumar, principal-in-charge. Hindu.

School officials said it is believed that Mahatma Gandhi gave a speech while standing on the ground during his visit to the district in the 1940s, when the freedom movement was intense in the region.

Since then, the ground has been fondly referred to as ‘Gandhiji’s stage’ by the local Congressman and residents. There might have been an important reason why Mr. Kumar, the judge, chose the old floor for renovation.

On Sunday, Justice Mr. Kumar inaugurated the renovated open auditorium in the presence of Collector J.U.

“Education is the greatest wealth that cannot be taken away from us. My father always believed in this and ensured that we got quality education,” said Justice Mr. Kumar.

School officials said Mr. Murugesan started education between 1936 and 1942 before migrating to Madras where he retired as Additional Director (AD) of the Cooperatives Department.

Prominent alumni include former Indian President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was educated in the late 19th century, and Tamil scholar Mu. Varatharasanar, whose novel “Agal Vilakku” earned him a Sahitya Akademi award, and VS Sampath, who served as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India between 2012 and 2015.

The open auditorium built by PWD is spread over an area of ​​357.23 sq ft and is 2.5 ft high and 4.1 meters wide. The original length of the structure, five meters, was increased to eight meters to provide greater durability and space for public events. An average of 15 people can perform in the renewed facility.

LED lighting was provided to enable events to be held in the evening. Of the total ₹ 9.70 lakh, Justice Mr. Kumar contributed ₹ 8 lakh from the family fund and the rest was mobilized through CSR. Stairs and ramps were also provided to facilitate access for individuals with disabilities.