Thu Apr 10 09:55:59 UTC 2025: ## Local Principal’s Dedication Earns Prestigious Award
**Kandamangalam, Viluppuram District, April 10, 2025** – Xavier Chandra Kumar, principal of Vallalar Government Higher Secondary School, has been awarded the prestigious Shikshagraha award for his remarkable transformation of a dilapidated school into a thriving institution.
Upon taking his post in January 2022, Kumar found the school in disrepair, lacking a compound wall and with ten buildings destroyed due to a nearby road project. Anti-social activity was rampant. Kumar systematically tackled the issues, starting with the construction of a compound wall, which was then decorated with murals conveying positive messages. He engaged parents and teachers in fundraising efforts, collecting 540 liters of paint for the project.
Beyond infrastructural improvements, Kumar focused on addressing the behavioral issues of 14 troubled students, many of whom came from difficult backgrounds and exhibited symptoms of trauma. Using a combination of compassion and firm discipline (including requiring students to have haircuts before exams), he helped them address substance abuse and improve their attendance. He even secured a place for a student who assaulted him at a different school, later celebrating the student’s graduation with a degree in Computer Science.
Eight of the 14 problematic students are now enrolled in college, a testament to Kumar’s dedication and innovative approach to educational leadership. His efforts have revitalized the school, earning him widespread recognition and the esteemed Shikshagraha award.
First Piper 