Chennai: A gesture by the Tamil Nadu government has brought a significant transformation in the lives of underprivileged children, enabling them to pursue education.

The monthly scholarship of Rs 1,000 under the 'Tamil Pudhalvan' and 'Pudhumai Penn' schemes for state-run school students, along with the skilling programme under the 'Naan Mudhalvan' platform, has helped many rural children realise their ambitions of becoming graduates, engineers, doctors, or advocates.

“These initiatives of the education department are making high school and higher education accessible to scores of students, fuelling their desire to study for better prospects in life,” officials said.

“I stopped asking my relatives and others for money to study. The monthly grant under 'Pudhumai Penn' has helped me to study the EEE course,” said Subbalakshmi of Ranipet. Her father, a goat rearer, and her mother, a daily wage earner, could not afford to send her to college.

“Thank you, CM (M K Stalin) sir, for providing the assistance under 'Pudhumai Penn'. I hope to complete my course and realise my ambition to become a math teacher. I wish that you extend this assistance to students pursuing PG courses,” Subbalakshmi, now in her third year of college, said at a state government event celebrating 'Tamil Nadu Excels in Education' held on September 25.

Immediately, the chief minister remarked, "So, you want to become a math teacher. Come here, teacher, a present is awaiting you." To everyone's surprise, Stalin handed her his pen and blessed her. An emotional Subbalakshmi bowed at the feet of the chief minister, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, seeking their blessings.

In Sathya's case, 34, the scheme encouraged her to join a CSE course in a government polytechnic along with her son, and both are now in their third year. Ramya of Thanjavur said she saved Rs 100 each month from her scholarship and, after a year, bought a hearing aid for her mother.

At the event, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was seen wiping his eyes as beneficiaries shared their ordeals and determination to study, crediting the state government's schemes.

“The schemes of the Dravidian model government are bringing significant change to every family. It is heartening to see our children achieving in life. These tears are tears of joy,” he said later on X.

Athlete Rosy Meena expressed gratitude to Udhayanidhi Stalin, who holds the sports portfolio, for providing her with a Rs 1.5 lakh pole vault, enabling her to participate in competitions. The event also showcased students who had pursued higher education abroad.

The Tamil Nadu chief minister's 'breakfast scheme', another initiative, addresses nutrition challenges among children while encouraging regular school attendance.

“This scheme addresses the daily nutritional needs of poor children who do not have access to meals at home,” Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said, assuring its implementation in his state. He is the second chief minister, after Punjab's Bhagwant Mann, to announce plans to adopt the scheme inspired by Tamil Nadu.