Coimbatore-based GRG Trust celebrated its 60th Founders’ Day on January 19, with special cultural events. Scholarships worth Rs.35 lakhs were given to the deserving students.

G.R. Govindarajulu and Chandrakanthi Govindarajulu founded the GRG Trust in 1956, with a vision to empower women through education. Today, the GRG Trust owns and runs about a dozen educational institutions.

The 60th Founders’ Day celebrations began with a march-past by the NCC students of the GRG Trust, followed by cultural events. About 450 students of the PSGR Krishnammal Higher Secondary School presented the cultures of Tamil Nadu through a dance performance. Through yet another dance performance, 200 students of PSGR Krishnammal College for women brought out the unity of India.

The report card of all the educational institutions under the GRG Trusts was presented. Outstanding student performers of the various educational institutions under the GRG Trust were given cash prizes. A total of Rs.35 lakhs was given as scholarship to the deserving students.

Lakshmi Narayanan, Vice Chairman of Cognizant Technology Solutions, was the chief guest. In his address, Lakshmi brought out the importance of having access to quality education. “When India became an independent country in 1947, the literacy rate was just 17 percent. Among women, it was just nine percent. More than 60 years have passed and today the literacy rate of our country is 75 percent, and the literacy rate among women is 69 per cent. We have come a long way in the field of education, especially among the women of our country,” Lakshmi Narayanan said.

Guest speaker for the evening, Arun Madhavan, in his address brought out the importance of living a disciplined life. He said, “As young students you must all develop your skills, knowledge and energy. The four sources of energy are food, breathing consciously, resting enough and meditation.”