A Mega Rally by more than 1500 first year students of Paavai Engineering, Polytechnic and Arts and Science Colleges was organized and conducted in partnership with The Hindu, on 5th Nov’ 2012 on the premises of Paavai Institutions in order to sensitize and energize the young learners , professionals and the faculty to speak only in English. The Chairman of Paavai Institutions addressed students highlighting the significance of English as a link language. He suggested adequate and various ways and means to practice conversing in English which was followed by a speech and pledge by students. Then the Chairman declared the rally start by waving the ‘Rally Flag’. At every institution, the Chairman briefed the indispensability of English to the participants. The students of the respective colleges solemnly took the pledge to stick to the practice of speaking in English. Student representatives from each institution gave short speeches on i) English for Employability ii) English for Engineers iii) English for Higher studies iv) English for Business v) English for Effective Communication. vi) English for Social Recognition and Status etc.,
The highlight of the event was the toddlers of Paavai Vidhyashram showing an immense interest in their enthusiastic participation. At every point of Rally, the executives of The Hindu, Mr. Sivakumar, Assistant General Manager and Mr. Premanand, Regional Manager spoke about the role of The Hindu in promoting learning of English. The entire rally was mind-capturing and interest-arousing as there were posters, placards, banners, slogan-shouting, band, bikers etc., investing the whole campus with an aura of festivity and jubilation which intensified the spirit and tempo of the English Speaking Campaign.
Following the Rally, there was an Edutaining Exhibition which was declared open by the Chairman in the afternoon. A display of the evolution of The Hindu with the rarest of the rare photographs of distinguished personalities and leaders taking part in the newsworthy events stole the minds of the viewers. The students of Paavai Institutions showcased their creativity, innovation and aesthetics through their working models, pictures, posters bearing wise sayings, charts etc., focusing on the need for English as it is the order of the day, as stated by the Chairman. The danglers embossing the ‘English for Empowerment’ logo was really exemplary.
The programme of the Inauguration of the English Club was also held at 3 p.m. The Chairman presided over the function and delivered his presidential address. The English Club of Paavai Institutions was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. A. Arunachalam, poet and Former Head of English Department in Hardramount University, Yemen. The chief guest pointed out the richness and the varied nuances of the English language which would enable every individual to win recognition, respect and status along with gainful employment. Felicitation was offered by the Correspondent of Paavai Institutions. Narrating the 11 year old journey of the Paavai Institutions to advocate the need for English, she stated an exclusive for the promotion of English was allotted in order to instill interest and desire to communicate always in English.
Prizes were given away to the winners of various language contests organized by the Department of English. The rank holders of Business English Certificate (BEC) were honored with prizes and certificates. English related culturals were performed by the students. Clippings from the movie ‘English-Vinglish’ not only delighted the audience but also gave them the will to learn English. The programme gave a hearty satisfaction of experiencing self-awareness and self-confidence to speak in English.
