: In a show of love and respect for a teacher who was a friend, philospher and guide to them, about 150 Dalit families at Athupakkam have erected a bronze statue in his memory and derive inspiration from paying floral tributes
The agricultural labourers have been paying floral tributes to the statue of Kennedy, who single handedly transformed the local primary school.
The headmaster passed away in 2007.
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Kennedy, a native of Porayar in the district, joined as headmaster of the Government Primary School at Athupakkam in 2002. Soon after taking over, he met the villagers and urged them to send all their children to school.
A bachelor, he used to spend all his time at the village, conducted special classes and encouraged the children to take active part in extra-curricular activities.He enforced uniform system in the school and purchased uniforms from his funds.
People soon began to consult him on all matters. With their help, Kennedy improved the infrastructure of the school in a big way. He built a compound wall, landscaped the school premises and erected a garden.
He suddenly passed away due to ill health in 2007 at the age of 41.
"Kennedy was not just a teacher for us.He was everything. Though he was a primary school headmaster, he guided many students of the village to go to college. Words are inadequate to explain his services to our people," said Balaguru, a senior citizen at the village.
"Kennedy's death was a big blow and we were paying floral tributes to his photograph. Later we decided to erect a statue," adds Balaguru.
Dhanush, a 22-year old youth of the village, currently doing his M.Sc in a college nearby fondly recalls his primary teacher. "Kennedy sir was a great inspiration and he wanted me to become a doctor. Though I could not get into Medicine, I hope to do doctorate in Physics," he said.
Kennedy's father Easter Raj has founded an educational trust named after his son and offers help to students of the village, ensuring that the legacy still lives on and continues to inspire the people.
