The meeting with the town people of Tirupattur to revive the “Manitha Neya Mayam” started by Rev. Fr. P.M. Thomas in 1974 commenced with the prayer song sung by the college choir at 7.15 p.m. Then the whole gathered stood up in silence to pay respect for Fr. P.M. Thomas praying for the repose of his soul and thanking God for the gift of him to the Sacred Heart family and to Tirupattur. The words of welcome was delivered by Fr. S. John Borg, the controller of examinations of Sacred Heart college in which he thanked everyone for making efforts to be present and presented few details of the purpose of the gathering.

 

            After that a short film was screened enumerating the history of Sacred Heart college. It was indeed a splendid compilation of the different activities and the contribution of different personalities to the growth of this institution. It was followed by the words of sharing by Rev. Fr. Maria Antonyraj, the Principal of Sacred Heart College. In his talk, he highlighted the achievements, Various scholarships, services towards the student community and concluded his talk high lightening the plans for the Platinum Jubilee.

 

            Fr. Maria Antonyraj, then initiated the discussion asking for suggestions to revive the “Manitha Neya Mayam” started by Rev. Fr. P.M. Thomas and requested the august gathering to give out ways and means of better collaboration and sharing with the mission of Sacred Heart College. Fr. Principal himself started the discussion with the appeal to all the members to help the college in extending the Don Bosco Seva scholarship by accommodating our students as part time staff on hourly basis in their respective industries.

 

            The other suggestions are as follows:

 

1. Ways and means to be charted out to revive and strengthen the Manitha Neya Mayam as early as possible.
2. Assurance was given to help in Work scholarship
3. Sports activities could be organised for the slum children.
4. Agricultural college could be started
5. Short time online certificate courses could be started and tie up with the local industries for job placement.
6. Possibilities could be explored to upgrade the college in to a deemed university.
7. After thanking the college for opening for the girl students, effort should be made to prevent dropouts.
8. MSW students could be given opportunity in different NGOs functioning in Tirupattur.
9. Being 51 years of existence of “Manitha Neya Mayam”, concrete steps should be taken to revive it to contribute for the prevention of dropouts in Tirupattur.

 

During the discussion, a memento was distributed to all as a remembrance for the Platinum Jubilee. The meeting ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Rev. Fr. Theophil Anand, the Additional Principal and everyone was treated with a dinner in the Savio Café. The whole interaction was co-ordinated by Rev. Fr. Sathinathan.