Irular, an ethnic group in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, numbers around 200,000, with nearly 180,000 in Tamil Nadu. Traditionally, they have been snake and rat catchers, contributing to the availability of Polyvalent Antivenom for venomous snake bites in Tamil Nadu. Despite their contributions, Irula people face social discrimination and harassment from the Hindu upper caste, often enslaved as bonded laborers, falsely charged with crimes, and subjected to police brutality.
Palangudi Irular Pathukappu Sangam, co-founded by Professor Kalvimani, protects the rights of the Irula people, fighting over 1,000 cases related to false charges and human rights violations. They also release illegally enslaved bonded workers and provide housing in Tindivanam. Due to their social status and lack of education, Irulas struggle to find suitable jobs, often ending up as janitors and garbage collectors.
To improve their lifestyle and educate the next generation, Professor Kalvimani founded Thai Tamil Palli in Roshanai Tindivanam 25 years ago. This free school educates Irula children from kindergarten to eighth grade, using modern teaching methods and providing free lunch and hostel facilities. Despite being a private institution without government funding, the school offers education, accommodation, and meals completely free of cost.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedicated teachers implemented "Veedu Thedi Kalvi," conducting classes in students' homes or volunteers' premises, adhering to social distancing guidelines. Running a free school is challenging, with the major expense being the salaries of these dedicated teachers. Compared to Tamil Nadu government teachers, these educators receive a meager salary, and the school struggles to pay even this amount on time.
Our project, Kedil Vizhu Chelvam, aims to fund the teachers' salaries for at least six months. As the Thirukkural says, "Education is the imperishable wealth to one, and there is no other wealth that matches up to it." These teachers provide the imperishable wealth of education to underprivileged Irula children. It is our duty to ensure they are rightfully compensated for their time and dedication, allowing them to continue their service without the worry of financial burden.
Join us in supporting Thai Tamil Palli and the dedicated teachers who are making a difference in the lives of Irula children. Your contribution can help provide a brighter future for these children and ensure that their teachers are compensated fairly. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Reach us @ treasurer@tgroc.org
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