Kochi: At the grand finale of Malayala Manorama’s ‘Nalla Paadam’ project, an initiative to encourage schoolchildren to actively participate in the socio-economic upliftment of society, Mangalam Gandhi Smaraka UP School won the first place. Actor Mammotty presented them with a check of Rs 1 lakh and the ‘Nalla Paadam’ trophy.
The students and teachers of the Mangalam School leave no stone unturned when it comes to their social commitment and humanitarian concern. The jury was particularly impressed by their efforts to be in touch with the farming culture, the butterfly garden at the school courtyard and most importantly, the projects, which they undertook for the benefit of differently-abled students who couldn’t attend the school daily. The students of this school pledged their commitment to nature by planting trees and giving it names of eminent personalities.
Kannur Cherupuzha JM UP School won the second place and was presented with 50,000 rupees and a memento; the third place was won by Malappuram Koluthoor National Higher Secondary School. They got Rs 30,000 and the memento.
Director Lal Jose, magician Gopinath Muthukadu and danseuse Rajasree Warrier were the jury. In the last academic year, more than 6,000 schools participated in the ‘Nalla Paadam’ project, and the 14 schools, which won the top price in each district, took part in the grand finale at Kochi.
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