Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT) celebrated the 94th birthday of its Founder, Arutchelvar Dr.N.Mahalingam. A two-day celebration, on 20th and 21st was declared to commemorate the inspiring life of Dr.N.Mahalingam and realizing his vision for an empowered, socially conscious humanity.
On 20th of March, yesterday, the Founder's day was marked by presenting Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship and Achievers Award Ceremony.
Today, the event was marked by conferring of Arutchelvar Dr.N.Mahalingam Award to Manuel Aaron by Dr.V.Sundar, Vice President World Chess Federation for his contribution to the development of Chess game in India.
Following the felicitation, the inauguration of Dr.N.Mahalingam Chess Academy was hosted. The academy was declared open by Viswanathan Anand, World Chess Champion.
Dr.B.K.Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman of KCT in his address shared that Dr.N.Mahalingam always believed that education can transform one's life. This vision of his made him establish numerous educational institutions. And, today close to 30,000 students are getting benefited through his educational institutions, he said.
'Every year we confer the Arutchelvar Dr.N.Mahalingam Award to eminent industrialists. And, this year we decided to confer the award to an eminent personality from the field of Chess, as Dr.N.Mahalingam was an avid chess player. We are happy to confer this award to Manuel Aaron, First Indian International Chess Master', Krishnaraj Vanavarayar said.
While speaking about the Chess academy, 'This academy will be open for all who are passionate about playing Chess. He urged the students to make use of this academy to the fullest and reach greater heights', Krishnaraj Vanavarayar said.
Manuel Aaron, who was conferred with the award in his address recalled his memories of the days he spent with Dr.N.Mahalingam.
"Dr.N.Mahalingam was like an idol for me. I met him in Madras for the first time in 1960. We served together at the Tamil Nadu Chess federation Association. Dr.N.Mahalingam never failed to felicitate people who won titles in the game of Chess.
When the federation was denied of grants from the Government, Dr. Mahalingam rendered financial support for the federation. A humble and a very down to earth person, Dr. Mahalingam never failed to respect people and recignisebtheir acheivemnets.
A few years back, a boy named Aakash won the National level chess championship. Despite his old age, Dr. Mahalingam was thoughtful yo call Aakash to his Bungalow and appreciated him' Manuel Aaron said.
Viswanathan Anand, five time Winner of World Chess Championship said "I always have a special connection with Coimbatore and Dr.N.Mahalingam. I got my first grand master title in a tournament from Coimbatore and that event was sponsored by Dr. Mahalingam. So, this city is closely knitted to my heart, as most important things in my journey of playing chess happened here in Coimbatore.
Dr. Mahalingam's work for uplifting Chess in Tamil Nadu to next level has been commendable.To put it in better words, he was the rock on which today's Tamil Nadu Chess was built'.
While talking about the academy inaugurated at KCT for Chess, Viswanathan said "Five to ten years later this academy will be definitely looked upon for producing great national and international champions'. He urged that an atmosphere should be created in this academy where people can interact,exchange ideas, get access to coaches and necessary study materials.
Kumaruguru College of technology also honored Master Iniyan, K.Priyanka, V.S.Rathinavel and Baby Lakshina for their achievements in the field of Chess at national level.The achievers were given cash prize of Rs.25,000 and a memento.
The event was graced by Shankar Vanarayar, Joint Correspondent of KCT ,Dr.M.Manikam, Vice Chairman, M.Balasubramaniam Correspondent,and M.Srinivasan, Treasurer. Students,Faculty members,chess players and Members of Tamil Nadu Chess Association were also part of this Founder's day celebration.