Awards - Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya

School takes pride in twin awards
Staff Reporter
Principal, student get national-level Navodaya award
Proud winners:Principal K.O. Ratnakaran (right) and Vijin Venu of Jawahar Navodaya
Vidyalaya, Chettachal.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is indeed a proud occasion for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) at
Chettachal on the outskirts of the city.
Students, their parents and staff of this residential institution are delighted that their Principal, K.O.
Ratnakaran, and student, Vijin Venu, bagged the national-level Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS)
Incentive Award- 2009.
The NVS Incentive Awards are given to principals, vice-principals, teachers and students of JNVs across
the country every year.
“This is the first time in the history of the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti that a Principal and a student of a
school are winning this award at the same time. We are extremely happy and proud of this
achievement,” Mr. Ratnakaran said.
While Vijin Venu bagged the award for his excellent academic performance and topping the CBSE Class
XII science stream examinations, Mr. Ratnakaran won the honour for his achievements and
contributions to the NVS in a 20-year-long career.
Mr. Ratnakaran began his career as a postgraduate mathematics teacher with JNV, Baghmara, in
Meghalaya. He was later transferred to Sikkim and then to Chikmagalur as vice-principal. He then
served as Principal at JNV Gandhi Nagar. He was transferred to JNV, Thiruvananthapuram, as Principal in
2006.
Among the new initiatives introduced at JNV, Chettachal, during Mr. Ratnakaran's tenure are a five-acre
farm inside the school to educate students on agricultural practices and the academic exchange
programme with school students in the United Kingdom under the United Kingdom India Education
Research Initiative (UKERI).
“I have tried to introduce agriculture initiatives in all the institutions that I have worked in. I think it is
very helpful in teaching children to love our earth and work hard for results. However, all this has been
possible only because of the support of my staff and parents of these students. Basically, it's all a team
work,” Mr. Ratnakaran said.
Vijin Venu, who thanked his school for his achievements, was elated to receive the award along with his
Principal. “I am indebted to my school for all my achievements. It is really exciting to win this award
along with our Principal,” Vijin said.
Son of P. Venu and K.P. Girija Devi, Vijin had earlier bagged the honour of witnessing this year's
Republic Day parade from the Prime Minister's box, as an invitee of the Ministry of Human Resource
Development. Nearly 100 other meritorious students from different parts of the country shared the
honour. “Watching the Republic Day parade from the Prime Minister's box was very special. It was a
great opportunity for me to meet and interact with meritorious students from all across the country
through this programme,” he said.
Malayala Manorama on 01/05/2010
Mangalam on 01/05/2010
Mathrubhumi on 01/05/2010