TEZU, Apr 25: The 2nd ‘Capt KK Venkatraman Memorial Patriotic Group-song Competition’, organized by the NSS & NCC Units of Indira Gandhi Govt College (IGGC), Tezu jointly with Bamboosa Library at the IGGC, Tezu yesterday, was inaugurated by former Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) Chairperson Radhilu Chai Techi.
Speaking on the occasion, Radhilu said: “A teacher must be admired, respected, loved and even feared. Capt KK Venkatraman Sir, affectionately called as Capt Ji by VKVians in Arunachal, was all these and more.”
She further said: “As the Secretary of the VKVs in Arunachal from 1983 to 1993, Capt Sir introduced the first girls’ military band into Arunachal schools and relentlessly demanded the best from students. Thus VKV Tafrogam band and parade displays could perform in several military stations, almost matching those of Army standards.”
“However, I saw a very different person when I went to Chennai for my Hr Sec education with Capt Ji as our local guardian,” remembered Radhilu. “He was a friend, guide, uncle and a father to us, taking meticulous care to meet our every need,” she said.
Pouring her warm remembrances to him, she said that he remained a local guardian and parent to almost 50 Arunachal girls in Chennai for three decades.
Addressing the audience, IGGC Principal Dr Kangki Megu said that by organizing the competition, we are paying our tributes to a great patriot, who strove to shape the young minds of Arunachal.
Introducing the genesis of the contest, S Mundayoor, Coordinator Lohit Youth Library Network, thanked the 6 Kumaon Regt for their enthusiastic patronage to honour an outstanding former officer of their regiment and generously sponsor this annual contest. “Only a few blessed souls can continue to shower their benediction around, after they leave this world. Capt Ji is one such, for several benefits have been showering on Arunachal youth after his passing, in the form of awards fellowships and sponsorships,” he said.