Najib to join SMC’s anniversary bash

The Sri Murugan Centre has served a crucial role in helping more than 20,000 students from the low and middle income groups become graduates. It will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Sunday.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak will join more than 7,000 students, parents and teachers to celebrate the Sri Murugan Centre’ (SMC) 30th anniversary on Sunday.

The centre has been the backbone for more than 23,000 Indian graduates, especially from the low and middle income groups.

The celebration would be held at the Vivekananda Tamil School in Petaling Jaya from 8.30am.

Speaking to FMT, SMC founder M Thambirajah (photo) said that the centre was committed to its three main principals – all are created equal, all have been bestowed with the same intelligence and faith in religion is crucial to success in education.

“All children are not born stupid. All are born equal and SMC really cares for our children. We invited the PM to recognise the achievement of our children over the years and reaffirm our commitment towards nation building,” he added.

Thambirajah said the centre was founded on Sept 24, 1982 by him and a group of 42 students of the Tamil Language Society and lecturers of Universiti Malaya.

He recalled that he initiated the centre in that year after only 120 students qualified for the Arts faculty of UM despite 160 places having been allocated for Indian students.

“This resulted in under qualified students being given places to fullfil the quota requirement at that time,” he said.

Thambirajah said SMC and its volunteers were dedicated to teaching and guiding its students to discover their full potential.

“For the last 30 years, we have come a long way in narrowing the gap between those who are well educated and not educated.

“I don’t take any allowance or reimbursement from the fees collected from students or well wishers but only wish for the students to excel in their studies and careers,” he added.

Asked on the future of SMC beyond his era, the 69-year-old academic said that the structure and ideals of the organisation remain solid

“SMC is not about idolising or worshiping any individual but more about collective responsibility towards our community and nation,” he stressed.