A free coaching centre in Chennai is a source of hope for TNPSC aspirants

As in director Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, one can find heart-warming stories of grit, perseverance and resilience at Dr Ambedkar Education and Employment Centre in Chennai, which has been offering free coaching for over a decade. All India Insurance Employees Union started this centre in 2012

On February 11, at a building in Armenian Street, All India Insurance Employees Union will welcome a new batch of candidates aspiring to find employment through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission examination. This building also houses the office of CPI (M) and Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front.

As in director Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, one can find heart-warming stories of grit, perseverance and resilience at Dr Ambedkar Education and Employment Centre, which has been offering free coaching for over a decade.

Janani G, a Union Public Service Commission aspirant and a tutor at this centre, is among those who will be giving an introduction to TNPSC for the new batch.

An engineering graduate, Janani could not afford the fee charged by private IAS academies. She discontinued after a year of coaching to turn tutor-volunteer at this centre.

“You must not accept defeat easily whatever be the situation around you, and I will be sharing my story at the meeting,” says Janani, who takes classes in current affairs and polity. She has made three attempts in civil service, has a part-time job and is determined to crack a central government job from the general category.

All India Insurance Employees Union began by offering free coaching in 2009 in Coimbatore for candidates seeking to build a career in Banking, Insurance and the Railway. In 2012, they expanded to Chennai and other districts adding TNPSC coaching as well.

With just 900 sq. ft., the centre is a modest facility. It comes with a wide collection of books, a projector and a photocopy machine. It has been sustained over the years by the goodwill of many well-wishers who help in cash or kind. Classes are offered only during weekends from 9.30 a.m. till 5 p.m.