How a headmaster revived a government school in Chennai
The Hindu
With CSR support, Ravi Kasi Venkatraman has transformed Maraimalai Adigal Government Higher Secondary School in Pallavaram into a much-respected citadel of learning
In 2021, when Ravi Kasi Venkatraman came on a transfer to Maraimalai Adigal (MMA) Government Higher Secondary School in Pallavaram, he was stepping into a difficult role. The new headmaster inherited a school with underdeveloped and poor infrastructure. There was nothing to write home about. The school enrolled students from classes VI to XII.
In five years, he has taken the institute to such heights that parents queue up to get admission for their children in the school, and the infrastructure built with CSR funds has left the corporates behind it proud.
Recently, Rotary Club of Madras honoured the HM with ‘Educator Extraordinaire Award for 2025–26’ for his contributions to education and community development.
Ravi Kasi Venkatraman (in purple shirt) being presented the ‘Educator Extraordinaire Award 2025–26’ by Rotary Club of Madras president Nikhil Raj; others in the picture are secretary Prassanna Rajagopalan, Sharon Krishna Rau, PE Balakrishna, and Bikram Shivkumar.
The journey
One of the first areas of focus for the headmaster was to get functional clean toilets in the school with water supply, but he noticed that the facility did not last long as students were involved in vandalising it. So before taking any major infrastructure work he wanted to win the confidence of students. Ravi who has a doctorate in Physics, rolled out initiatives to cater to all groups of students.
With CSR support, Ravi Kasi Venkatraman has transformed Maraimalai Adigal Government Higher Secondary School in Pallavaram into a much-respected citadel of learning
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