Change begins when education is combined with social justice, says Chennai South MP

“Education is the one and only tool – the most prized possession one can carry. Especially in Tamil Nadu, education is a part of social justice movement. When you combine education with social justice, that’s where change begins,” said Chennai South MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian at the FICCI FLO’s ‘Voice of the People event’ on Wednesday.

“Especially for a girl child, this is a powerful weapon. Education teaches you the nuances of whether you see or look into it,” she added.

Ms. Thangapandian was in conversation with entrepreneur Gayathri Prakash.

As part of FLO’s National Sustainability programme, FLO Chennai distributed 20 bicycles to the girl toppers of 10th and 11th standard from government schools, with Ms. Thangapandian handing over the awards.

The students were selected from Government Higher Secondary Schools in Nemmeli and Kandigai. The initiative was supported by Finolex Industries Limited and the Muk1ul Madhav Foundation.

“When I saw the children from government schools today, I just saw a mini version of Thamizhachi in them – I was one among those girls. Only through the steps of education, I have come this far,” added Ms Thangapandian in conversation with entrepreneur Gayathri Prakash.

On the gap in women’s representation in the public sector areas, Ms Thangapandian said that there are still glass ceilings to be broken but noted that women had come a long way, pointing out that women have served and serve as councillors, zonal chairpersons, heads of standing committees and mayors of Chennai Corporation.

“Women need to be socially conscious and careful about who we place in decision making seats and equally how we choose to participate in those spaces ourselves,” she said.

Chairperson of FLO Chennai Niyati A. Mehta and committee members were present.