‘Karuthal’ scholarship scheme empowers students from plantation sector in Idukki

The initiative, launched by IAS officer Arjun Pandian hailing from Elappara to give back to his roots, recognises academic performance, excellence in sports and other extracurricular activities. A total of 34 students receive scholarships in this year’s award ceremony.

The "Karuthal" scholarship, which was the first initiative to offer assistance to government school students in plantation communities of high altitudes of Kerala, still provides hope to the students of the region.

Launched in 2022 by IAS officer Arjun Pandian as District Development Commissioner (DDC) of Idukki, the scholarship was his idea to pay homage to his Elappara grama panchayat roots. "As the first IAS officer from this region, I wanted to give back to my native place, especially to the children of plantation workers," he said. "I hope the scholarship inspires them to aim higher and realise their potential.

Originally given to highest-scoring Class X and Plus Two students of the Government School, Elappara, the scholarship, which is now on its fourth edition, has widened its scope. This year, it reaches students from Government High Schools in Chemmannu and Vagamon too, virtually covering the entire panchayat. "My aim is to cover more schools in the days to come," said Mr. Pandian.

Supported by Corporate social responsibility (CSR) alliances and, in some cases, Mr. Pandian's own salary, the scholarship has to date supported 68 students, with total donations amounting to over ₹8 lakh. Initially strictly on an academic merit basis, the award has expanded to cover excellence in sports as well as other extracurricular pursuits. Merit certificates, issued by District Collectors, provide additional encouragement and recognition for recipients.

This year's award function was presided over by Idukki District Collector V. Vigneshwari. 34 students were given scholarships. The function was graced by Elappara grama panchayat president Ammini Thomas, ESAF executive vice-president George Thomas, Principal Sofitha Beevi, and headmistress Haseena Begum, among others. The ESAF Foundation sponsored this year's edition under its CSR initiative.

Other significant contributions

Apart from this effort, Mr. Pandian has significantly contributed to the development of education, health, tourism, and plantation workers' welfare in the district. Interestingly, he was instrumental in getting the affiliation of Idukki Medical College and successfully admitting its first 100 MBBS students in 2022 — a historic achievement for the district.s

A 2017-batch IAS officer from Elappara, Arjun Pandian is the present District Collector of Thrissur.