Mason thanks son’s school with free work

Madurai: One doesn’t need money but just a heart to do good for others. That’s what A Alagumurugan, 44, a mason, proved in his humble way by undertaking maintenance work for free in the school in Madurai from where his son passed out.
His son A Bheeman did his schooling at Elumalai Boys Govt Higher Secondary School and cleared Class XII state board exams this year.“I was so happy to see Bheeman join Gandhigram Rural Institute in Dindigul to study BA Economics. It would not have been possible without the support of the school and its teachers,” Alagumurugan told TOI. He said he readily accepted when the teachers asked him to undertake maintenance work in the school buildings recently. However, after completing three days of work, when the headmaster and teachers looked to pay him, he declined it vehemently.
The school under headmaster R Dhanapal has a student strength of around 640. “We get a few sponsors and donations for developing the school but having a heart like Alagumurugan is rare to see. Despite being from a poor economic background, he wanted to do what he could for the school. It motivates us to work harder for students’ welfare,” said B Murugesan, a PG assistant teacher in Economics at the school.
He recalled that Bheeman was an average student but during summer holidays, he stepped up to do gardening work at the school, which was appreciated by many.
“Bheeman prepared for CUET exam for getting admission to Gandhigram Rural Institute in Dindigul in BA Economics. I gave him coaching and taught spoken English too during holidays. It was at this time, he did gardening work,” observed Murugesan.
After Bheeman’s gardening effort was featured in the media, a private sponsor came forward to provide him with Rs 25,000 for higher studies. “My son and I are immensely grateful to the school and I wanted to do the least I could for it and its students. I only wish I could do even more. Students deserve a good environment to study peacefully,” added Alagumurugan.