A Class 12 student from a fishing community, who chose to support her family, was persuaded to join college at a special grievance redress and guidance session held under the Naan Mudhalvan scheme in Thanjavur on Wednesday. The meeting, part of the initiative’s fourth phase, was chaired by District Collector P. Priyanka Pankajam at the Collectorate.The programme, which began on June 9, is aimed at supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education and career opportunities.During the session, K. Lavanya, a student of Adirampattinam Government Girls Higher Secondary School, became the focus of attention. Despite scoring 415 marks in the Class 12 board examinations, she was asked to take up work to support her family’s income.Her school teacher Jepar Kavi, along with Chief Educational Officer Madhavan and school mentors, intervened in the matter. They met the family members and persuaded them to support Lavanya’s educational aspirations. Within a brief time, Lavanya was admitted to B.Com. course at an Arts and Science College, close to her residence.Published - July 23, 2025 09:00 pm IST