Riding for a cause: Vellimuthu’s journey to educate tribal children | Fusion - WeRIndia

In the remote hills of Tamil Nadu, 23-year-old Ulaganathan Vellimuthu, an engineering graduate, is transforming the lives of tribal children.

Born in Thoni Oor, Vellore district, Vellimuthu faced immense struggles from a young age.

After losing his father at the age of two, his family plunged into financial hardship.

Despite this, Vellimuthu’s mother and brother ensured he continued his education, while his brother sacrificed his own schooling to support the family.

Vellimuthu, the first graduate in his family, completed his engineering degree despite challenges.

Transitioning from Tamil-medium schooling to English-medium college was difficult. However, his determination led him to succeed without any arrears. Alongside his studies, he took on a part-time job to support his family.

After graduation, Vellimuthu returned to his village and began working on his family’s agricultural land. However, his passion for education persisted, leading him to teach tribal children with the support of the NGO Hand in Hand.

When he noticed the rising dropout rates in the local government school due to poor roads, Vellimuthu took action. With advice from mentors, he began transporting children to school on his Hero Honda bike.

Every day, Vellimuthu starts at 8 am, picking up around 15 children from Thoniyur, Gujarat, and Yeludhi Maranthur.

He carefully navigates the rough terrain, especially challenging during the monsoon, to ensure the safety of the children. His efforts have reduced the school dropout rates in these villages to zero.

Vellimuthu’s dedication doesn’t end with transportation. He continues teaching students from grades 1 to 5 at a learning centre.

In addition, he is also preparing for TNPSC exams and seeking a better-paying job to help his family. Despite the challenges, Vellimuthu finds joy in seeing children pursue their education.

He says the journey is not a struggle but a pleasure since it helps students complete their education. Vellimuthu’s daily rides symbolize hope and the promise of a brighter future for the children in his community.

Image Credit: Manu Anthrayose, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vellore_Fort_Tamil_Nadu_8.jpg