The School Dropout Who Became a Helping Hand

August 18, 2026 Unknown Wizards Valli Sarvani

True social change often begins when ordinary people respond to problems they understand personally. S Rajinikanth’s journey reflects that spirit.

At 12, Rajinikanth left school because his family struggled with poverty. Today, the 42-year-old vegetable vendor spends much of his time helping government-school students overcome challenges he once faced himself.

His commitment to service began during the 2004 tsunami. Rajinikanth and his family distributed milk powder, biscuits and essential supplies from their grocery shop.

They also supplied vegetables to relief kitchens. For 52 days, his family opened their terrace to displaced survivors and prepared food for them.

That experience shaped his approach to helping others. During Cyclone Gaja, he distributed nearly 12 tonnes of vegetables to affected villages and relief shelters. He simply gave what he had when people needed food.

His efforts later expanded to communities facing sudden hardship. After a fire destroyed 13 homes in a Kattunayakan settlement, he provided essential items and helped mobilise support for new sheet-roof houses.

Government schools eventually became his main focus. During a 2021 visit to his former school in Nagapattinam, he saw children eating midday meals inside classrooms.

The sight reminded him of his own childhood and moved him to act. He helped build an Unavu Koodam, giving students a dedicated dining space.

On another school visit in Kalasambadi, he noticed students lacked a toilet facility. He mobilised donors and charitable organisations to construct one. Since then, he has helped establish more than 13 dining facilities for schoolchildren.

His support now extends beyond infrastructure. Rajinikanth has identified more than 50 students struggling financially but eager to continue their education.

Through NGOs and corporate social responsibility support, he helps fund their education and skill-development courses.

His story carries a powerful message. Poverty once forced him away from education. Now, he works to ensure other children do not face the same choice.

For Rajinikanth, service is not about wealth or recognition. It is about giving whatever is available when someone needs it most.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image published on February 19, 2017