Vatakara: As a landmark tribute to its centenary celebrations, ULCCS dedicated the ULCCS Centenary School, Muttungal, to the community. Once on the brink of closure, the historic Muttungal School has been reborn—this time, as an innovative learning space embracing a holistic educational approach known as the ‘Creative School.’
The grand inauguration witnessed the presence of eminent figures from politics, arts, sports, literature, and culture, alongside parents and well-wishers, who lit ‘alphabets lamps’ to mark a bright new beginning. With this transformation, children from working-class families now have access to international-standard education, ensuring equal opportunities for learning and growth.
The historic 131-year-old Muttungal LP School, which was demolished for national highway development, faced the threat of permanent closure. However, in response to appeals from the local community, school protection committee, and PTA, the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) stepped in to preserve its legacy. Acquiring new land and constructing a state-of-the-art facility, ULCCS revitalized the institution as a centenary tribute, enabling international-standard education for children, including those from working-class and coastal communities.
The official inauguration was marked by the symbolic lighting of lamps, arranged in the shape of the first Malayalam alphabet, ‘അ’ (A). The inauguration was graced by renowned personalities, including writer M. Mukundan, former MLA A. Pradeep Kumar, known for spearheading school revival projects, lyricist and musician Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, Padma Shri awardee and Kalaripayattu practitioner Meenakshi Amma, Block Panchayat President K.P. Girija, Deputy Director of Education Manoj Kumar C, film actress Anu Sithara, poet Veerankutty, and singers V.T. Murali and Vishnumaya Ramesh.
Presided over by Chorode Panchayat President P.P. Chandrasekharan Master, the event featured a welcome address by ULCCS Chairman Rameshan Paleri and a vote of thanks by MD S. Shaju. Representatives from the education department, local administration, and the school protection committee were also present at the function.
A vibrant procession of students and parents to the newly built school marked the beginning of the celebrations. Guests were welcomed with a traditional Oppana performance by young artists from Perambra GUPS. The Aksharadeepam (lamp of knowledge) was ceremoniously lit to the background of Guru Vagbhatanandakriti, sung by child artist Sarang Rajeev, followed by a balloon release and an inaugural prayer by the school children.
In recognition of their efforts, the engineering and design teams behind the construction of the new school building were honored on stage. Additionally, students from the region who excelled in state-level art, sports, science, and mathematics competitions were felicitated. The event concluded with cultural performances by school students and a special stage show by Oscar Manoj.
Speaking on the occasion, ULCCS Chairman Rameshan Paleri emphasized that the school will implement the ‘Creative Education’ system, developed by a panel of leading educationists in the state. This pioneering approach aims to foster holistic child development, going beyond conventional academics to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Designed to foster interactive and experiential learning, the new school building features dedicated spaces for reading, science experiments, mathematics, performing arts, music, dance, chess, painting, agriculture, and nature studies. With this pioneering educational model, ULCCS Centenary School aims to provide an international standard of education, creating a dynamic, hands-on, and inclusive environment where young minds can thrive. The school is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for growth and excellence, especially for children from working-class and coastal communities.
