STARS (Support The Advancement of Rural Students) DAY 2024 - the 7th Annual STARS meet was held with much fanfare today (26/05/24).

STARS is one among many philanthropic activities that VIT undertakes. Through this scheme, the meritorious yet financially disadvantaged children are given100% fee waiver for their academic and hostel facilities including basic medical expenses.

Today marked the 7th annual STARS meet. The event was presided over by our honourable Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan who delivered the Presidential Address. Legendary Tamil Cinema Director Padmashree. Dr. Bharathiraja was the chief guest. Veteran Tamil Cinema Producer Kalaipuli S. Thanu was the guest of honour.

Taking a leaf from his own life on English proficiency for rural students, the Chancellor said that he hailed from a remote village in Gudiyatham near Vellore and studied in Tamil medium up to intermediate level during his school days. But he managed to complete his graduation and clear the Civil Service Examinations way back in 1962. “Rural students can achieve English proficiency through hard work and spending extra hours on learning the language,” he said.

The Chancellor further said that the country has been lagging far behind compared to developed countries in higher education. As per the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GEE), India has only 27 percent of its population in higher education compared to the USA (88%), Japan (65%), and South Korea (100%). In terms of per capita income, which is used to measure Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), India’s per capita income is only $2,500, whereas the other three countries are $70,00, $39,000, and $35,000, respectively, he said.

Various other dignitaries including Mr.Sankar Viswanathan - Vice President, Dr. T. Jayabarathi - Registrar, Dr. Rufus Elizabeth - Director, Alumni Affairs, Dr. C.D. Naiju - Director, Students Welfare and other faculty/staff members were present during this occasion