At school, he hated mathematics and sciences. Ironically, Sugumaran now runs a coaching centre that prepares children for talent examinations in these subjects.
In January 2000, Sugumaran founded Nehru Children’s Cultural Association at Thiruvanmiyur, which conducts coaching classes for free or subsidised fees.
Sugumaran, who has a job in a private firm, says, “Many are not aware of the scholarships and other benefits that co,e from clearing such examinations.”
He conducts coaching programmes for Olympiad examinations, National Talent Search Examination conducted by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) by Department of Science and Technology. Classes are handled by faculties brought in from various schools and colleges.
“In order to better understand the concepts of science, we organise field trips every year,” he adds.
The association organises education tours to Vainu Bappu Observatory of Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Javadi Hills, Thiruvakkarai to study different types of rocks, IGCAR Kalpakkam and Ramanujan museum in Kumbakonam.
Sugumaran plans to extend his coaching programmes to students of Corporation-run Chennai schools.
“We are willing to go and conduct classes at the school premises,” he says.
Besides academics, the association also conducts cultural competitions such as dance, music and drama for children.
Sugumaran can be contacted at 81444 16484.
