It was the joy-ride of a lifetime for these ninth graders from schools run by the Corporation of Chennai | Express

 

Children from 6 corporation schools across Chennai got a taste of life
on the high seas, after the marine police offered to take them out to
sea in their speedboats.  When the city corporation’s  joint
commissioner for education, T N Venkatesh proposed the idea to ADGP
Sylendra Babu , he enthusiastically arranged the trip and even offered
to accompany the kids. “We chose ten students from each school; all of
them ninth graders. They were extremely excited to have the opportunity
for a day-out with the marine police,” said Venkatesh.

 

Sporting bright
yellow caps and  life vests, the students, both boys and girls were
taken into the sea off Chennai port . “We chose ninth standard students
because they are mature enough to understand the importance of coastal
security.  The accompanying marine police officers explained to them the
various types of ships, the facilities at the harbor and the importance
of port security,” said Venkatesh. “From June onwards, we are planning
to take two or three batches  of students on such trips every month,
because such exposure is a very important part of their education,” he
added.