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.