A child welcomes President APJ Abdul Kalam during his recent visit to Maranghatu. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, Feb. 16: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s visit to Maranghatu Primary School in Kuchai block last Friday has given a new lease of life to the institution.

Following the President’s recommendation, deputy commissioner of Seraikela-Kharsawan Dhirendra Mishra will prepare a proposal to elevate the status of the school from primary to secondary level.

The proposal will be sent to the state government for its approval soon.

The school has three classrooms, 187 students, and three teachers at present. It is the only primary school in Maranghatu, which is the largest village in Kuchai block with a population of 1,400 villagers.

Kalam visited the school after attending a function at the Munda-dominated hamlet situated about 3 km from Kuchai police station. He met head teacher Gopabandhu Mahato as well as students.

The village caught Kalam’s attention due to the success of sericulture (tussar weaving) there.

The President had expressed his desire to visit a tribal-dominated village in Jharkhand.

Authorities in the state did not want Kalam’s schedule to be too hectic. So, they arranged for a Presidential visit to Maranghatu village in the neighbouring district.

During his visit to the school the President recommended the district administration to take the initiative to promote the school to the secondary level.

He also stressed the need of computer education in the school.

Mishra told The Telegraph that they would soon identify a separate plot of land in the same area to relocate the school.

He added that necessary instructions have also been issued to provide electricity to Maranghatu village.

Mishra said the school would receive secondary status by the next academic season.