Annai Khadeeja Arts & Science College

Down here on Edaiyathimangalam Road, things move at their own pace. We’ve been running Annai Khadeeja Arts & Science College in Manamelkudi for a bit now. It’s out in the Pudukkottai area, so it’s not like the big city schools. We have local students who come from the nearby villages. The road outside can be a bit dusty when the wind picks up, especially in the dry months. We spend a lot of time just keeping the place organized. There’s always someone coming into the office asking about admissions or where a certain class is being held. We don’t have a big marketing team or anything like that. It’s just us teachers and the office staff trying to make sure the students learn something useful. The building is simple, nothing too flashy. We have the usual subjects you’d expect for arts and science. Sometimes the power goes out, and we just have to wait it out or open the windows for some air. Life in Manamelkudi is quiet mostly. We’re glad to be part of the community here. The local shops know our students well. It feels like a small family most days. We don’t pretend to be something we aren't. We just provide a place for young people to study and get their degrees without having to travel too far from home. It’s a lot of small tasks that add up to a full day for all of us. There is always something that needs fixing or a student who needs help.