PONDA: Ponda MLA and Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik on Saturday said parents play a pivotal role in their children’s education and hence, they should cooperate with the teachers and non-teaching staff of the school.

Mr Naik was speaking as a chief guest at a function, organised by the village panchayat of Curti-Khandepar where free uniforms were distributed to students of various schools in the locality.

Applauding the efforts of the panchayat for distributing uniforms to around 550 students, right from primary to college section, Mr Naik said, "We need to congratulate the panchayat members for showing interest towards the local students and assisting them by providing uniforms."

Speaking on the occasion, the former sarpanch, Mr John Pereira urged the minister to help them to have a single office (head office) at Curti, Ponda. "We are finding it difficult in handling both the offices -- one at Curti and another at Khandepar. We therefore urged the minister to consider the proposal of having a single office at Mestawaddo, where we have land of around 1600 square metres," Mr Pereira said, to which the minister has assured his help.

Mr Madhav Sahakari, also a former sarpanch of Curti-Khandepar, recalling the concept of distributing free uniforms to the deserving students said, "Though the number was initially less, I am happy that the panchayat, irrespective of who holds the post of sarpanch, is continuing with the same for a good cause."

Mr Kamlakant Parab, a teacher, also highlighted how essential is the role of parents in moulding and shaping the future of children.

The sarpanch, Mr Suraj Naik welcomed the gathering while the deputy sarpanch, Ms Deepa S Naik proposed the vote of thanks.