ALAPPUZHA:For politicians in the state who wish to go up the party ladder or engage leaders from up north -- the likes of Yashwant Sahay etched to perfection by Innocent in the satirical rib-tickler ‘Sandesham’ -- knowledge of English and Hindi is almost de regueur.
Aspirants of political career cutting across partylines can now seek the help of ‘Souhrida’, a social service organisation under the Alappuzha district committee of the Communist Party of India (CPI), to acquire Hindi and English language skills.
The agency is offering free Spoken English and Hindi classes to budding and seasoned political leaders and social workers.
According to B Nazeer, secretary of Souhrida, the initiative is aimed at developing skills of talented politicians. “Many leaders have the capability to manage social works and speak in their mother tongue. But they often cannot communicate with people who do not understand Malayalam,” Nazeer said.
SD College principal R Geethakrishna Pai inaugurated the first batch and also led the classes on April 20. “More than 20 social activists have registered. We expect more people to seek admission in the coming days,” Nazeer said.
Souhrida president P Jyothis, the state secretariat member of the CPI, said the minimum qualification for admission is SSLC. There is no upper age limit to participants.
The classes will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Souhrida, set up in 2004, also has plans to impart free language training to autorickshaw drivers in Alappuzha, who deal with tourists on a daily basis.
The organisation had been arranging free grammar classes to Class X students every summer vacation. They are also provided free counseling in the months of October, November and December.