Legendary actor Sivakumar, through his educational foundation, has been honoring students who have scored good marks in the Plus-Two examination for the past 43 years. It has been the inspiration for sons Suriya to start his Agaram Foundation and Karthi the 'Uzhavan Foundation.

On the occasion of his 100th film, Sivakumar started the Education Foundation to inspire students. He recognizes deserving students and felicitates them. The 44th annual event of 'Shivakumar Education Foundation' was held in Chennai and an aide of rupees 10,000/- each to 25 male and female students in the function, totaling Rs. 2,50,000/- (Two Lakh Fifty Thousand only) was awarded. Along with this, financial assistance was also given to the 'Thaai Tamil School' run for poor students by the Dindivanam Education Development Committee. Senior painter Jayaraj was awarded one lakh rupees. Chengalpattu District Somandergudi Government High School teacher Mr. Gnanaprakasam was given an appreciation prize for his dedicated work and for his efforts to inculcate the superiority of Thirukkural in the minds of students everywhere.

Speaking on the occasion, Sivakumar said, "The Sivakumar Education Foundation, which was started in May 1979, has been encouraging the students who scored the best marks in the Plus Two examination. After 30 years of my responsibility, the foundation was taken over by Agaram Foundation which has been doing excellent work in the educational sector. My children are now doing well to help poor students on a small scale,"

The 81 year old who is an inspiration for his disciplined life style added "I know very well how much it will be difficult for people born in poor families in the village to study. I have also experienced firsthand how much education can improve one's quality of life. I take great satisfaction in doing my best to help children who are born in a poor family like me and study well. This is the first win over hurdles. There is still a long way to go. Students should not lose their focus and continue to progress in life,"

Actor Surya in his speech stated "The seed of Agaram Foundation's educational work was sown 43 years ago. Agaram is a continuation of Sivakumar Education Foundation's 43 years of providing educational incentives to young students. We are working together with like-minded people, educational institutions and educational organizations for proper and equal educational opportunity,".

The busy superstar added " Permanent and lasting changes can be created through education.Agaram has provided college education opportunity to 5200 students in the last 14 years across Tamil Nadu, especially in coastal areas, hilly villages and refugee camps." He stressed that his organization is currently working with the villagers to increase student enrollment and reduce dropout in 30 schools.

Karthi in his speech pointed out "We cannot draw comparisons between a student studying in Madras and getting 100 marks, and a student with little facilities in villages and remote areas. Those 50 marks are quite big. It is then that we decided to choose such students and award them with prizes for their hard work and they also include the children of our brothers from Sri Lanka. This prize money and this encouragement for them is to only tell them that we are here to hold their hands and always support them."

The 'Ponniyin Selvan 2' star added "t is not just about the prize money. Don't let go of your belief. What you keeping think, will come to you one day. Keep pursuing that and do not fear for anything. You can face anything and achieve. Don't get distracted since there are so many things that will take away your attention compared to when we were back in college. And, the students who you all see here today are the ones who didn't get distracted. I'm not sure how much interest the students in the city have in Tamil, but all the students coming from villages write poetry. I feel jealous that they all can write poetry so nicely. Their interest in Tamil and the energy they have in life has never been less."

Suriya is currently acting in the fantasy adventure film 'Kanguva' directed by Siruthai Siva and produced by Studio Green. He will next star in 'Suriya 43' directed by Sudha Kongara followed by 'Vaadivaasal' directed by Vetrimaaran. Karthi on the other hand is awaiting the release of 'Japan' directed by Karthi releasing this Diwali and is shooting for 'Vaa Vaathiyare' directed by Nalan Kumarasamy.