A towering effort by students of Velammal!

Chennai, Dec 25 (UNI) A 43-foot high Christmas tree decorated by students of the Velammal Matriculation Higher Secondary School, stands tall to mark the birth of Jesus Christ today.

The tree, costing more than Rs one lakh, is attracting many people to the school's premises at West Mugappair here to have a glimpse.

It is in the evening that the illuminated tree really comes to life with balloons and serial lights adorning it.

'About 45 students of the ninth and 11th standard took four days to erect and decorate the tree', School Principal C Jeyasankar told UNI.

The move was part of the mega celebrations organised by the School to usher in Christmas. The school has been in the forefront in organising such unique events during the festival season and involves its students in many nation-building activities.

'The idea is to create awareness among the people on the secular nature of our country which celebrates all festivals, be it Pongal, Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Bakrid, Ramzan irrespective of caste, creed and religion', Mr Jeyasankar said.

The objective was also to educate the students about the history of Jesus Christ through stories, he added.

Over 100 students, studying in class one to eight and dressed like Santa Claus, serenaded the visitors, captivated the audience and kept them spellbound.

Another 100 children dressed up as angels added colour to jolly Christmas carols.

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