“I am the first to become a government official and the first police officer from my family,” says S Manikandan, a student of ‘Puthiya Siragugal’, a police training academy. His voice brims with pride. This achievement is not just his own, it is proof of the dedication of Tholkappiyan Sivaraj, the man who made it possible.
Like Manikandan, over 400 youth have broken the cycle of poverty and secured government jobs, thanks to Sivaraj, a 41-year-old police constable from Kappur, in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram.
On his two-acre farmland, he has built more than just a training ground — he has created a space where young people, often burdened by financial hardships, can dream of a better future.
The journey towards becoming a policeman
Growing up in a small village with limited opportunities, Sivaraj’s fascination with the police force began early. “I started observing police officers when I was in class 10. I developed a love for the khaki uniform and dreamt of wearing it one day,” he recalls.
Determined to pursue his ambitions, his family encouraged him to prioritise education. In 2004, he moved to Chennai to complete his master’s in economics from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College. Yet, despite his academic pursuits, his goal of securing a government job remained steadfast.
“I couldn’t afford coaching classes, so I had to prepare on my own. I studied alongside my master’s coursework, and in 2008, I cleared my TNPSC (Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission) exam on my first attempt,” he says with pride.
Following his initial training in Pudukottai, Sivaraj was posted in Melmaruvathur, in 2010. But his journey didn’t stop at becoming a police officer — he wanted to guide others towards the same path. “I started training 33 students for government exams, and to my surprise, the entire batch passed,” he recalls.
Encouraged by this success, he set up a small training centre in Arasur, Kanchipuram, using Rs 10,000 from his savings. Once again, his students cleared their exams and secured government jobs. This early success inspired him to establish ‘Puthiya Siragugal’ (which translates to ‘new wings’ in Tamil) on a larger scale in his hometown of Villupuram in 2015. And all of this was done while he continued his full-time role as a police officer.
A passion for teaching
For Sivaraj, teaching is not just a profession — it is a calling. “As a child, I loved sharing knowledge. I would teach my juniors about current affairs and Tamil literature,” he says. His deep admiration for Tamil poets like Bharathidasan even led him to pursue an MPhil with hopes of becoming a lecturer.
Little did he know that his love for education would take a different, yet equally fulfilling, path.
The aim of ‘Puthiya Siragugal’ was clear — to provide free training for government exams to youth from rural backgrounds. “Most of our students come from families that rely on daily wages. They cannot afford coaching or proper guidance,” explains Sivaraj.
Many of these youth, lacking guidance and resources, had resigned themselves to work menial jobs that paid as little as Rs 4,000 per month. “A government job can earn them at least Rs 25,000 — enough to support their families while giving them the dignity of serving the state or country,” he says.
Helping 400+ officers rise
At Puthiya Siragugal, students receive more than just training — they are given a home. “We provide food, shelter, and a comfortable environment so they can focus on their preparation — both physical and academic,” says Sivaraj.
The academy is built on a two-acre stretch of highly fertile farmland, which could have been used for agriculture. Instead, his father allowed him to convert it into a training ground. “The land is ideal for farming, but my father saw the bigger purpose in what I was doing and supported my vision,” he shares.
The academy offers a rigorous preparation programme. It is equipped with gym facilities, ropes for endurance training, and running tracks. Over the past 12 years, it has produced over 400 officers, who now serve in the police, revenue, labour, and administrative departments.
Sivaraj’s whole family is involved in teaching and shaping the students for the better. “My brother, Sathyaraj, and I are active in teaching subjects and physical exercises. My sister, Jeevitha, teaches typing and computer operations,” Sivaraj adds.
Yet, for him, success isn’t just about securing jobs. “Yes, I am helping these youth find employment, but my real focus is on shaping them into good human beings with strong values and ethos,” he says.
From the shoes of a trainee
Manikandan, a mechanical engineering graduate, first heard about Puthiya Siragugal through a friend in 2019. Unsure about his future after completing his undergraduate degree, he decided to meet Sivaraj.
“I needed guidance, and Puthiya Siragugal seemed like the right place. I trained there for six months, staying at the facility the entire time,” he recalls. His day would begin at 8 am and stretch till 10 pm, packed with physical drills in the morning, and subject lessons throughout the day.
“We used to have tests every day on different subjects, and the papers would be submitted by evening, post which we would discuss the topics,” adds Manikandan.
“Sivaraj sir’s passion towards Tamil would make him share his knowledge towards literature and epics in the night,” he recalls.
“We were also taught typing and financial management as additional skills,” Manikandan, who has now secured a government job as a Nayak-ADSP typist in Ulundurpettai, Tamil Nadu, continues.
Looking back, he is grateful for the decision to join Puthiya Siragugal. “Sivaraj sir and his family took such good care of us. I never imagined I would clear the exams on my first attempt,” he says.
Inspired by his mentor, Manikandan now supports the education of three students, helping them build the future they once thought impossible. “Sivaraj sir and Sathyaraj sir have been an inspiration to me,” he says, echoing the gratitude of hundreds of students whose lives have been changed by this selfless policeman.
Bridging dreams and reality
Access to free coaching for UPSC and TNPSC exams in rural areas is rare, but Sivaraj is making it a reality. “Coming from a village, financial constraints often dictate what a person can aspire to become,” he says.
His academy is breaking this barrier, empowering young aspirants to dream beyond their circumstances.
While many students travel to cities like Delhi for coaching, the high costs make such opportunities out of reach for most rural youth. Sivaraj is determined to change this. “I want to extend free training to more villages, ensuring that talented individuals are not held back by their financial situation,” he says.
Government job exams like IAS and IPS are highly competitive, and failure can be disheartening. “Some students lose hope after their first unsuccessful attempt and stop attending classes,” Sivaraj notes.
He believes that state-led initiatives could help level the playing field. “The government should introduce more inclusive policies to support students from all backgrounds. We need dedicated and ethical individuals in public service,” he asserts.
With 63 students preparing for upcoming exams in March, Sivaraj remains hopeful. His mission goes beyond securing jobs — it is about shaping responsible citizens who will serve their country with integrity. Through Puthiya Siragugal, he is not just coaching students; he is building a future where aspirations are not limited by privilege, but fuelled by determination.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee; All images courtesy Puthiya Siragugal
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