‘Streetcar’ gets his formula right for Wales entry

Recalling his childhood, Jayavel said, “I hail from a community of mendicants. So, until the age of four, I was seeking alms on the streets, as my mother became an alcoholic after the death of my father. But my life changed the day I met V Uma Muthuraman, the Founder Managing Trustee of Suyam Charitable Trust. I remember the day clearly when she enrolled me and a few of the other children into a private school and spent her own money. Later, when she started Siragu Montessori School, near IAF Avadi, I studied there. I completed the Class 10 privately through Cambridge IGCSE international qualification. My higher secondary school was sponsored by Velammal School of Excellence, Surapet.” 

Jayavel’s passion for automobiles and racing saw him pursue a course in Performance Car Enhancement Technology Engineering at Wrexham Glyndŵr University. “I chose this stream because there is high demand and I am passionate about racing. I look forward to working on F1 cars and enhance their performance,” he said, adding that he will be completing his third semester in Turn, Italy. Suyam Charitable Trust helped Jayavel fund his education through loans. “My aim now is to complete my education, get a job to pay off the loans, help run the trust and take care of my family and community,” he added. 

On being an inspiration to his community, Jayavel views it as a prestigious opportunity. “Many students who studied along with me dropped out. Now, they are interested about gaining knowledge and I often spend time helping them with their pursuits,” said the youngster, who is currently visiting his mother. “She doesn’t come and visit me. So, I make it a point to go meet her,” he concluded.