Saligrama, Mysuru: The state government had ordered to close a Kannada medium school in Saligrama as the student strength had fallen below the minimum. However, newly arrived teachers with the support of localities and higher officials prevented the closure of the school. This government primary school is in K R Nagar taluk Sankanahalli village.

In the year 2010-11, the then government recommended closing down schools which have less than the minimum strength of students. Enraged by this development several pro-Kannada organizations criticised government and protested all over the state. The matter went to the Karnataka High court, which put on hold  the government’s decision to close kannada medium schools. But as there were only 9 students in this particular school, a proposal was sent to close the school.

Luckily the government high school was given the status as government primary school – the education department had prevented the closure of the school by giving it primary school status.

Increased student strength

The school witnessed a drastic change when two newly appointed teachers B R Ramesh and Arun Kumar brought the localities and parents together and held a discussion as to why there were no students in the school. In the process they came to know that the parents were not happy with the teachers who were not regular to school and therefore they had admitted their children to private schools.

The newly joined teachers held cluster level meetings and various competitions to attract parents and succeeded in their very first attempt. Later on they visited every house in the village and convinced parents who had admitted their children in private schools. As a result the strength of the students increased from 9 to 27 in 2010-11. In the year 2011-12 the number increased to 32 and in 2013-14 it went upto 38 with the direction and support of villagers and SDMC and officials. This year 2014-15 there are 25 boys and 18 girl students, 43 students in total, which is a remarkable increase.

Teachers Initiatives

Presently the teachers have decided to have different activities in the school to attract more students and give value based education in this particular kannada medium school. They have started a library to enable students read more and gain knowledge. They have planted some seed vegetables in the school garden. And they have also given responsibility to water one plant each to every student. They also celebrate the birthday of each student along with thier parents.

The waste is also segregated and collected in the bins provided to school. Rain water has been saved and kept for daily usage. Even the dining hall has been reserved for all. They also provide tender-coconut water to the students and teachers have lunch along with students. This has created a good relationship between the localities and the school staff along with students. The contact numbers of regional education officer, DDPI and other higher officers has been displayed in the school.

Presently the school has been transformed into a temple, localites say. Principal B R Mahesh, teachers Arun Kumar, Kumaraswamy and SDMC president Shambhavi Sathish, former president Sudha Prakash are working towards the allround development of the school and must be congratulated for their efforts.