In a heartening story from Karnataka's Mandya district, a government school headmaster has demonstrated extraordinary commitment by personally financing a large-scale educational trip for his students. BS Raju, who leads the Government Higher Primary School in Tendekere, KR Pet taluk, spent close to Rs 1 lakh to ensure all 63 students from his school could experience a two-day educational tour earlier this week.
A Mission to Rebuild Trust in Government Schools
Raju's gesture is part of a broader, four-year effort to revitalize his institution. At a time when many government schools face declining enrollment and even closure, Raju has worked tirelessly to strengthen his school and rebuild community faith in public education. A significant portion of his success comes from shattering the myth that English is too difficult for rural children. As an English teacher himself, he has proven that with effective pedagogy, learning barriers can be overcome.
The school's demographic underscores the importance of his efforts. Over 80% of the students come from families of daily wage laborers and economically weaker sections. Since taking charge, Raju has actively collaborated with parents, School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) members, alumni, and donors to improve both infrastructure and academic standards.
When Compassion Overcame Financial Hardship
The plan for the educational tour hit a major obstacle when it became clear most families could not afford the proposed contribution of Rs 1,200 per child. "When we asked the students to contribute, only two of them were able to pay," Raju explained. Unwilling to let financial constraints deprive his students of a valuable learning experience, he made a decisive choice. He decided to bear the entire expense himself and even returned the money collected from the two students who had paid.
The tour was conducted with the participation of school teachers SK Chandrashekhar, Ramachandru, VM Mamata, and K Sunanda. The itinerary was packed with educational and cultural sites, offering the children exposure many could only dream of. The group visited:
- Talakadu
- Male Mahadeshwara Hills
- Shivanasamudra Falls
- Mekedatu
- Hogenakkal Falls
- Suttur
- Chamundi Hills
- Mysuru Palace
- Mysuru Zoo
- KRS Dam
Widespread Praise and a Vision for the Future
The initiative has drawn commendation from educational authorities. Thimmegowda, the Block Education Officer (BEO) of KR Pet, praised Raju, calling it a shining example of how dedicated teachers can transform public education and shape young lives.
For Raju, the investment is about more than just a trip. He believes such experiences are crucial for holistic development. "Our children are intelligent, but they need greater exposure," he said. "Experiences like these not only motivate them but also help improve their academic performance. I hope this initiative will also help increase student enrolment in the coming days."
The impact on the students was immediate and profound. Likith AN, a Class 7 student, shared his gratitude: "When I was in a private school in Class 4, my parents paid Rs 900 for a trip to Talakad. Here, without paying anything, I got to visit so many places. I am thankful to our headmaster, Raju sir." This sentiment was echoed by parents like Sunitha, Likith's mother, who said, "We pray that more teachers like him come forward to help children studying in government schools."
BS Raju's story stands as a powerful testament to the difference a single passionate educator can make, turning a government school in a rural area into a beacon of hope and opportunity.
