Thodikana's 75-Year-Old School Celebrates Legacy of Rural Education in Sullia
Govt Higher Primary School in Thodikana, Sullia taluk, is gearing up for its 75th anniversary with grand Amrit Mahotsav festivities. The school started as a visionary initiative by village elders to ensure rural children received proper education.
Historic Beginnings in a Remote Hamlet
Seventy-five years ago, Thodikana was a small hamlet surrounded by dense forests. Only a handful of houses dotted the landscape. Dirt tracks connected the area to Seeme Devasthana and Mallikarjuna Temple.
Children faced a difficult journey to attend school. They trekked long distances to Aranthodu or distant Sullia. Modern transport did not exist in those days. The daily ordeal prompted local elders to take action.
They decided to start a school right in Thodikana. This decision changed the educational landscape for generations of children.
From Humble Start to Government Recognition
Classes began in 1948 at the Jogipur building of Mallikarjuna Temple. Chennappa Master from Chendadka served as the first teacher. He laid the foundation for quality education in the village.
The government officially took over the school in 1950. It became a Lower Primary School for classes 1 to 5. Sheshappa Master from Aranthodu became the headteacher.
He walked long distances every day to teach the children. His dedication inspired many students. The school soon needed more space for its growing student population.
Hoovayya Gowda Kuttamotte donated 2.4 acres of land to the school. This generous gift allowed the institution to expand and flourish over the years.
Modern Campus with Traditional Roots
The school now stands 18 kilometers from Sullia town. It currently has 78 children studying from classes 1 to 7. The campus boasts excellent facilities for both learning and recreation.
Ample classrooms provide space for different grades. A well-equipped kitchen serves nutritious meals to students. The auditorium hosts various school events and community gatherings.
Children enjoy playing in the spacious playground. Modern washrooms ensure proper hygiene. Special needs facilities cater to students with different requirements.
The campus features a beautiful garden and areca-coconut groves. A smart room enhances digital learning experiences. Arun Kumar M, the current head of the school, emphasizes the need for a computer lab.
"The current requirement is a computer lab to impart modern education," he stated. This addition would bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary learning methods.
Grand Celebrations and Community Support
Senior alumni and villagers joined hands for the anniversary celebrations on January 22. The jubilee committee led the preparations with great enthusiasm.
Several development works marked the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. Local MLA funds helped build a new auditorium. The gram panchayat provided funding for interlock work.
Parent Nagaraj Chambadi sponsored the creation of a football ground. The old students' association donated a band set. Villagers also received a coconut-climbing machine.
These contributions demonstrate strong community support for the school. They ensure the institution continues to serve future generations effectively.
Enduring Legacy of Rural Education
The school's journey reflects the power of community initiative. What began as a solution to children's educational hardships has become an institution of pride.
It stands as a testament to the foresight of village elders. Their decision seven decades ago continues to benefit rural children today. The school has adapted to changing times while preserving its core mission.
The 75th anniversary celebrations honor this remarkable legacy. They remind everyone of education's transformative power in rural areas. The school's story inspires similar initiatives across the region.
