In a significant boost for educational infrastructure in the coastal region, the Sullia Government Junior College is set to receive a new academic block worth Rs 1.5 crore, entirely funded by its distinguished alumnus, Dr KV Chidananda. The noted educationist, surgeon, and Chairman of the Academy of Liberal Education announced the generous sponsorship during the valedictory function of the institution's Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
A Vision for 2030 Realised Through Generosity
The construction of the new block commenced immediately after the announcement. It will be built on the first floor of the recently completed Akshara Dasoha and dining block, situated behind the existing stage building on the college campus. The structure will be a two-storey edifice with a built-up area of 6,000 square feet on each floor, culminating in a total area of 12,000 square feet.
Prakash Moodithaya, the vice-principal of the junior college, highlighted that this donation is a milestone. He revealed that as part of the Amrit Mahotsav, the college had already inaugurated a Rs 1 crore building funded by alumni and well-wishers. Dr Chidananda's contribution, however, has accelerated the institution's 2030 vision, which focuses on creating superior infrastructure to deliver quality education to a larger student community.
Roots of Philanthropy: A Legacy of Community Building
Explaining his motivation, Dr Chidananda shared a philosophy ingrained by his father. "For a village to develop, both its village temple and its educational institutions must be strong," he stated. He recounted how his father once mobilized resources from staff salaries to build a temple in Sullia when the town lacked a good one. Emulating that community-centric approach in the realm of education, Dr Chidananda decided to contribute after personally visiting the school and understanding its contemporary needs.
"I visited the school, understood its present needs, and then decided to take up this contribution," Dr Chidananda affirmed, linking his act to a broader legacy of promoting higher education in Sullia.
Strong Legacy and Promising Future
The Sullia Govt Junior College, which houses both high school and Pre-University sections, boasts an impressive alumni network including former chief minister Sadananda Gowda and renowned engineer Girish Bharadwaj, known as India's 'bridge man'. Currently, the institution educates 640 high school students and 750 PUC students.
Vice-principal Moodithaya pointed to a healthy admission trend, noting that annually, about 100 out of 200 students admitted to Class VIII transfer from private institutions. Looking ahead, the college has a plan to be upgraded to a Karnataka Public School from the next academic year, a move expected to further increase student enrollment. This new Rs 1.5 crore building will be crucial in accommodating that growth and upholding the standard of education.
