Bantwal: Auto Driver Infuses New Life into School Facing Threat of Closure

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (VM)

Bantwal, Jul 4: We often blame them for being rude and demanding extra fare, but seldom see those auto rickshaw drivers who go out of their way to enrich other people's lives. Ganesh Poojary, an auto driver, is among the rare breed of individuals who walk an extra mile for noble cause.

The government had decided to shut down schools with less student strength, and one of the school facing threat was Ananthanadi government higher primary school in Bantwal taluk. It is to save this school that Ganesh put in all his efforts and energy, and succeeded too.

The students of this school are no way inferior to those in English medium. All facilities similar to English medium schools are made available so that admissions are in large numbers. Their success rate is at par with any English medium schoo.

Ananthanadi School has been functioning for 32 years now. Ganesh too studied in the same school, and when it faced the threat of being shut down, he couldn't rest easy and knew he had to do something for his alma mater. He swung into action and approached like-minded villagers for help, who were only too happy to do their bit. Both former students and other villagers pooled in whatever little they could for its betterment.

One of the things that worried Ganesh was that every year, the admission to Class 1 had been decreasing, directly impacting the overall strength of the school. Ganesh then took matters into own hands and bring the school development committee president, took various measure to boost admission.

Providing attractive uniforms, quality education and facilities at par with English medium schools were some of the steps he took, with the help of donors, villagers and the teaching staff. Now the school has undergone drastic change, with the number of students admitted in Class 1 shooting up from a paltry 3 to a decent 15.

Students learn English language from Class I and for this reason the committee has appointed a full-time English teacher. Colourful uniforms, bags, shoes and ID cards are provided to the students free of cost.

One always shares special memories and an unbreakable bond with one's alma mater, but what Ganesh and the villagers have done for their school would rarely have an equivalent.