Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Jan 31: Government schools of rural areas in the state are neglected by the government as well as general public. Many schools does not have basic infrastructure. A team of youths has taken up the vision of developing such schools.

Five years ago, like-minded individuals came together and formed Kannada Manasugalu Pratistana. For the past three- and-a-half years, this foundation is carrying out ‘Sarkari Shale Ulisi’ (Save Government Schoools) campaign.

This team has already developed 11 schools in the state. They have got the schools painted and provided basic infrastructure like drinking water and toilets. The foundation identifies the needy schools and gets the renovation done with the help of donors. The campaign has taken place in schools spread in the districts of Kasargod, Bengaluru, Sullia, Udupi, Ramnagara, Mandya, Hasan and Shivamogga.

There are 150 members in the Kannada Manasugalu Pratistana. They are employed in varying sectors from government employees to ITBT sectors. Even sandalwood actors and actresses have joined the campaign. Excepting Covid lockdown period, they all spend their weekend in this campaign. In a month, three weekends are dedicated for this campaign.

In Kundapur, for the past three years the campaign is carried out by Ganesh Kodladi every Saturday and Sunday. Ganesh identified Karkunje higher primary school under Byndoor taluk and government lower primary school and Koodige for development. On Saturday, January 29, more than 50 member team that arrived from Bengaluru held the campaign at Karkunje school. On January 30, the team will hold the development work in Koodige school. They provided modern learning equipment to the school in addition to water filter, fan and other important equipment. Books, pens and masks are provided for children. Donors in Bengaluru have joined their hands in this noble work.

Main entrance wall of compound of Karkunje school is painted with Worli art. Inside walls are painted with Yakshagana art. Flag post was also painted. SDMC and old students’ union also cooperated with the team that arrived from Bengaluru.

Neetu, sandalwood actress said, “This work which is done without any selfishness is a model to others. My friends invite me to participate in this noble work during my free time and I also join hands. I love coastal Karnataka. I am happy to involve in this save schools campaign. Students arrive to such schools only when there is basic infrastructure. Under no circumstances government schools should be neglected.”

Pavan, who leads the team, says, “Kannada Manasugalu team is formed by few youths who work for pro-Kannada schemes. Many in our team have learnt in rural areas and then settled in Bengaluru to realize our dreams. But we still love the rural schools where we had basic education. Our team has modernized many schools in the state and increased the interest of students studying in that school. After coronavirus pandemic many parents have got their children admitted to government schools. At least now the government and people representatives should give more attention towards development of government schools.”

Motilal Lamani, head teacher of Karkunje school said, “The gifts given by organizations, along with their physical labour will create more interest in students who are studying in government schools. In addition, the villagers will remember the team that has come from far off place like Bengaluru and given their valuable time and contribution to the school. The work of this team is really admirable.”