Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (MS)

Bantwal, Apr 28: More than 150 rare fruit trees and medicinal plants, including Soursop (Laxman Phal) fruit, which is considered as the best antidote for cancer, are grown in this unique school, which gives students education in subject as well as on the environment.

The school has won the Green school award five times. Pellapu Government Higher Primary School of Kadeshwalya village of the taluk is a unique school in its approach towards grooming students to the next level.

Pellapu Government School was founded in 1935 and it has got both heritage and new buildings. However, more importance is given to the environment in this school than mere subject studies.

The entire vacant land in the school premises is filled with one or the other type of fruit or medicinal plants. The school also grows grapes which is a rarity in Dakshina Kannada district. Last year, the yield of grapes was around four to five kilos. This year more grapes are likely to be grown. Physical education teacher Bhaskar Naik says the school has shown that grapes can be grown in Dakshina Kannada too.

 At one time, there was no toilet in this school. Now, the school has got an ultra-modern toilet. Along with the environment, cleanliness is given top priority in the school.

 Shyamala, former president of Kadeshwalya gram panchayat says, “Hi tech toilets have been constructed in the school to make the rural students get accustomed to using western style toilets. This school is one of the rarest of its kind in Dakshina Kannada. If a person takes a tour of the school, he or she can come to know about the rare species of plants and trees that have been cultivated here.”

 The school is now called ‘Green School’ to bring the students, who are showing more affection towards modernism and to the importance of preserving the environment.