The most appropriate way for the upliftment and progress of a community or society is through education. And the Jayanagara Sthree Samaja which was started in 1954 exemplifies this motto.  In 1956 the activities of the Samaja were started in a room in the premises of the Rani Sarla Devi School, and in 1964 it was moved to Bank Colony. The trustees of JSS realised that in urban areas schools have mushroomed everywhere and city dwellers have access to education; so it was decided to start a school in rural settings and give opportunities to village children. That is how the school in Gerupalya was started.

To encourage children to come to school fees were not charged. It was run with a philanthropic vision of providing good education. After a few years, a nominal fee of Rs.10 was charged; but books were given free.  This year the first batch of SSLC students passed out and the pass percentage was 57 per cent.  The school is ably managed by 16 teachers (more are joining this year) and three helpers who are all paid by the Trust. The Trust also runs a hostel for working women in Jayanagar on a no profit-no loss basis and an old age home in Gerupalya. 

In the old age home reside erudite people who visit the school and teach them various skills and crafts. Some of them tell them mythological tales, teach them Sanskrit and music. The children are quick to grasp and willing to learn new things. Some of the children are very talented in singing, dancing, painting, and a few have given programmes on Doordarshan. 

The school has 500 students from the surrounding areas. The place was given at a concessional rate by the only educated family in the vicinity, and later the Trust extended the building to make more classrooms. The aim is to give children every opportunity to excel in their field of interest. By imparting education the Trust is building a more capable society. 

When Susheelamma Sundara Rao, a senior citizen visited me she felt it was imperative that the good work that the JSS Trust had started must carry on even when the Trustees are no longer there. To ensure that the school becomes self-sustaining she said that more volunteers must come forth to spend time in the school; donations must come forth liberally, because it will be money well spent; and other institutions can also think of collaborating on projects and programmes. 

For further information contact: Susheelamma Sundara Rao. Ph: 080-26563134/26566065