This Bellary school has turned into ‘Sabarmati’ for students
Emulating Bapu
The Gandhi cap, once a proud symbol of freedom fighters and now a mark of political class, has a different meaning for students of a primary school in a hamlet of Hagaribommanahalli taluk. 
As part of the the school’s effort to inculcate Gandhian values among the children, teachers of the school at Ankasamudra have made wearing the cap compulsory for students of classes 1 to 7. Gandhian sayings form part of the teaching in the school right from the first day of the students into formal schooling.
Wearing ‘Gandhi cap’ as part of the school uniform, has been compulsory ever since the school building was constructed on land donated by a farmer a few years ago.
Then headmaster, a believer in Gandhian ideals, decided to make students follow Gandhi’s teachings and wearing the cap was a first step.
Students seem to have developed a fondness for the cap which gives them unique identity. “We are proud of wearing the Gandhi cap. It helps us to be disciplined,” one of them said.
Students of classes 8 to 10, who are exempted from wearing the cap, are envious of their juniors and wish they were allowed to continue the tradition in the high school.
The Gandhian tradition is not limited to the dress, but goes further in imbibing love and respect for nature. Teachers and students have worked hard to make the school’s surroundings green. Teak, coconut, tamarind, neem and other trees stand tall amid lush green garden developed by the students in front of the school.
Head Master Shekharegowda said: “The students collected saplings from the farmers during their Dasara and summer holidays, and planted and nourished them on the school premises. Now, more than 30 coconut trees in the school provide coconuts which are sufficient for preparing mid-day meal. ”
The farmers in the village have handed over land for the school and the income generated from cultivating the land is used for organising cultural, sports and academic activities as well as building infrastructure, he added.
