JOIN USThis high school leads border villages on path to progress
The government high school has brought fame to Pulagurkote on Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border for several reasons, including socio-cultural changes
ushered in by the high school in several surrounding villages.
S Mahadevamma, Headmistress of the school, has been the driving force behind several progressive moves initiated by the high school.
In the taluk, densely populated by Telugu-speakers, Mahadevamma and her colleagues have imbibed among students a love for Kannada.
Crossing borders
Such is the influence that students from Peramachalapalli, Kottindlu and other villages of Andhra Pradesh are studying in the school.
Mahadevamma from Halesosale village of T Narasipura taluk in Mysore has secured degrees in Master of Arts, Masters in Education and Master of Philosophy. Before passing the Karnataka Education Service (KES) examination two years ago, she served a school in Bangalore for eight years.
When she began her service here, not many girls were admitted to the school due to the taboos and widely held ignorance about the need for education. Mahadevamma, with the help of her colleagues, counselled parents and convinced them of the necessity of sending girls to school. Encouraged by her, parents today are eager to provide even higher education for their daughters.
Community help
Another significant change the school witnessed in the last two years is the involvement of community in its development. Residents have extended financial assistance and infrastructural facilities such as loudspeakers, utensils for kitchen and water tank.
Mahadevamma even extended school hours to evening and night to help slow learners, though the school is situated on the outskirts of the poorly lit village. The efforts are evident in the 97 per cent result the school has secured in SSLC examination.
Humble and shy of publicity, Mahadevamma thanks Block Education Officer Mohammed Khaleel, education officers, teachers and the local elected representatives for their co-operation.