Exemplary government school in Kolar outshines all others

Role model

In a shining example of modernity and ingenuity, the Government Lower Primary School at Koragandahalli has proved itself the exception to the much-maligned image of a government-run school.

The credit for transforming the school into a model largely goes to S Narayanswamy.
When Narayanswamy joined the school in 1992, it lacked basic amenities and the future seemed bleak. But determined to make a change, Narayanswamy started small.

He sought 20 books and ten pencils from a friend and began classes. Since then, he has sought the help of donors and residents of Koragandahalli. Far from proving an irritation, the process of engaging community participation in the growth of the school has paid rich dividends.

Today, all classrooms in the school have tiled floors. Students are able to broaden their knowledge by viewing Edusat programmes. Each classrooms has two fans, and all electronics run unabated during power blackouts with the help of an UPS. 

Adside from its noteworthy staff of teachers and its committed headmaster, the school also boasts of ample drinking water areas, well-maintained toilets and a corporate-look office which has enhanced the ambience of the institute — so much so that students who once used to attend private schools now attend the Koragandahalli school.

At the current time, the school has students from all the neighbouring villages of Parshwaganahalli, Chowdadenahalli and Beglihosahalli.

Teacher Narayanswamy also dedicates his time towards developing schools in neighbouring villages.

This has made him such a popular figure, that when he made an effort to seek voluntary retirement, it was deeply oppossed by Koragandahalli residents and his students. They also stated their intention to block any potential transfer of Narayanswamy in the future.

“We will not allow Narayanswamy to be transferred to another school. Also, we will not allow him to take up voluntary retirement. Since the day he has set his foot in our village, the lives of our children are secured,” said former president of School Development and Monitoring Committee, K Narayanswamy.

D Sunandamma, a fellow teacher praised his involvement in imrpoving the school. “His commitment towards the school’s growth, welfare of rural students and the undying enthusiasm to guide children is a source of our inspiration,” she said.

When students and residents of the village urge him to apply for the best teacher’s award, a beaming Narayanswamy said that, “No award or accolade can compensate for the love and affection that I have received from the children, and people of Koragandahalli and the surrounding villages.”