In a remarkable testament to community spirit and educational resilience, the Government Upgraded Higher Primary School in Haleneranki, Kadaba taluk, Mangaluru, is celebrating a century of service. The school has marked its 100-year journey with a complete transformation, featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure funded by over Rs 1 crore in donations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
From Humble Beginnings to a Centennial Beacon
The school's story began in 1923 when it was founded by the Neranki Guthu family. It was later handed over to the taluk board in 1925. The institution took a significant step forward by becoming a higher primary school in 1962. Its growth continued, and with the introduction of class VIII in 2007, it was designated as an upgraded higher primary school.
What started in a modest structure now sprawls across nearly two acres. The campus today boasts multiple classrooms, a developed playground, a computer lab, a reliable drinking water system, adequate sanitation, a structured library, and a vibrant calendar of cultural and academic activities. It currently serves over 150 students.
A Rs 1 Crore Community-Driven Renaissance
The centenary celebrations have catalyzed an impressive infrastructural overhaul. The School Centenary Celebration Committee, led by President Ramesh Rai Ramajalu, oversaw development works worth more than Rs 1 crore completed within a year. The funds were raised through CSR contributions, donations, and community support.
In a show of extraordinary dedication, every teacher at the school contributed donations totalling over Rs 1 lakh. The revitalized campus now features:
- Two new classrooms built for the centenary.
- A state-of-the-art auditorium built in memory of Lakshmi Kariyappa Rai.
- Additional classrooms funded by MRPL's CSR funds.
- A girls' restroom funded by the gram panchayat.
- Art-based classroom interiors.
- A fully equipped computer lab and a modern library, supported by Sherwin-Williams Company.
- A newly landscaped garden.
Embracing the Future: English Medium and Sustained Growth
Headmaster Santappa Y Gowda highlighted that despite the proliferation of private English-medium schools, Haleneranki continues to thrive. The school has about six teachers, including the headmaster. To ensure its future growth, a major academic milestone has been achieved.
Starting from the next academic year, the school will introduce an English-medium section, fulfilling a long-standing demand from the local community. "In order to attract more students in the coming years, we have upgraded our infrastructure. We are hopeful for more admissions," Gowda stated.
The three-day centenary event, which commenced on Friday, is not just a look back at a proud 100-year history but a launchpad for the school's future. The story of Haleneranki's transformation stands as a powerful model for what community-driven public education can achieve against all odds.
