Historic Temple School in Puttur Demolished After Decades of Service
A significant chapter in Puttur's educational history came to an end this week as a government lower primary school building, which had stood for over five decades within the premises of the Mahatobhara Shri Mahalingeshwara Temple, was demolished. The demolition is part of ongoing development works at the temple, marking the final closure of an institution that once aimed to serve underprivileged children.
The Legacy of 'Devala Vatara School'
Known locally as the 'Devala Vatara School', this educational institution had remained non-operational since 2017 due to a complete lack of student admissions. According to sources within the education department, the school faced persistent challenges in sustaining itself. One key factor was its location within temple premises, which reportedly contributed to inadequate funding and administrative hurdles.
An official from the Block Education Office (BEO) in Puttur provided historical context, explaining that the school was originally constructed by temple authorities on temple-owned land. The primary objective was to provide education to underprivileged children in the community. While the education department granted permission to operate the school and appointed teachers, the land and building always remained under temple ownership, never transferring to the department.
Closure and Final Demolition
The school's closure was formalized in 2017 by GS Shashidhar, who was then serving as BEO in Puttur and is currently the Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) of Dakshina Kannada. The decision was made due to the absence of any student admissions. Following its closure, the school building was repurposed for various temple-related activities until the recent demolition.
The structure had offered classes from first to fifth standard during its operational years. With the temple now undertaking major development initiatives, the management made the decision to demolish the aging building, which had stood for approximately half a century.
Impact on Local Education
Education officials have emphasized that the school's closure and subsequent demolition have had minimal impact on students' access to primary education in the area. They point to the presence of two other schools located within walking distance – at Nellikatte and Haradi – which continue to serve the community.
"The availability of alternative educational institutions ensures that primary education remains accessible to children in this region," explained an education department representative. This geographical distribution of schools has helped mitigate any potential disruption caused by the temple school's closure.
The demolition of the Devala Vatara School represents both the end of a historical educational endeavor and the progression of temple development plans. While the physical structure is gone, the story of this temple-based school remains part of Puttur's educational heritage.
