Embodying the ancient adage 'Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye' meaning education liberates, the Government Higher Primary School in Kudipadi, Puttur, celebrated a monumental milestone this week. The institution marked its centenary year, honouring a hundred-year journey of nurturing young minds in a rural setting.
From Humble Beginnings to a Century of Learning
The school's origins are deeply rooted in the British era, when the quest for literacy first took hold in Kudipadi. The initial seeds were sown in 1920 on the 'Mantame' or ancestral home of the Shara family in the village. This grassroots effort was formalised just five years later, in 1925, when it was officially established as a government school. Over the subsequent decades, it grew to become a vital beacon of learning for the surrounding rural community.
Surviving and Thriving in Modern Times
Physical education teacher Stany Praveen Mascarenhas highlighted the school's resilience in an era of proliferating private institutions. It currently educates approximately 77 students from classes I to VIII and has recently expanded by adding a kindergarten section, which was inaugurated during the centenary festivities. Reflecting on its evolution, Mascarenhas noted the school was recognised as a lower primary institution in 1925, later upgraded to higher primary, and finally added Class VIII in 2004 following government directives.
The school's legacy is carried forward by the memories of its dedicated teachers. Mascarenhas fondly recalled the contributions of late educators like Muttamma and Teresa D'Souza, the latter affectionately known as 'Bai Teacher'. Former headmaster Prabhakar Rao reminisced about a time when the school's strength soared above 430 students. Despite a decline in enrolment, he pointed out that the school has consistently excelled in sports and was honoured with the Best SDMC (School Development and Monitoring Committee) award twice for outstanding community involvement.
Celebrating the Past, Building for the Future
The centenary celebrations, aptly titled 'Shatankura', were not just a look back but also a launchpad for the future. The school has been actively enriching student life through free educational tours, sports camps, English training programmes, and creative workshops.
Looking ahead, the administration has announced significant upgrades. The most notable is the plan to adopt a bilingual mode of instruction from the next academic year. This move aims to enhance learning outcomes. Alongside this pedagogical shift, the school is set to undergo classroom upgrades and other crucial infrastructure improvements to provide a better environment for its pupils.
The story of the Kudipadi school is a testament to the enduring power of public education in India's villages. It stands as a century-old pillar of the community, adapting to new challenges while holding fast to its core mission of liberation through knowledge.
