In a unique initiative to increase student numbers ahead of its centenary in 2027-28, the Government Higher Primary School in Punchappady, near Savanoor in Kadaba taluk, is offering to deposit Rs 1,000 in the name of every child admitted this academic year.
Centenary Preparations Underway
Headmistress Rashmitha Jain announced that the school, established in August 1927, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027-28. A centenary celebration committee has been formed to raise funds and implement measures to strengthen the institution, with support from Girishankar Sulaya of the Smartha Janaseva Trust.
The initiative has already shown positive results, with 10 new admissions recorded and five more students expected to join shortly, according to Rashmitha. She attributed the growing interest to the introduction of bilingual education in government schools this year.
Bilingual Education Attracts Parents
“With the bilingual system being rolled out, more parents are showing interest in enrolling their children in government schools,” she said. The school currently has around 40 students from classes 1 to 7 and is staffed by two permanent teachers. Authorities are hopeful of securing two guest teachers, and one teacher will be sponsored through contributions from donors and the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC).
Welcoming Students with ‘Kalika Uyale’
The reopening day on Monday (June 1) promises to be memorable for students. Children will be welcomed on a specially arranged ‘Kalika Uyale’ (learning swing) and honoured as part of the celebrations. Textbooks and notebooks have already arrived, and educational materials collected through donors will be distributed after children are seated on the swing installed in the school garden.
Parents and SDMC members have participated in beautifying the campus by placing Kannada and English alphabets around the garden. The school is also hoping to secure playground equipment to further improve facilities.
