Udupi's Kadur Gram Panchayat Creates Supervised Study Hub at Arivu Kendra
In a community-driven initiative, the Arivu Kendra (Knowledge Centre) of Kadur gram panchayat in Udupi district has been transformed into a vibrant and focused study hub. This innovative project provides a supportive and disciplined environment specifically for students preparing for the SSLC examinations, addressing parental concerns about study routines at home.
Addressing Parental Concerns and Student Distractions
The idea was spearheaded by former panchayat members, including ex-GP president Jalandhar Shetty, who revealed that the concept took shape just two weeks before the SSLC exams began. "We conducted a survey to boost confidence among students appearing this year, but the feedback from parents was disappointing," Shetty told TOI. "Many said their children were spending time on activities like bhajane practice, cricket, and mobile phones instead of focusing on studies."
This concerning feedback prompted the team to convert the Arivu Kendra library into a dedicated, supervised study space. Currently, approximately 32 students are utilizing the facility, including 15 SSLC students, along with a few Pre-University (PU) and high school students from classes 8 and 9.
Structured Environment for Working Families
Shetty highlighted that many parents in the village are daily wage labourers who return home only by evening, making it challenging to monitor their children's academic progress. "Parents told us they found it hard to get their children to sit and study. So we created a structured space where students gather every evening from 6pm and continue until 10.30pm or even 11pm," he explained.
The centre remains open on government holidays as well. To foster a welcoming atmosphere, snacks and malt are provided, and lunch is arranged when the facility operates during the day. A key safety measure ensures that students are sent home only when their parents arrive, which has greatly reassured families.
Community Support and Supervision
The Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) and GP staff have extended their full support to this initiative. Former panchayat member Sathish Kulal, along with Shetty, personally supervises the centre, taking turns to stay late into the night until the last student departs. Librarian Nagaveni manages the facility until 7.30pm each evening.
Parents have expressed immense satisfaction with the initiative, describing it as a much-needed support system that alleviates their worries about their children's education.
Future Plans and Broader Vision
Looking ahead, the team plans to strengthen the initiative further by appointing at least two permanent teachers in the next academic year. "We want to develop this into a model Arivu Kendra," Shetty stated.
He mentioned that the idea was inspired during interactions with participants at the national-level ‘Sarpanch Samvaad’ in Delhi last September. The larger vision is to encourage more students from the village to aspire for government jobs, an area where local representation has historically been low. "With better guidance and facilities, we hope this centre will motivate more students to aim higher," Shetty added, emphasizing the long-term educational goals for the community.
