In a heartwarming event at the Government Pre-University College in Shiroor, Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole visited the campus not for a routine inspection, but to personally recognize the efforts of vice-principal Jayanthi Shetty. The MLA sought her blessings and felicitated her after the school's SSLC pass percentage soared from 35% last year to an impressive 94% this year.
Remarkable Turnaround in Results
Jayanthi Shetty shared that out of 53 students who appeared for the SSLC exams this year, 50 passed, including two distinctions and 29 first classes. The previous year's pass percentage had dropped to 35%. She explained that during the 2023-24 academic year, several slow learners were made to repeat a class, which impacted the overall results. However, last year, the school decided to promote all students to Class 10 and focus on improving their performance.
Dedicated Efforts by Teachers
To ensure close monitoring, Jayanthi shifted her residence to Shiroor, as she was earlier commuting nearly 75 km one way from Udupi. She took charge as the vice-principal in October 2024. The school identified slow learners and formed small groups, with each of the eight teachers adopting a set of students. Many students come from economically weaker sections and the Daldi Muslim community, speaking a form of Konkani, which makes their Kannada relatively weak, though they are comfortable in English and Hindi.
Jayanthi, a science teacher, personally conducted classes until 5:30 pm every day. Teachers also visited students' homes and interacted with parents to ensure consistent support. These combined efforts led to a significant improvement in results.
MLA's Surprise Visit
The MLA, disappointed over last year's results, had been closely monitoring progress through meetings and reviews. Jayanthi said, 'I was surprised to see the MLA and assumed it was a routine visit. I was shocked when he sat on the floor and bowed to seek my blessings before felicitating me. It feels good that our efforts have been recognised. The MLA has been giving special focus to education in the region.'
MLA Gururaj Gantihole stated, 'Last year, the SSLC results in Byndoor block were disappointing and pulled down the district's overall performance. During a review meeting, I realised that no one was willing to take responsibility. I sternly made it clear that education must be valued and that such results were unacceptable. Jayanthi Shetty was just transferred then, and though she was not responsible for the decline, she was deeply affected. What stood out was what she did next. She moved to Shiroor, immersed herself in the students' progress.'
He added, 'A teacher is always a teacher. When they do exceptional work, it deserves recognition. Teachers are our guides.'
