Mandya: In an inspiring display of affection and inspiration, BS Raju, headmaster of the Government Higher Primary School at Tendekere in KR Pet taluk, won appreciation for spending nearly Rs 1 lakh to organise a two-day educational tour for all 63 students of his school earlier this week.At a time when many govt schools are grappling with falling enrolment and closures, Raju worked tirelessly over the past four years to strengthen his institution, and rebuild public trust in govt education. An English teacher by profession, Raju also shattered the notion that English is difficult for rural and underprivileged children, proving that effective teaching can help overcome learning barriers.Over 80% of the students at the Tendekere school hail from families of daily wage labourers and economically weaker sections. Since joining the school, Raju collaborated with parents, SDMC members, alumni, and donors to improve infrastructure and learning standards. While planning the educational tour, it emerged that only a few students could afford the proposed contribution of Rs 1,200 per child. Determined that no student should miss the opportunity due to financial hardship, Raju decided to bear the entire expense himself.The school teachers, SK Chandrashekhar, Ramachandru, VM Mamata, and K Sunanda, were also part of the tour. The itinerary included visits to Talakadu, Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Shivanasamudra Falls, Mekedatu, Hogenakkal Falls, Suttur, Chamundi Hills, Mysuru Palace, Mysuru zoo, and the KRS dam.Thimmegowda, BEO of KR Pet, lauded Raju’s initiative, calling it an example of how committed teachers can transform public education and young lives.Raju said that most of the children studying at the school come from economically disadvantaged families. “When we asked the students to contribute Rs 1,200 each for a two-day educational tour, only two of them were able to pay. Seeing the financial hardship faced by the children, I decided to bear the entire cost of the trip myself. I also returned the amount collected from those two students,” he said.“Such educational tours play a crucial role in broadening students’ horizons. Our children are intelligent, but they need greater exposure. Experiences like these not only motivate them, but also help improve their academic performance. I hope that in the coming days, this initiative will also help increase student enrolment,” he said.Likith AN, a Class 7 student, expressed his happiness over the trip. “When I was studying in a private school in Class 4, my parents paid Rs 900 for a trip to Talakad. Here, without paying anything, I got the opportunity to visit many places. I am thankful to our headmaster, Raju sir.”Likith’s mother, Sunitha, also praised the headmaster’s gesture. “We pray that more teachers like him come forward to help children studying in govt schools.”
