Karnataka: Teachers’ selfless effort transforms Kondlur school campus into a green asset

Acting headmaster Sampath H.V. visits early in the morning and stays late in the evening to operate motors, clear weeds, apply medicines, and oversee harvesting, often spending from his own pocket. | Photo Credit: SATHISH G.T.

The Government High School at Kondlur in Tirthahalli taluk, named after late socialist leader Shantaveri Gopala Gowda, stands out for more than its academic record. Spread over an eight-acre campus, the school has developed a thriving plantation that generates income for its activities — largely through the dedication of its teachers.

Over the past 11 years, the campus has been transformed. It now has an acre of areca, three acres of cashew, around 40 coconut trees, fruit-bearing plants, and a well-maintained garden. All earnings from the plantation are credited to the School Development and Management Committee (SDMC) account. In the last three years, the plantation has contributed between ₹50,000 and ₹2 lakh annually.

Headmaster’s role

What makes the effort remarkable is that the teachers rarely draw maintenance expenses from the school. A major share of the cost and labour is borne by acting headmaster Sampath H.V., who has been working at the school since 2015. He visits early in the morning and stays late in the evening to operate motors, clear weeds, apply medicines, and oversee harvesting, often spending from his own pocket.