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 roleWhat 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.Uday Kumar, president of the SDMC, gave full credit to the acting headmaster. “The school has this plantation because of Mr. Sampath’s dedication and commitment. He has spent a significant amount from his personal resources to grow it,” he said.The latest areca harvest is currently stored at the SDMC president’s house, awaiting a favourable market price. “Only in the last two years have we begun earning meaningfully from the farm. We hope the income will gradually increase and help us provide better infrastructure, a science laboratory, computers, and quality mid-day meals for the students,” Mr. Sampath said.With over 22 years of teaching experience, Mr. Sampath has consistently set aside a portion of his salary for the school. His gesture has earned appreciation from both the local community and officers of the School Education Department, noted Mr. Kumar.At crack of dawnOther teachers have also contributed significantly. English teacher Sowmya G. tends the garden, arriving at 7.30 a.m. every day to water the plants. The garden features a variety of flowering plants, and small ponds grow lotus of six different colours. Manjula B. Gowdru, Sayida Begum, Veena P., Sheela P.O., Gangadhar, guest faculty Vanitha and midday meal workers Nagarathna and Gayathri have contributed for these activities.Students too take active interest, joining the teachers during free time. Local resident and SDMC member Sridhar Achar observed that the children’s involvement not only strengthens the plantation but also forms part of their practical learning.Academically strong The Government High School at Kondlur in Tirthahalli taluk. | Photo Credit: SATHISH G.T. Academically, the school, with 93 students, ranks among the best in the taluk. It has consistently recorded 100% pass results in the SSLC examinations, and this year achieved the highest average percentage of 91.4. Teachers regularly visit students’ homes in the mornings and evenings to monitor studies and interact with parents. “This sustained follow-up has helped improve results,” Mr. Sampath said. Published - October 10, 2026 07:30 pm IST