Gururaj L, Kalabharathi Vidya Samsthe, Mysuru
Kalabharathi Vidya Samsthe in Yelwala, on the outskirts of Mysuru, serves as hope in education for rural children. Lakkegowda began the school in 1993 with the sole purpose of providing high-quality education to economically disadvantaged students. His son, Gururaj L, has taken forward his vision, transforming the school into a successful institution for the community. “This school is more than just a structure; it represents a commitment to a brighter future for children who previously lacked educational opportunities,” he expresses.
With commitment and determination, he decided to leave a secure job to grow the school, which currently supports 1,000 students. “Every child in this place is entitled to the opportunity to dream big, and we are committed to making that happen,” he states.
Parent’s Mindset
Remembering his father, Gururaj shares how the school came to life. “My father grew up in the hilly areas of Hassan, where education was a rare privilege. He would walk for hours through forests just to attend school. With no proper roads or streetlights, the journey was tough, but it only strengthened his resolve to make education accessible to all,” he says.
Starting the school in 1993 was not easy. With a limited income as a private school teacher and no outside support, his parents made great sacrifices. “My mother even sold her jewelry to cover the school’s initial costs. The first batch had just eight students, but my father never gave up. He believed that every child deserved a chance to learn. Seeing the school flourish today, we realize how much their determination made this possible,” Gururaj reflects
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A Family’s Dedication
Gururaj, an MBA graduate, was working in the corporate sector before joining the school’s management. Now, he is eager to contribute to its growth. “I have always been inspired by my father’s values and the way this school has changed so many lives. Being part of it now, I want to take his vision forward and help develop the school further,” he shares.
His younger brother, Bharath Raj, has been managing the school with dedication, ensuring its steady progress. Gururaj also acknowledges the contributions of Mohan Raj, who has been like an elder brother and a strong pillar of support since the early days. “When Mohan was in PUC, he would tutor SSLC students, helping them excel in their studies. His efforts made a real difference. Together, we are committed to carrying forward our father’s dream and providing quality education to all,” he adds.
Challenges and Triumphs
Starting a school in a rural area came with many challenges. With a limited income as a private school teacher, his father, Lakkegowda had to depend on loans and personal sacrifices to build the school. “In the beginning, we operated from a rented room in Huyilalu. Moving to Yelawala was possible only through strategic land purchases and an unwavering commitment to growth,” he shares.
Today, the school has 50 dedicated staff members and offers both Kannada and English medium instruction. Despite being unaided, it continues to serve the community. “We understand the struggles of daily wage laborers, so we keep the fees reasonable, ensuring every child has access to education,” he says.
Nurturing Holistic Development
The school emphasizes academics while also promoting extracurricular activities to enhance overall development. “Weekly quizzes, monthly talent displays, and practical science experiments aid students in building confidence and acquiring real-world skills.” “Through specialized classes and individualized support, each child has the chance to learn at their own pace,” he conveys.
School alumni have taken up various roles, including bank managers, police officers, and professors. “Their journey encourages our students to aim higher and work towards their goals. It’s a reminder that education opens many doors,” he says.
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Varthana’s Support
A major milestone for Kalabharathi Vidya Samsthe came in 2015-16 when it joined hands with Varthana. “With a loan of ₹20 lakhs, we were able to improve our school by adding classrooms, digital platforms, and smartboards. These changes not only increased student enrollment but also made learning more engaging and effective,” says Gururaj.
He emphasizes the importance of infrastructure in a school’s growth. “Parents look at these facilities before deciding on their child’s education. With Varthana’s support, we have created a better learning space that meets their expectations and enhances the overall experience for students,” he shares.
Future Aspirations
Looking to the future, Kalabharathi Vidya Samsthe plans to bridge the gap between rural and urban education. “We aim to expand our digital infrastructure, build proper school grounds, and provide free education to orphaned and financially struggling children,” he shares.
“Education goes beyond academic achievements; it involves instilling values and equipping students to succeed in diverse settings,” adds Gururaj. “It’s about teaching children not just how to survive, but to excel wherever life takes them.” As he aptly puts it, “If you have the will to accomplish something, don’t leave it. Instead of working under someone, creating opportunities for others is an accomplishment.”
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