Shankara Prasad and G. Girish, Jnana Sanjeevini School, Mysore
In the quiet village of Hullalli, nestled in Nanjangud Taluk and 30 kilometers from Mysore, lies Jnana Sanjeevini School, offering hope and quality education to children from more than 30 nearby villages. “Every child, no matter where they are from, deserves access to the best education possible,” say the founders Shankar Prasad and G. Girish, who started the school in 2007 with a shared vision of bringing city-level education to rural children.
Amid the simplicity of the village, Jnana Sanjeevini School thrives with the enthusiasm of its young learners. “Education here is a promise that no dream is too big, even in the smallest villages,” say the founders.
The Beginning
On November 1, 2007, the Jnana Sanjeevini School opened its doors in a modest Hullalli rental building. “I still recall that day clearly,” Shankar expresses. “My mother ignited the ceremonial lamp, a moment of profound significance for us. We chose to name the school in honor of my niece, wishing for it to signify the beginning of something significant.”
The school started with only five children, all offspring of friends who supported their vision. “We aimed to connect rural and urban education,” Shankar clarifies. “Our aim was straightforward-to provide the children in our village with the opportunities they rightfully deserve.”
With a solid family background in education, both Shankar and Girish realized their enthusiasm for teaching through the school.
Family Background
Shankar’s commitment to education stems from his background in a household of teachers. “I was raised in an environment full of teaching,” he states. “My brothers and sisters were educators, instructors, and academic administrators.” “It seemed instinctive for me to take this route.” His enthusiasm for learning grew even more due to mentors like Sarojamma, his teacher in high school, who fostered his passion for English.
Shankar started his career as an assistant professor after obtaining an MA and MEd in English. Nevertheless, his passion was captivated by another. “Teaching involves more than merely being employed,” he clarifies. “It’s about inspiring young minds and showing them their potential.” This conviction prompted him to fully dedicate himself to Jnana Sanjeevini School in 2016.
Building the Vision
The creators of Jnana Sanjeevini School recognized the difficulties that children of farmers encounter in contrast to their counterparts in the city. “We aimed to establish a school that would bridge this gap,” they clarify. “By emphasizing English courses and after-school activities, we guaranteed the children received a comprehensive education.” Their work quickly received acknowledgment, and the school gained a reputation for its dedication to comprehensive growth.
By 2019, the institution had expanded consistently, achieving a total of 1,140 students. Nonetheless, the pandemic introduced fresh difficulties. “Numerous students transferred to government schools, and economic difficulties faced by farmers impacted enrollment numbers,” states Shankar. Despite these challenges, the school bounced back and currently has 780 students. “Without our team, this wouldn’t have been achievable,” he adds. “With 32 teaching staff and 10 support staff, their commitment ensures our school flourishes.”
School’s Take on Overall Growth
Jnana Sanjeevini School has reached outstanding milestones, thriving in academics, athletics, and cultural activities. “One story that deeply impacted me was about Dhanyashree,” Shankar expresses. He continues, “A 10th-grade student and an introvert, she not only thrived academically but also demonstrated remarkable thoughtfulness by presenting an autobiography of Dr. Abdul Kalam to her teachers. It was her way of showing appreciation, and it revealed much about her personality.”
The school’s emphasis on comprehensive development is clear in its accomplishments. Shankar remarks, “We have developed talents in sports, with students competing at the national level in chess.” “They have also engaged in state-level cultural initiatives such as ‘Prathibha Karanji,’ highlighting their creativity and enthusiasm.”
These milestones emphasize the school’s dedication to developing well-rounded individuals and fostering their potential in all areas.
Community and Teacher Support
Shankar says, “The success of our school reflects the collective efforts of our teachers, who create an environment that feels like family. They go above and beyond, adjusting their schedules to ensure no student is left behind.”
The school thrives on the strong bond between its staff and the community. “Despite financial challenges, the support we receive from parents has been invaluable,” Shankar explains. “They trust the school’s dedication to providing quality education, which motivates us to keep pushing forward.”
Varthana’s Role in School’s Expansion
In the mid-2010s, the school was still in a small building, and expanding was necessary to accommodate more students. This was when Varthana stepped in.
Girish recalls, “When Varthana first visited us, we were still in our old building. We hadn’t yet bought the land for the new school.” Varthana introduced its loan services and helped the school plan for growth. “The loan they gave us was crucial in building our current school,” says Girish. “We decided to invest the loan in this property, which turned out to be a key decision for our future.”
The loan of ₹20-25 lakhs kickstarted the construction, and Girish praised Varthana’s business team. “They guided us well, ensured proper documentation, and never encouraged false information,” he adds.
Girish concludes, “The process was smooth, thanks to their integrity. We followed their advice, and it worked out well.” Today, the school stands as a testament to Varthana’s support in turning their vision into reality.
Looking Ahead
Jnana Sanjeevini School’s vision goes beyond just primary education. The founders aim to establish a PU college and, eventually, a degree college. “Our goal is to teach not only academic knowledge but also life skills, values, and the importance of the sacrifices parents make to educate their children,” they share.
“Education is not just about reading from books or speaking well. It’s about learning to live a meaningful life, appreciating what you have, and becoming a responsible citizen,” says Shankar, emphasizing the school’s broader mission.
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