To address the issue of dropouts in his village, a government school teacher from Bashettihalli in Doddaballapur taluk went far beyond his teaching duties. Noticing that the lack of a high school was compelling children to discontinue their studies after primary education, he first persuaded the government to establish one in the village. He then mobilised over ₹3 crore in CSR contributions from various companies to expand and modernise the institution.

The government opened the high school in 2007, following repeated requests. At that time, the school had only three classrooms, two washrooms and about 100 to 120 students. Headmaster Narayanaswamy R., a native of the same village, had seen first-hand how children, especially girls, were dropping out after Class 7. Determined to change this, he began reaching out to companies, foundations and social organisations for support. 

From bicycles to smart labs

Over the years, the funds raised were used to expand the campus to 22 classrooms spread across three new blocks, set up smart boards, STEM and computer labs, build an auditorium, and improve sanitation. Special care was taken to address the barriers that kept girls away from school. With the help of a Rotary club, bicycles were distributed so that girls living in distant areas could travel safely. CSR contributions also funded sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators, ensuring hygiene.

Headmaster Narayanaswamy R
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“Today, the school serves over 530 students in Classes 8 to 10. Many of them are children of migrant workers from states such as Odisha, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. We decided that no child should drop out for any reason, and all of them now study in Kannada and English medium,” Mr. Narayanaswamy said. He also recalled that one of his students, Garima Kumari from Bihar, scored a perfect score in Kannada last year.

This year, Mr. Narayanaswamy has also secured ₹16 lakh in CSR funds, which he plans to channel towards new initiatives. “A portion of the money will be used to provide KAS, IAS and IPS coaching to students within the school, giving them early exposure to competitive exam preparation. The remaining funds are being earmarked for additional programmes to strengthen both academics and overall student development,” he said. 

Corporate support

The school was also selected under the Union government’s Atal Innovation Mission to host an Atal Tinkering Lab. Equipped with tools for robotics, electronics and programming, the lab has sparked curiosity among students. “Children who were once hesitant in academics now come alive in the lab. They want to know how things work and how to create something new,” said Roopa, a teacher.

Several companies supported Mr. Narayanaswamy in his initiative. The Musashi Auto Parts India Private Limited, Bharti Airtel Foundation, Rittal Private Limited, among other companies, funded equipment and a part of infrastructure, while the family of former cricketer Anil Kumble helped build washrooms, major infrastructure and an auditorium.