Mysuru:  “In many places, Government-run schools are in a sorry state and in such a situation to see that the Gadichowka Government School has completed 100 years is really a healthy sign. However, it is very important to see that it will not follow other Government Schools, which are on the verge of closure and here is where the role of Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and Voluntary Organisations helping in a big way come,” said former Union Additional Secretary C.V. Gopinath.

He was speaking after inaugurating the centenary celebrations of Gadichowka Government School in Lakshmipuram, organised by Reachout India, Inner Wheel Club of Mysore West, DRC Cinemas and other educational institutions recently and said the school has contributed immensely by helping thousands of poor students in the last 100 years to make a mark in the society.

This is where the contribution of NGOs like Reachout India and organisations like Rotary and Lions become important as they can provide basic facilities like libraries, toilets, books and desks to run such schools, which are starved of funds, he said.

He said that if everyone has to be educated then the government schools’ standards should be improved and see that the parents and students seek these schools to learn.

This can happen only if every parent sends his or her child to school, he added.

On the occasion, Vana Mahotsava was also celebrated by planting a few saplings. The newly painted classrooms with colourful pictures were inaugurated by South Zone Block Education Officer Shivakumar.

Corporator Sowmya, Headmaster S. Ravikumar, Reachout India Founder Manasa Rao, Brinda Shivapooja, Sujay Shivapooja and Ishraq Faizal, Krishna Rao of Reachout, Inner Wheel Club of Mysore West President Sunita Bhaskar, Secretary Brinda Avinash, Rotary Club of Mysore South Vice President Aiyanna, DRC’s C.R. Hanumanth and Vaishali Hanumanth, Mamatha, Kavyashri, Veenashri, school teachers Mahadevamma, Haroon Pasha, SDMC President Seema and others were present.