The 8th Annual Day of Kodagu Model School, run by Sri Kavery Kodava Association-Mysore East, was celebrated in a grand way at the School premises at Vidyashankaranagar, Sathagalli, on Feb. 8.

The highlight of the celebration was the cultural programme where students displayed their talent. Dressed in colourful attires and smiles on their faces, children danced to various tunes which were thoroughly enjoyed by parents, guests and the general public who had gathered in large numbers. ‘Yoga dance’ and ‘Butterfly Dance’ performed by students received good response.   

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Vasu, who was the chief guest, said that the talents of children should be identified first by parents at home. “Teachers cannot do everything. The present education system has changed where the old system of teachers caning students has become obsolete. Information Technology has changed the education scenario,” he said.

Vasu regretted that the education system does not identify individual talents in children as it is purely academic and stereotype. “In such a scenario, the management of Kodagu Model School is striving to provide quality education and at the same time, identifying the talent of students. Unfortunately, such schools do not get Government grants,” he remarked.

Dwelling on the education system during the Maharajas, Vasu said, “the Maharajas encouraged and patronised education by providing various facilities including money, building and land for playground. Now the situation is such that money has to be paid to MUDA to obtain a CA site. It is not easy to run a private education institution these days.”

Addressing the gathering, Chairman of Kautilya Vidyalaya and BJP leader, R. Raghu Kautilya, advised parents not to gauge their children by the marks scored in exams but by identifying their hidden talents.

“Kodagu Model School is committed to provide good education to students of surrounding areas. Each child has a special talent in him/ her and it has to be identified and nurtured for the overall development of the child’s personality,” he said and added that parents must not restrict children only to score more marks in academics.

Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy, who is also the patron of the School, said that the Kodagu Model School was established seven years back inspired by the ideals of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General Thimmayya. “With education, people can survive anywhere in the world. At the School, we intend to equip students to face the challenges in this competitive world and make them strong mentally and physically,” he said.

On the occasion, prizes were given away to winners of various competitions. Students of 1st standard presented a dance for a devotional song while kids of the Play Home section presented an attractive ‘Butterfly Dance.’

Kodagu Model School President K.K. Aiyappa, who is also the President of Sri Kavery Kodava Association-Mysore East, presided. Chairperson of Education Council C.K. Seethamma, School Head Mistress Mary Anitha, Correspondent Naina Achappa, Retired DIG Appanna, Association Vice-President K. Belliappa, Honorary Secretary A.P. Motaiah, Treasurer K.T. Ponnappa, Joint Secretary Padma Bopaiah, office-bearers and Committee Members were present.