Shining Teacher breathes life into tribal school

She launches 'Doma Putta Vaddu-Doma Kutta Vaddu' drive to curb vector-borne diseases

- K MADHU SUDHAKAR @Kurnool

In a small Sugali tribal hamlet, JM Thanda, in Pathikonda mandal of Kurnool district, a government school teacher's dedication has transformed a nearly abandoned primary school into a thriving hub of education and community pride. M Kalyani Kumari, popularly known as the Shining Teacher, has increased student enrollment and launched an awareness campaign against mosquito-borne diseases, winning accolades from parents, villagers, and local leaders.

When Kalyani was transferred to the Mandal Parishad Elementary School at JM Thanda in September 2017, the school had only 14 students, with just two attending regularly. Authorities were preparing to close the school due to poor enrollment. "Parents were hesitant to send their children to government schools, and most families here were illiterate. I wanted to change their perception and prove that government schools can provide quality education," she said.