Karnataka Headmaster Spends Rs 5 Lakh to Take Students on Flight Before Retirement
Koppal: In an inspiring display of dedication, a government school headmaster in Karnataka has spent approximately Rs 5 lakh from his personal savings to take 24 underprivileged students on a flight trip to Bengaluru.
The heartwarming initiative was led by Beerappa Andagi, the headmaster of the government school in Bahadduribandi village, Koppal district. With his retirement scheduled for February, Beerappa wished to offer a unique parting gift to his students, most of whom come from families of farmers and daily wage labourers. His goal was to introduce them to the world beyond their village and inspire them to dream big.
To select the beneficiaries, the school conducted a special merit test for students in grades 5 through 8, choosing six top performers from each class. The travelling group, comprising 40 individuals—including the 24 students, teachers, mid-day meal staff, and school development committee members—boarded a Star Air flight from Jindal Airport in Toranagallu to Bengaluru.
For the students and many accompanying staff members, this was their first experience of air travel. Parents and villagers gathered at the airport to bid an emotional farewell to the children.
During the two-day educational tour, the students are visiting various educational institutions and tourist landmarks in the state capital. The trip aims to provide practical knowledge regarding urban life and technology, going beyond standard textbooks.
Local MP Rajashekhar Hitnal, who flagged off the journey, commended Beerappa’s commitment, citing it as a powerful example of how one individual can impact young lives. The gesture has since garnered widespread appreciation on social media.
The heartwarming initiative was led by Beerappa Andagi, the headmaster of the government school in Bahadduribandi village, Koppal district. With his retirement scheduled for February, Beerappa wished to offer a unique parting gift to his students, most of whom come from families of farmers and daily wage labourers. His goal was to introduce them to the world beyond their village and inspire them to dream big.
To select the beneficiaries, the school conducted a special merit test for students in grades 5 through 8, choosing six top performers from each class. The travelling group, comprising 40 individuals—including the 24 students, teachers, mid-day meal staff, and school development committee members—boarded a Star Air flight from Jindal Airport in Toranagallu to Bengaluru.
For the students and many accompanying staff members, this was their first experience of air travel. Parents and villagers gathered at the airport to bid an emotional farewell to the children.
During the two-day educational tour, the students are visiting various educational institutions and tourist landmarks in the state capital. The trip aims to provide practical knowledge regarding urban life and technology, going beyond standard textbooks.
Local MP Rajashekhar Hitnal, who flagged off the journey, commended Beerappa’s commitment, citing it as a powerful example of how one individual can impact young lives. The gesture has since garnered widespread appreciation on social media.