KODAGU VIDYALAYA, MADIKERI

In the late 1970s, several parents in and around the picturesque hill-town of Madikeri nurtured a growing wish for a full-fledged educational institution capable of providing quality English medium education to children within Kodagu. This had stemmed from a hope that children would not have to be sent to distant boarding schools for similar quality of education. This hope of parents developed into an indispensable need, swiftly maturing into a vision. 

Around the same time, TittooSubiah started an English medium nursery school in Madikeri. Her school came to be considered as the perfect feeder to the vision that was set in motion. The vision was simple – To provide comprehensive, quality education that would not only facilitate academic excellence, but also equip children for life. To fructify the vision, a group of eminent visionaries, interested parents and dedicated teachers gathered to collectively discuss a plan of action. 

On 28.03.1980, it was decided that an English medium residential cum day school for boys and girls which would give equal importance to the local languages would be established in Madikeri.

To make the Project possible, Codanda D. Bopaiah donated a serene stretch of 8 acres of land, off Siddapur Road, on behalf of himself and his brother Codanda B. Devaiah. Later on, 2 acres of adjoining land was granted by the Government with the aid of the Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu of that period, Veena Sriram Rao. 

The establishment and management of the school was the responsibility of Kodagu Vidya Sangha®? – a Charitable Society. Kodagu Vidya Sangha®? comprised of renowned educationists and philanthropists. Most of them had gained valuable exposure from the educational systems of India and of foreign countries and envisioned education in accordance with their exposure, for Kodagu. Kodagu Vidya Sangha®? convened its first meeting in 1981 and the participants were as follows: 

Chief Patron: Field Marshal K.M Cariappa

Founding Members B.S Kushalappa (Diploma in Pedagogy – Kings College, London) C.D Bopaiah, B.K Subiah, K.S Somaiah, K.S Devaiah, C.B.Deviah, P.M Subbaiah, Titoo Subbaiah, Nagendra Giri, Alamelu Giri, C.K Appachu, Major P.M Devaiah and Minnie Bopaiah

On 09.11.1981, the Foundation Stone of the school was laid by the Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri. R. Gundu Rao. During the interim period of construction of the school buildings, one of the Members of Kodagu Vidya Sangha®?, Mrs. Minnie Bopaiah graciously let out her garage and guest house of her residence for the use of the school. Thus, the school was established with a total strength of 28 students, 3 teachers and 3 standards. Simultaneously, a hostel was set up in the guest house with a strength of 6 boarders. The Chief Patron Member of Kodagu Vidya Sangha®?, Field Marshal K.M Cariappa named the school ‘Kodagu Vidyalaya’. From, its inception to date, the school has been funded by generous donations from the public, in pursuance of its noble vision.

 On 16.04.1983, the ‘Guddali Puja’ was performed for the new school buildings on the permanent site, before construction. The school buildings were designed by Mr. Nagendra Giri along with the assistance of the Building Committee of the Kodagu Vidya Sangha®?. It had 6 class rooms and a residence for the watchman. On construction in October, 1983, the school formally shifted to the new buildings. 

The Kodagu Vidya Sangha®? structured a system for the school to be managed in the most efficient manner. This required a select team of Members who could devote the required time towards effective management of the school. 

Over the years, the Kodagu Vidyalaya and its Management Committee have seen tremendous progress. As the school grew, necessary changes in its functioning have taken shape solely under the guiding force of the school objective, i.e ‘Where Education is for Life’. 

Notably, in 2003, a positive change was brought about in curriculum when the school switched from the SSLC syllabus to the CBSE syllabus. This provided the teachers with access to various training programs stipulated under the CBSE guidelines to improve the standards of teaching. At present, teachers undergo online and offline training programs throughout the academic year focusing on capacity building and subject orientation for the students. These programs help teachers to understand the competency of each student which, in turn, help them suggest effective ways for each student to improve their overall performance. 

Side by side, sports and games has always been considered integral in the development of each child in Kodagu Vidyalaya. A spacious playground and a basketball court among other sports facilities on campus facilitate student participation in sports and games and encourage an active way of life. 

The present Management Committee of Kodagu Vidyalaya continues to strive towards carrying forward the legacy of the school by propelling it towards grand potentials envisioned for it. 

Presently, it aims at developing infrastructure that can surpass the limitations imposed on the physical activity of the students during the months of heavy monsoon in Madikeri. A step in that direction is a state-of-the-art sheltered play area constructed for the students of play-home and kindergarten. The play area will be functional throughout the year. Additionally, the basketball court on campus is being upgraded with a synthetic surface and a viewing gallery.

The Committee prioritizes classroom comfort and is committed to usher in advanced technology to facilitate hassle-free learning. To this effect, uniform lighting in all the classrooms has been introduced with the installation of conducive 4K lights in all classrooms with expert consultation to ensure visual well-being of all the students.

The school is proud of its very successful alumni, who are placed all over the world and are supporting its alma matter with a generous heart. 

In the coming years, the Committee plans to further develop the hostel facilities of Kodagu Vidyalaya in an organized and structured manner so that students from any part of our state and country may have access to holistic education in the scenic environment of Madikeri. 

Lastly, in its perpetual endeavor to provide quality education, the Management Committee of Kodagu Vidyalaya operates with a working objective in place- “Brick by brick, wall by wall, the work must go on.”