We have had legendary Women Teachers in Kodagu from time immemorial. Many in the community would acknowledge the profound impact they’ve had in the days gone by in instilling a sense of discipline, hardwork, cleanliness, sense of purpose and ambition for their wards and the students they taught.
CLN had written recently about the prodigious and successful progress of Rachith Aiyappa. Despite his outstanding achievements, those who know him would give tremendous credit to his remarkable mother Apparanda Kushy Muthappa, who is a distinguished Teacher and Administrator and has been an Educationist all her professional life.
Being Teachers Day, based on a request from CLN she has provided a summary of her approach to education for the younger generation. Being Teachers Day- CLN Newsdesk.
In a world where academic scores often define a child’s potential, l stand out as an educator who believes in nurturing the child in a holistic manner – mind, body, and spirit.
With over 28 years of experience in the field of education, I currently serve as the Campus Director of Vidhyaashram Institution, Mysore, overseeing the growth and development of students aged 2.5 years to 21 years.
My educational philosophy is rooted in balancing academics and sports. Sports is equally important as academics for the overall growth of a child. Physical activity not only builds fitness but also cultivates character, discipline and emotional resilience.
Having spent nearly three decades among students of all age groups, I have developed a robust ability to connect with them, not as someone who imposes expectations, but as someone who listens, guides, empowers and understands what the child truly needs.
In summary, the Younger Generation must strive for balance between academics and physical activity, be curious learners, take responsibility, be kind and grounded and be positive in every sphere and activity.
This is a good article and a must read for Parents and Children alike. The summary captures all the concepts of a well-rounded education – the Younger Generation must strive for balance between academics and physical activity, be curious learners, take responsibility, be kind and grounded and be positive in every sphere and activity.
I would like to dwell on another troubling aspect that needs to be remedied – the inexplicable sense of entitlement that the youngsters (and many adults too!) possess that makes it difficult for teachers as they are challenged by the parents for lower grades and disciplinary action against students. Yes – there are indeed instances when teachers and for that matter parents/elders need to alter their behaviour towards their children – but let it be known that there is no substitute for hard work.
Even at work, employees want immediate promotions and keep changing jobs for trivial reasons. How does one gather experience if one is a rolling stone?
Unsurprisingly, students who are not being challenged as much, don’t learn as much. They’re less curious about the world, they understand less about the subjects they have studied, and they’re less skilled at reading and writing. They’re also less open to challenges and difficult tasks. Smartphones and AI have also been making young people less able to pay attention, think, and regulate their emotions.
Challenging kids to do genuinely good work and giving them the opportunity to test themselves and learn from failure may be kinder than what we’ve been doing for them.
This is a rather long comment – but it is heartfelt.
For my Teachers – Class 4.
Happy Teachers Day.
PULIYANDA THANGAVVA NANJAPPA.
First Lady teacher of Kodagu.
Master piece n such a unique perspective article on education Kushy ma’am. It is not an easy task to make younger generation to strive to balance both academics & physical activity. Each child ( adults )has their own talents to reach greater heights for that we proud parents has to listen, guide understand & empower what child ( adults) truly needs.
It was a delightful read, your writing style is truly captivating.
I’m proud of you it means a lot to Kodava Community. Wishing you the best many more children ( adults) has to get trained under you.
Last but not the least it was fascinating , inspiring one & also it inspired me n also it will inspire many .
Truly inspiring! Kushy Ma’am is the perfect example of a nurturing mother and an exceptional teacher. Her balanced approach to education and deep connection with students make her a true role model.
As someone who has been fortunate to witness her leadership and care, I can confidently say she is not just a teacher, but a life mentor. Kodagu and the educational community at large are privileged to have such a guiding light among us.
Happy Teachers Day Kushy Ma’am ❤️
Great article . You have been the best guide, mentor, and light in my journey. Happy Teacher’s Day!
Over the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Kushy Ma’am — not just as a colleague, but as a mentor, a guide, and truly a different kind of teacher.
She has consistently stood out — not only for her deep knowledge and dedication, but for the way she brings heart, warmth, and a unique spark into everything she does. Her ability to connect, to inspire, and to uplift both students and peers alike is rare and remarkable.
Kushy Ma’am has not only taught with passion, but led by example. Her quiet strength, thoughtful insights, and unwavering support have shaped me professionally and personally. She’s been someone I could count on — for advice, for encouragement, or simply for a different perspective when it was needed most.
Thank you, Ma’am, for being more than just a teacher. You’ve been a constant source of wisdom, kindness, and inspiration. Working with you has been one of the most enriching parts of my journey.
Here’s to your continued impact — because great teachers never stop making a difference.
Kushy had come and met me along with her son Rachith Aiyappa before he went to the USA. Both Mother and Son are such a good icon for the community.
A walk down memory lane! 😊
Teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions. A Teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart
Thank you to all our wonderful Teachers and to individuals whom we learn from and to the Teachers & Students we all are too.
Happy Teachers Day!!
Great work Ms. Kushy Muthappa, your effort in combining academics with sports is really wonder. Gen Alpha & Gen Beta kids are stuck to Tech gadgets these days, Physical activity is nil…
I agree with you on Physical activity, building fitness, Character, Discipline. Our elders used to walk miles to reach school. No wonder we had so many serving in Armed forces those days, which is lacking these days. Playing sports teaches and sharpens team spirit – read *teamwork*. This is synonymous with networking skills – things that no academician can teach! Coping with a “loss” in a game is equally a very import ability to inculcate.
Our kids must move on from here and scale greater heights – like Rachith Aiyappa has done. Your being a proud Mother means a lot to the Kodava community.
I wish you all the best to train more children (and adults 😊) in Academics and Sports.
Wishing you a very Happy Teacher’s Day! Your dedication and hard work in shaping young minds are truly commendable 👏💐
Very few people have the power to educate todays youth. You do it pretty well.
Happy Teachers Day!
What we need is “relevant education” in Kodagu. For example, the girls and young women in North Kodagu could be trained for the Nursing profession – there is so much potential for jobs.
Proper Hospitality training can lead to better standards at our HomeStays – there is no guidance.
Sports is great when we are young, but by 30 there is burn out and then what happens to the youngsters?
Similarly joining the Armed Forces in Other Ranks. It is good while it lasts – after that we have to deal with real issues of no work at home. We should be properly skilled to set up micro enterprises.
Timely and refreshing article – education in Kodagu seems to have taken a back seat. The exodus of young Kodavas to Bangalore and Mysore is worrisome.
Last year I had written about Mangalore and surrounding areas in Tulunad having shown exemplary private enterprise in higher education in every field – basic Graduate studies (BA, BSc, BCom), Medicine, Engineering (in all fields), Law, Business Administration, Hotel Management, Teachers Training, Nursing…. the list is endless. As a consequence Tulunad has prospered in every field with distinction.
If we cannot attract private investment or benefactors who set up Universities like Azim Premji, KREA, Ashoka…in the field of higher education to the district, the departure of youngsters to pursue higher education away from their home base will continue to happen.
It is refreshing to read such a thoughtful perspective on education. In today’s world where academic scores are often treated as the sole measure of success, your holistic approach stands out, emphasizing not just the mind, but also the body and spirit – this is indeed the need of the hour.
The younger generation certainly needs this balanced vision – to grow as curious learners, responsible individuals, and compassionate human beings. Thank you for reminding us that education is not just about marks, but about shaping lives.