In 1994, while conducting a cancer screening program in the village of Mullur, the IHDUA field team began preparations to establish a clinic that would serve the medical needs of local residents. But then a group of community members made an unexpected request: could those resources instead be used to build a school for area children?
As things stood, grade school students were required to travel long distances to reach the government schools serving Mullur and nearby villages. But those schools were plagued by inferior educational outcomes caused in part by high rates of teacher absenteeism and antiquated teaching methods.
In response, that same year the field team quickly organized a kindergarten program and built a small school consisting of seven classrooms on land donated to IHDUA by the community itself. With each subsequent year the school administrators added an additional grade, until 2005, when a tenth grade section was formed. Over time the school premises expanded as well; today there are twenty classrooms, including a library, art studio and computer lab.
Impact
Since the school’s founding, more than three thousand students have completed tenth grade, which is a pivotal point in the Indian education system. In that year students take a secondary school exit exam administered by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board. Students at the Mullur School have consistently achieved passing rates at or near 100% for the past five years.
Management
At Vinayaka Jnana Vidya Shale, we are more than just an educational institution; we are a movement towards change and empowerment for rural communities. Founded by Dr. B S Ajaikumar ( leading Oncologist, Founder and Chairperson of IHUDA), our school is dedicated to providing quality education to children in rural remote environment, helping them unlock their potential and envision a brighter future.
Our mission goes beyond academics. We aim to equip our students with essential life skills, empowering them to thrive personally and professionally. Our curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, ensuring that every child receives the tools needed to succeed in life.
We also believe in the power of community development. By working closely with local families and leaders, we initiate programs that enhance village infrastructure, health, and sustainability. Through a holistic approach, we strive to uplift the entire community, creating a supportive environment where education, growth, and progress can flourish together.’
Join us on this journey of transformation—help us shape futures, strengthen communities, and inspire hope for generations to come.
Dr. B S Ajaikumar
Leading Oncologist, Founder and Chairperson of IHUDA
I wholeheartedly congratulate Vinayaka Jnana Vidyashale (Mulluru) for achieving thirty years of academic success. I clearly remember when we were about to start this journey. Shri Patel Devanna asked me if we could start a school here, and I agreed.
We began in 1994 with 1st grade, and now, in thirty years, we have trained hundreds of students, many of whom have achieved success. This gives us and our administration a great sense of accomplishment and pride. In this regard, I would like to thank my entire family. My wife, Bhagya, has shown immense interest, and I am grateful to my brother Amarkumar for his extraordinary involvement, and my daughter Anjali, who has actively contributed.
It was with the support of my family members, including Adarsh, Agnika, and Asmita, that all this was made possible.
I would also like to express my deep appreciation for the teachers, who are the key individuals dedicated to bringing positive change in this region of Mysore district with their visionary approach, as well as the local public for their unwavering support.
Looking ahead, my main goal is to develop the school as a leadership school and focus on recognizing talent. I believe we can put in more efforts here to nurture leaders and leadership programs. In the recent leadership program, some of our girls participated with tremendous confidence and capability.
Let us all come together and continue our efforts to bring change in our youth and make them great leaders
Jayaram
Secretary, IHDUA
My heartfelt wishes to the former and current students of Vinayaka Jnana Vidya School.
Education, in my opinion, is not just something printed on pages and taught by teachers. The lessons learned in school are as important as what one learns from the environment, family, friends, and society. Therefore, education is nothing but the holistic development of a person’s personality. The future of a country depends on the education its citizens receive. Education teaches everyone peace, justice, freedom, and equality. A person can adapt and transform their environment with the help of education as per their needs.
Anyone who grows while also helping others in their development finds purpose in life. A person who rises to a high position by gaining knowledge from the environment, family, society, and schools or colleges must cultivate the generous quality of giving back. Anyone who forgets this and leads a self-centered life, regardless of the education they receive, will never become a good citizen.
It is a joyful thing that our school teachers are teaching these various ideas to children and contributing to their holistic development. In the past thirty years, many students who studied at our school have occupied good positions, which is a matter of pride. I also wish for them to live as good citizens
Nirmala
Account Manager, VGVS
Our Vinayaka Jnana Vidya School was started thirty years ago, in 1994, with just 7 students. In our culture, before starting any good work, we worship Vighnahara Ganesha, and so our institution’s first school was named “Vinayaka Jnana Vidya Shale.” Now, 398 students are studying in our school from nursery to 10th grade.
This school is the dream child of our chairman, Dr. B.S. Ajay Kumar. He envisioned that students in the village, especially girls, should have access to education in an easy manner.
The school that started with just 4 rooms 30 years ago now has 12 classrooms along with well-equipped facilities such as a library, computer lab, and drawing room. It is a joyous matter that our chairman’s dream has successfully come true. We must remember the hard work of the teachers, the administration, and the non-teaching staff behind this success. Many students who studied in our school are serving in society as engineers, IAS, KAS officers, which is a matter of great pride, and it is also a pleasure that some students have returned to serve as teachers in our school.
Mallikarjun
Principal, VGVS
Annapradana (the offering of food) is the greatest gift, but the gift of education surpasses it. While food provides temporary satisfaction, education grants lifelong fulfillment.”
As this saying implies, this educational institution is engaged in the noble cause of building a healthy and prosperous society. The belief of the institution is that the direction in which students are nurtured by the education system determines the future of the country.
Just as one who has tasted a tiger’s milk cannot remain silent, a person skilled in value-based education and abilities cannot stay idle. The contributions of such individuals empower society, and a strong society leads to a strong nation. For thirty years, our school has been instilling the values of art, literature, and culture in children through skill-based education, which is the reason behind the unique affection people have for our school today.
It brings immense joy that all the writings in this edition reflect the intellectual curiosity and writing skills of both students and teachers, challenging their interests and abilities.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who contributed to the successful release of this beautiful edition.