VIJAYAPURA : In an inspiring gesture of commitment to education, a government school headmaster in Vijayapura district has set aside three months of his salary to fulfil the dreams of 22 students by sponsoring their first-ever air journey to New Delhi on an educational tour.
Vithal Bhairagond, Headmaster of Government Kannada Higher Primary School at Hale Dhulkhed in Chadachan taluk, has earmarked around Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh from his personal earnings to organise the four-day tour. Two other teachers will accompany the students. The initiative assumes significance as four to five of the participating children belong to families of migrant labourers who have moved to other places in search of employment. For these children, travelling by airplane and visiting some of the country’s most famous historical monuments will be an unforgettable experience.
Bhairagond conceived the initiative with the objective of providing government schoolchildren, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, opportunities to explore the world beyond their classrooms. He believes that financial constraints should not deprive children of experiences that can broaden their knowledge and aspirations.
The educational tour will commence on November 13. The students will travel to New Delhi via Solapur and Pune and spend four days exploring important historical and cultural destinations.
Their itinerary includes Qutub Minar, Raj Ghat, Red Fort, Indira Palace and India Gate. They will also visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, besides exploring the Yamuna River, Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura and Vrindavan.
Bhairagond said he wanted children studying in government schools to experience the joy of flying and visit places they had so far encountered only in textbooks.
“Government school children also dream of travelling by airplane. I have taken up this initiative to fulfil their aspirations and provide them with new learning experiences. I am bearing the expenses myself after securing the necessary permissions from the authorities and consent from parents,” he said.