Haritha Vidhyalam

Just after the colorful reality show - Green Kerala Express - a brain child of Sajan Varghese, Dooradarshan now comes up with yet another innovative program called 'Haritha Vidyalayam' an initiative to encourage high-performing government and aided schools in the State and disseminate best practices among them. Why I am so proud to write on this program is it not only creates a new dimension to the world of reality shows but my own school is also in this category to sing the unsung songs of victory. The first such reality show in the country, jointly launched by the General Education Department, the IT@School Project, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the State Institute of Educational Technology. It measures the performance of school by considering academic practices, social initiatives, infrastructure, use of information technology in learning, co-curricular activities and environment and cleanliness.nThis just shows how important it is to have creative and committed teachers and what a difference they can make for the students. I think this is what is really meant by social consciousness.

Thanks to Dooradarshsn. As a professional as well as a well wisher of students I am very much appreciating the efforts of IT@Schools officials. In this modern world many of the parents send their students to private schools in the name of exposure and better education and complaining that the Government schools are not worthful to study. But behind the curtain students from Government schools are getting much exposure than anyone and decorating some higher positions. A close watch to reality, attachment towards community and self realization make them to strive in this competitive world. I am considering my opportunity to study in a Government school as a privilege and fortune which gave me some strong realizations which molded me as a perfect person. 

Away from air conditioned class rooms and high fi friends, I was there as a poor student and be a part of rural poor. A class room without windows which opened the world of freedom for thinking - natural fragrance and igniting wisdom, sometimes fought for lunch - the 'Kanji and Payar'. Some unforgettable events - a naughty boy and a nuisance to all - to friends, teachers and neighbors. But the traditional teachers accepted me as their son and taught. What a great gratification.    

Now I know the grieves of poor, feeling of hunger, pains of disparity and emotion of rural. An approximate idea for handling situations and knowing the pulse of society. 

I am accepting that most of the Government schools have no sufficient infrastructure, teachers and other supporting facilities. Some times it may not be match with our standards and thoughts. We think this is not sufficient for our children to become IAS Officers. An ideal folly....................

I welcome you all to this mega reality show which draws a new facet to such programs and an apparent evidence for the Government education.