Hans News Service Haveri

Ata time when many parents prefer private schools citing poor infrastructure in government institutions, a government school headmistress in Karnataka has won widespread appreciation by choosing to celebrate her son’s birthday in a unique way. Instead of spending on a lavish celebration, she used her personal savings to renovate the school where she serves, giving it a vibrant new look. Umai Salma Kadoor, headmistress of the Government Urdu School at Hamsabhavi village in Hirekerur taluk, spent nearly Rs 2 lakh from her savings to repaint the entire campus. The school walls have been artistically designed to resemble railway coaches, creating an attractive and child-friendly environment that has delighted students and villagers alike. The school, which has over 90 students from Classes 1 to 7, had remained without proper painting for several years, leaving the campus dull and unattractive. Parents had also expressed concern over the condition of the school.

Determined to improve the campus, Umai Salma discussed the proposal with members of the School Development and Monitoring Committee. She volunteered to bear the entire cost of painting the school as a birthday tribute to her 26-year-old son, Malik Rehan, while requesting the committee to take care of the annual school function expenses. Following the renovation, the school has been transformed into a colourful learning space. The railway coach-themed artwork has generated excitement among students, many of whom say they now feel as though they are entering a train every time they come to school. The initiative has drawn praise from residents, parents and educationists, who described it as an inspiring example of social responsibility.

Instead of spending money on a private celebration, the headmistress chose to invest in the future of her students, demonstrating how personal milestones can be turned into meaningful contributions to society.