Ballari puncture shop owner steps in as volunteer teacher at local govt school

Ballari: A puncture repair shop owner in Ballari has been teaching students at a nearby govt school for the past 10 years, helping plug teacher shortages and supporting academic activities.M Purushotham, who has been running a small puncture shop at Guggurahatti circle on the outskirts of the city for nearly two decades, has been dedicating his free time to teach students and assist the school in multiple ways."I studied in a govt school myself, so I have a deep sense of attachment towards it. I did not want children to suffer academically due to lack of teachers," said Purushotham, a BA graduate with a strong command over Kannada.Despite his work commitments, he sets aside time to teach students from classes 4 to 7 free of cost. Apart from academics, he engages them in games, teaches Karate and focuses on instilling discipline, social values and self-confidence.In the absence of a physical education teacher at the Govt Higher Primary School, Purushotham has also been engaging students in sports and extracurricular activities, contributing to their overall development.Reflecting his belief in govt education, he has enrolled his own children in the same school, shifting them from English-medium education. His three children, two daughters and a son, are studying in govt Kannada-medium schools.His role extends beyond teaching. As president of the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC), he has contributed to improving infrastructure, including facilitating a drinking water unit and enhancing basic amenities such as toilets. "Due to his efforts, the school has seen a steady rise in student strength, from around 300 earlier to over 500 now," said Basavaraj Benakal, a parent.Purushotham's family also reflects his values. His eldest daughter, M Pallavi, is pursuing PUC at a govt girls' college, while his son Shivaji studies in Class 4. His second daughter, Vanishree, a Class 8 student, assists him at the puncture shop during holidays and in her free time and manages the shop in his absence. All three children are academically inclined and support their parents in daily work.Apart from his involvement in education, Purushotham is also active in social service. He has donated blood 50 times, while also spreading awareness about its importance. He is also a member of a local bhajana mandali and participates in devotional singing at a temple every night.Responding to the situation, DDPI Umadevi said there is no rule against using subject experts in schools facing a shortage of teachers. She said Purushotham, who is also the SDMC president, has been teaching students without any remuneration, helping improve academic performance.She added that his efforts are a good example of local community participation in strengthening education.
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