Our grandfather is from the village of Chitrigi in Kumta (coastal Karnataka). Since he moved to Mumbai in the 1930s, we all considered Mumbai our home with not much connection to Kumta. About a decade earlier, our family decided to support a High School building in Kumta in memory of our grandfather, but our family remained uninvolved in the school management.
A few years ago when I visited Kumta, I was thrilled to see an institution bearing my grandfather’s name. And ecstatic on hearing eedy students grateful for the fine school in the area. For me this served as a call to action; to serve this area, the students and the school.
Now every time I visit India, I make a beeline to Kumta and work with the school management on the many educational opportunities. And there is so much need. Everything from scholarships for needy students, to tutoring, to books for the library and developing new courses. And even when I am in Boston, I am constantly working with my extended family, trying to develop consensus on new projects. A satisfying mission indeed.
The question I ask myself is: With all my education, training and skills, how do I help improve educational opportunities in Kumta, and ultimately the standard of living of the locals? In future posts I will share some of the work that we have done over the last few years. And when I recount the challenges, you will realize it is not as simple as donating a few old computers.
These are pictures I took at the school on my first visit there in 2004, with my archaic Olympus point’n shoot.
The ground floor was first completed and classes commenced in 2002. Very soon the classrooms were at full capacity and construction was started on the upper floor. Note the ongoing construction.
On the far stage, notice students sitting on the floor listening to a talk.
Notice these girls (many with anklets) sitting at the edge of the quadrangle.
Shoes and sandals are left outside classrooms.
Spectacular view looking out from the top of the school. In the distance I catch a glimmer of the Arabian Sea.
Updates and Related Posts from Shanbhag School
- Lunch at the Shanbhag School
- Scholarships for the Needy
- Kumta School Kids
- Academic Update from the Shanbhag School 2007
- Academic Update from the Shanbhag School 2009
- Scholarship Activities at Shikshan.org
Arun Shanbhag 
My grandfather Mukund Nayak Taught Math @ Gibb Highschool.
Hemant Nayak
Great to hear! My grandfather actually studied at Gibb High School till 7th grade. Not sure if it was called Gibb High School then.
You should be proud.
Thanks for sharing.
A
Dear Shanbhag,
I haven’t seen the high school you have narrated above.I know only Mahatma Gandhi High School ,Chtragi
The Shanbhag School is part of the Konkan Education Trust and is located on Bagon Hill past the Government Hospital.
Best
Arun
Arun
I have been reading some of your blogs with interest & stumbled upon this one. You are doing some fantastic work. My grandparents were also from Chitrigi (Bhandarkar & Balgi) family & I am lucky enough to have relatives based there. I used to visit Kumta regularly until we moved to London a few year ago. While growing up, I spent most of my summer holidays either in Goa or Kumta & your pictures & descriptions bring back plesant memories
Thanks
Anant
good school……………..
Thank you! The teachers and staff work hard to make this all happen.
Arun