Balika Adarsh Vidyalaya, Belagavi run by the Thalakwadi Female Education Society, is a purely Marathi medium school for girls that is reputed for its endeavors towards the overall development of its students. Thousands of its alumni are spread across the world. In an era when hundreds of Govt. schools across Karnataka are facing closure or merger due to abysmal enrolment ratios, this school has had the proud privilege of having over 1200 girls studying here.
The Balika Adarsh school today has classes from Kindergarten to Std. 10th. Established in 1937 by Mrs. Sumitrabai Sohoni who was motivated by the monumental work in education by Shikshan Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve. Later, Smt Kamalabai Chhatre joined her in this noble endeavor. The school is now in its 86th year of being functional.
Students from all over Belagavi and surrounding villages, mostly from economically weaker sections, seek admission to this school, with the full confidence that they will get the best education here. Many of them come from financial penury, they travel long distances on foot, on bicycles, or simply catch a bus.
Dozens of students come from broken families or with single parents. They can’t even afford the nominal fees of the school. However, the school leaves no stone unturned to provide the best to its students. With the support from well-wishers, past students, and donors, the school has been able to provide amenities that aid in their mental, physical and emotional makeup. Mohan Shanbhag Science Lab, a well-equipped library, a computer lab donated by Persistent Labs, Pune, a modern Turf ground, Atal Tinkering Lab granted by Niti Ayog of the Govt. of India, a Boxing ring, wrestling mat are some of the facilities that the girls make use of to hone their skills.
Today, the school’s 86-year-old Balika Adarsh building needs immediate reconstruction. Every year, the school also turns down hundreds of students who come to seek admission since there is no space for more students. A bigger, better building would enable more and more deserving students to gain an education. The school has grants in aid for only 7 staff members and over 35 members have to be paid by the school from the nominal fees, which the students find difficult to pay. In such a scenario, the school is seeking contributions for the reconstruction of its building, to provide better facilities, and to accommodate more students every year.
For details, please contact on Mobile 9964085048
You may send your contributions to the following bank account
Thalakwadi Female Education Society
Union Bank of India
Tilakwadi Branch
A/c No. 374102010000740
IFSC Code UBIN0537411
The Society is also registered under Section 80-G of the Income Tax Act
It would be great if they could share (and you can post) the specific details of the Money required / breakdown – Amount required for the construction project(s) / salaries for the unpaid staff / Books / Supplies, That may help provide some transparency and help drive the donations. I hope to reach out to them directly as well.