Koppal: Head Master's Gesture Turns Aeroplane Dreams Into Reality for 24 Students
The air journey was flagged off at Jindal Airport in Toranagallu by MP Rajashekar Hitnal, who praised the headmaster’s dedication to rural education
Koppal: For years, an aeroplane in the sky meant a moment of wonder for students of a government school in Bahaddurbandi village of Koppal district. On Friday, that distant fascination turned into reality when 24 children boarded an aircraft for the first time, thanks to the extraordinary initiative of their headmaster, Beerappa Andagi.
Students of the Government Higher Primary School, Bahaddurbandi, flew to Bengaluru in a special aircraft arranged by Andagi, who spent nearly Rs 5 lakh from his own resources to organise the trip.
The air journey was flagged off at Jindal Airport in Toranagallu by MP Rajashekar Hitnal, who praised the headmaster’s dedication to rural education. Scenes of students clutching their boarding passes and settling into their seats with visible excitement created an emotional moment for parents, teachers, and villagers who gathered to see them off.
The group comprised 24 students—four each from Classes 5 to 8—selected on merit through a special test conducted by an external teacher. Along with these students, teachers, midday meal cooks, and School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) members were also part of the trip, taking the total number of travellers to 40.
Explaining the idea behind the initiative, Andagi said he wanted children from rural backgrounds to have this unique experience.
“Seeing the students happy makes me happy. The day I took charge as Head Master, I had declared to organize this program. For a teacher, students are like God. Tomorrow, one of them may become an aeronautical expert, an officer, or hold a high position, and arrange similar tours for others. That thought gives me satisfaction,” Andagi told Deccan Chronicle.
He said the initiative received support from his childhood friend, Sachin Kumar Rampure. “I take a loan from him and repay it later. This time too, I borrowed about Rs 5 lakh for this tour. The special flight from Ballari to Bengaluru cost Rs 3.5 lakh. Expenses for food, boarding, entry tickets to tourist places, local travel in Bengaluru, and the return train journey have all been covered. Everything is free for the students,” he said, adding that their happiness made the effort worthwhile.
“I have a total loan of about Rs 50 lakh. But nothing gives me more satisfaction than the happiness of the children,” he added.
The students will stay in Bengaluru till Sunday, during which they will visit major tourist attractions and educational centres, before returning to Koppal by train on Sunday night.
Andagi’s gesture has drawn widespread appreciation from villagers and educationists alike, who have described it as a rare example of personal sacrifice and commitment. An activist and the State president of the Karnataka State Association of Disabled Employees, Andagi has been instrumental in the all-round development of the school since taking charge as headmaster, implementing several initiatives with the support of donors.
