This Teacher Climbs a Hill Everyday to Keep a Village Govt School Running

Suresh B Chalageri, a 50-year-old resident of Byrapura village in Gajendragada taluk of Karnataka, juggles between the roles of a headmaster, teacher, cleaner, plumber, and anyone else who is required to run the show at a government school he is posted in – every single day.

By Varun Jadia

June 29, 2016

The Byrapura Lower Primary School is located atop a hill and was in shambles when Suresh was first posted there. The hilltop is home to many families of the Lambani tribe and most of the children go to the government school.

Suresh treks for a distance of 8 km everyday to reach the school and has been doing so for seven years and nine months now.

Image for representational purpose only

Image for representation only. Source: wikimedia

“I had no clue where it was. I just knew that the landmark is Kalakaleshwar temple. After alighting from the bus, when I enquired about the school, I was told there is no option but to climb the hill,” he told The Times of India, recalling his early days.

Trekking a mountain every day is hard enough, but this amazing teacher also carries stationery, books and grains (for the midday meal) along with him.

The school, mainly consisting of the local Lambani children, gets an annual enrolment of 60 students and has three other teachers. Recently, Suresh was given a two-wheeler to make his commute to school easier. This man is an inspiration.

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About the author: Varun Jadia is a high schooler who has just completed his Class 10 boards. He enjoys listening to music, playing his guitar, playing badminton, writing and reading. Math is his favourite subject, and in the future, he wishes to pursue a career in economics.

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