Bapagrama School continues the same focus of serving the poorest in the surrounding communities. For many of the students who walk to the school from nearby villages, this is the only opportunity they have to study beyond primary school, as it is the only free secondary school in the area.

Bapagrama also serves as a force for social change overseas, linking up with community activists from Vermont and other parts of the U.S.  Bapagrama has, over the last five decades, hosted many foreign visitors who come to participate in the educational activities by learning from and contributing to the community. This exchange program continues through Educational Praxis, a Vermont non-profit educational organization. The Mission of educational Praxis is to bring people of diverse communities together through direct educational activities, to develop solidarity among learning-teaching centers around the world.

Bapagrama School is co-educational, secular and anti-caste.  Its philosophy emphasizes a world outlook, intellectual curiosity and commitment to work.  It comprises 8th, 9th and 10th standards and Pre-University 1st and 2nd years.  The school follows the approved Karnataka State curriculum for all classes. The subject teachers are certified and their salaries are paid by the State.  Beyond the academic subjects the students learn weaving and horticulture.  The Bapagrama School management is private and provides leadership, donated funds for free uniforms, books and a midday meal for all the students.

Bapagrama also serves as a force for social change overseas, linking up with community activists from Vermont and other parts of the U.S.  Bapagrama has, over the last five decades, hosted many foreign visitors who come to participate in the educational activities by learning from and contributing to the community. This exchange program continues through Educational Praxis, a Vermont non-profit educational organization.

BAPAGRAMA SCHOOL

There have been several major advances in the programs offered to the school’s 350 female and male 14-to19 year old students over the past few years. An annual science exhibition now attracts thousands yearly from surrounding areas, where students display and teach what they have learned. Even though national exam scores are not the most important criteria of the educational process, they are still a benchmark of the schooling system. It should therefore be noted that test scores have continued to improve, with students now routinely achieving high marks. Free uniforms and shoes are now given to all new incoming students. A new agricultural program has brought about the possibility of incorporating organic farming, ecology, planting, and growing techniques into the schools curriculum, as well as providing vegetables for the school free lunch program and herbs for Ayurvedic medicines. Over 1300 trees of different types have been planted, to combat soil erosion and air pollution and to provide shady resting areas. The well providing water for Bapagrama has been repaired, cleaned and chlorinated ensuring a clean water supply. Sadly it has been targeted for demolition for the cities connecting highway. A new site must be selected. Volunteer doctors are now making monthly visits to provide basic exams for the students to assess health needs. Skin problems and malnutrition are among the major issues. A playground has been made by leveling an acre of land next to the school. Students are now able to play volleyball, soccer, and other team sports during recess.