Ponnampet Government Higher Model Primary School near Gonikoppa is completing 100 years of existence.

A programme to mark the celebrations will be held on April 7 and 8.

The school was started in 1861. It is one of the English Kannada Medium School started by the British in Kodagu.

The school has 1.28 acre land and was donated by Maneyapanda Monnappa.
Cheppudeera Madayya and his son Rao Bahaddur Thimmaiah Subedhar constructed the building in memory of his father and grand father Diwan Cheppudeera Ponnappa.

Acchiyanda Kalamayya was the first head master of the school. A health centre was constructed adjacent to the school in 1912. The land for the health centre was donated by Chetrumada family. The centre was constructed in the memory of King V George.

As the time rolled, a separate school was started for female children. The land for the school was donated by Sundar Singh. Later, the school was upgraded as composite high school in 1944.

A hall was constructed behind the school in 1936. The compound walls have been constructed utilising the funds available under MGNREGA. Retired head teacher M S Kushalappa has given drinking water facility to the school.

At present, 600 children are pursuing their education in the school. The school is getting decked up for the centenary celebrations. The students are getting ready to present cultural programmes.

Shathamanotsava Samithi president M S Kushalappa said that old students association has been constituted. In the memory of centenary celebrations, an open stage at a cost of Rs 12 lakh is being constructed.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS / /Gonikoppa, February 26th, 2013