Mahalaxmi English High School

If you walk down to Ward No 2 in the Palauli area, you’ll find us right across from the Vithal Mandir. Being opposite a temple means we hear the bells ringing throughout the day, which is actually quite nice. It’s a busy little corner of Ponda. The school building is older, with stairs that have seen better days, but it’s home to a lot of activity. We have students coming in from all around the village and the nearby parts of Ponda. Every morning, there is a bit of a crowd at the entrance because of the narrow road. We have to tell the kids to watch out for the scooters. Inside, it’s a lot of chatter and the sound of teachers talking over the noise of the fans. We don't have a lot of fancy equipment. We use blackboards and notebooks mostly. The staff room is small and usually smells like tea because someone is always making a cup. We know the parents well, often chatting with them at the gate when they come to pick up their children. It’s a very local atmosphere here in Ward 2. We don't try to be something we aren't. We are just Mahalaxmi English High School, a place where kids come to learn their ABCs and math. Sometimes the rain makes the yard muddy, but we just put down some sand and keep going. It’s a practical place for practical people who live in this part of Palauli.