Gnanasiri Public School

Gnanasiri Public School is tucked away in Bettaseethakallu, which is part of the Seethakal area here in Tumkur. It’s a bit of a trek from the main city, but that’s just how it is out here in the countryside. For several years, we have been running this place, mostly serving the families who live in the surrounding villages. The school building itself is pretty basic, just concrete and paint, nothing too flashy or modern. Out back, there is a small playground, though it’s mostly just dirt and some grass that struggles to grow when it’s dry. The kids don’t care about the grass; they just want to run around during the break. Every morning, you can hear the bell ringing across the fields. It’s a sound we’ve all gotten used to over the years. We don't have a huge staff, just a handful of us who handle everything from teaching to fixing the gate when it sticks. Sometimes the electricity goes out and we have to open all the windows to get some light in the rooms. It makes for a long afternoon, but the kids stay mostly quiet and focused on their work. Keeping the library stocked with whatever books we can find or get donated is another job we handle. It’s not much, but it’s a start for them. Life in Tumkur moves at its own pace, and the school follows that. We just show up every day, open the doors, and get to work.