Western Province

With the sultry climate and scanty rainfall, Chittapur, the Taluk headquarter in the district of Gulberga lacks natural resources. Therefore the standard of living is quite low in this part of the Deccan plateau. Educational facilities for the people of this locality were scanty. Such being the economic and social scenario, Dr M.N. Bhat one of the prominent local intelligentsia, at a local meeting held on January 26, 1968, suggested that they start a kindergarten school in the area. The members present welcomed the suggestion and decided to form a committee, to be responsible for the administration of the school. Shri Basappa Sajjan Shetty, a member of that committee volunteered to get the school building constructed and became its donor. Emerging as an English medium school it began to function from March 31, 1968 with Dr M.N. Bhat as the Correspondent.

As time passed he found it difficult to run the school, in addition to his professional duties. So he requested Fr Anthony Puthenkalam, the Parish Priest of Queen of Heaven Church, Chittapur, to invite some religious sisters to ensure the survival of this sapling. The Bethany Educational Society thus made its maiden entry into the diocese of Bellary in response to the invitation of Bishop Ambrose P. Yeddanapalli.

The pioneers, Srs Rosette, Lilliola, Suguna and Santhosh were welcomed on February 25, 1972 by the parish priest together with the parishioners and the people of Chittapur.  Dr M.N. Bhat and other members of the school managing committee assured the Sisters of their support and co-operation.

On June 1, 1972 Dr M.N. Bhat officially handed over the ownership and management of the school to Sr Rosette who took charge as the first headmistress. Eventually the medium of instruction had to be switched over to Kannada, so that the economically poorer sections of the locality could also benefit from the education provided.

The strength of students, which was initially 65, grew to 500 as the years rolled by and permanent recognition was granted to the school in 1983.  The first batch of students who answered the VII Std examination came out with 100% results. Over the decades the school has produced many responsible citizens, with remarkable achievements in the building up of a better society. The Jyothi Seva Kendra has been a source of benefaction to the less fortunate children from far off villages. It has been providing the necessities of life, enabling them to pursue their education in Shishu Vihar School. These children study in freedom and contentment, with deep gratitude in their hearts to the institutions that attend to their educational needs. To this day, the students through their outstanding performance, in curricular and co-curricular activities maintain the reputation of the School high, spreading its fame far and near. May it continue to be the brightest star, shining in the sky of Chittapur Taluk.

 Sr Kavitha BS
Correspondent

 Mr Shivakanth H
Headmister

School Building