Gramanubhava programme to give urban students rural life experience
The Department of School Education has launched an initiative to familiarise urban children with agricultural activities and rural life.
The Department of School Education has launched Gramanubhava, an initiative to familiarise urban children with rural life, according to The Hindu. District Minister in-charge Yathindra Sidharamaiah flagged off the programme on Sunday during the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations at Oval Ground in Mysuru.
A total of 3,466 students from Class 9 and Class 11 in Mysuru have been identified for the one-day rural exposure visits. The programme includes 160 schools and PU colleges from across the state, including 16 institutions within Mysuru urban limits.
Following the inauguration, 250 students travelled in five KSRTC buses to villages in Hunsur and T. Narasipura taluks, including Bilikeri Hobli, Karimuddenahalli, Hanumanthapura, and Yachanahalli. The 6-8 hour visits allow students to experience poultry farming, livestock management, and agricultural activities by spending time with farmers.
Deputy Director of Public Instruction, Mysuru, Udaya Kumar D. said the aim is to help students appreciate farming work culture and recognise the importance of where food comes from. Each student group is required to visit at least four farms.
The State government will provide ₹500 per student to cover the expenses of the visits. A district-level committee led by Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Yukesh Kumar will coordinate the programme alongside officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture, and Education departments.
The Department of Education, Mysuru, stated that the rural visits for all 3,466 identified students are expected to be completed before November 14.