Pethanayakanur Government High School in Tamil Nadu once faced dwindling enrollment and limited facilities, but thanks to Tamil teacher Balamurugan's inspiring efforts, including painting classrooms to resemble train coaches after the COVID-19 lockdown, the school now welcomes students back with enthusiasm and pride. What began as a small initiative has blossomed into a broader transformation celebrating nature, creativity, and learning.
- Classrooms painted like colourful train coaches to welcome students post-pandemic
- Enrollment increased from 70 to over 210 since 2012
- Environmental education and student engagement are key program pillars
What happened
During the COVID-19 pandemic, students at Pethanayakanur Government High School attended classes online, but when they returned in person, they were met with a joyful surprise: every classroom had been transformed to look like vibrant train coaches. This imaginative change was initiated by Tamil teacher Balamurugan to make school a place of excitement and celebration once again.
This transformation is just one chapter in a larger journey. The school, long overshadowed by better facilities nearby, had fewer than 70 students back in 2012. Since Balamurugan joined in 2013, he and his colleagues have worked steadily to improve the environment and culture of the school, from planting hundreds of saplings to establishing reading programs, ultimately helping enrollment more than triple over a decade.
Why it feels good
The paint and decorations go beyond beautification—they symbolize the school's renewed spirit and commitment to its students. The train coach theme creates a sense of adventure and belonging, making students like Manimekalai excited to come back to class and reconnect with their peers and teachers after a long absence.
Moreover, the school has embraced environmental education and hands-on activities such as planting nearly a thousand saplings and making seed balls for local reforestation efforts. This approach encourages children to connect with nature and develop a sense of responsibility for the planet, fostering pride and purpose within the school community.
What to enjoy or watch next
As the school continues to grow, its expanding library and student-led reading circles promise to nurture creativity and literacy, empowering children to see themselves as writers and contributors to their community. This holistic development, combining art, environment, and education, offers a hopeful model for other schools facing similar challenges.
Keep an eye on Pethanayakanur Government High School’s ongoing initiatives in environmental conservation and student participation. Their experience shows how thoughtful, creative leadership can transform a school into a vibrant, welcoming place where children thrive academically and socially.