In the post-COVID era, with increasing emphasis on all-round development and modern challenges, many parents find it difficult to dedicate the time needed to nurture their children’s abilities or provide them with extracurricular activities and support outside school. This has led to a rise in admissions to boarding and residential schools, which are renowned for fostering the holistic development of students. These schools also instill essential life skills by encouraging students to manage daily tasks, handle academic responsibilities, maintain a budget, and monitor their food habits, all while teaching them personal time management.
In their quest to secure the best educational opportunities for their children, parents are drawn to institutions that promise long-term success. Gram Vikas Residential School stands out as a shining example, known for its student-centered approach and commitment to serving the tribal communities of Odisha. Through its dedication to creating an exceptional residential school environment and its impactful contributions to the tribal community, Gram Vikas Residential School has earned a well-deserved recognition. We at the Education Excellence Awards are proud to honor it as the Outstanding Boarding School in India 2024.
From the Scratch
Gram Vikas Residential School (GVRS) was established in 1982 by the NGO Gram Vikas with the vision of using education as a transformative tool, especially for children from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. Starting with a single branch in Konkiya, Ganjam district, GVRS has grown to encompass four branches located in remote regions across Odisha—two in Ganjam and one each in Kalahandi and Gajapati districts.
Today, around 95% of GVRS’s students come from SC and ST communities, with their fees being significantly subsidized. “Sixty percent of our running costs are covered through government scholarships, 20% from parental contributions, and the remaining 20% through investments in our trust corpus,” explained Mahesh Madiath, COO of Gram Vikas Schools. He further emphasized, “We are committed to providing our students with the best education possible, ensuring excellence in teaching quality, infrastructure, and holistic development.”
Outstanding Boarding School 2024
During our conversation with Mahesh Madiath, we explored several key aspects to understand what sets Gram Vikas Residential School (GVRS) apart. To help our readers appreciate why GVRS has been recognized as the Outstanding Boarding School of the Year, we posed a crucial question to Mr. Madiath: Boarding schools are often seen as elitist. How does GVRS ensure affordability?
He responded, “Our annual fees are nominal, ranging between ₹5,000 and ₹6,000, covering everything from food to uniforms and study materials. The majority of these costs are subsidized through scholarships and contributions, ensuring accessibility for families in financial need.”
Next, we discussed infrastructure, an essential component of any educational institution. Addressing this, Mr. Madiath shared, “Our first school was established over 30 years ago, and we are now upgrading and expanding our infrastructure to meet modern standards. Currently, we serve around 1,700 students across five schools. Over the next three to four years, we aim to accommodate 5,000 students by adding a new school and increasing capacity.”
Highlighting the facilities further, Mr. Madiath explained that GVRS provides separate hostels for boys and girls, with dedicated teachers overseeing routines and activities. This well-structured boarding system not only supports academic success but also ensures the holistic development of every student.
The school has also integrated technology to enhance learning, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It utilizes an online platform, Ariathi Learning, to make lessons more interactive and engaging across grades 1 to 10, with a particular focus on subjects like mathematics and practice exams. Although the shift to online learning during the pandemic was challenging, Gram Vikas Residential School addressed learning gaps through comprehensive bridge courses, ensuring that all students meet the required academic standards.
Fostering a Culture of Collaboration and Self-Reliance
At Gram Vikas Residential School (GVRS), teachers are an integral part of the campus community, living on-site and actively engaging in all school activities. While they meet government qualifications such as a B.Ed. degree, GVRS places a stronger emphasis on their commitment to teaching and their dedication to empowering underprivileged children. The school provides thorough induction programs and ongoing support to ensure teachers align with its philosophy of building confidence and fostering holistic development in students.
Beyond academics, teachers collaborate with students in kitchen gardening and campus maintenance, reinforcing the values of teamwork, labor respect, and community responsibility. Remarkably, 60% of the vegetables consumed at GVRS are grown on campus, showcasing the school’s emphasis on self-sufficiency and skill-building.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Gram Vikas Residential School places a strong emphasis on counseling and mental health to support students living away from their families. The school adopts a tiered approach, with class teachers providing the first level of support, followed by headmasters and principals addressing more significant concerns. To ease homesickness, parents are encouraged to visit on weekends. While younger students may initially struggle with adjustments, most adapt by the 5th or 6th standard, thanks to the structured and engaging schedules provided by the school.
In the Days to Come
Gram Vikas Residential School currently offers education up to the 10th standard. However, the school is in the process of expanding its offerings to include higher secondary education (Class 11 and 12). This new facility will be established at one of the existing campuses and will serve students from the other branches. The expansion aims to address the high dropout rates typically observed after the 10th standard, providing students with continued educational opportunities.
