For the students of Government UP School, Karara, in Attappady, having their own school bus had long been a dream. On their first long journey in the new bus, they came up with another: “Can you take us to see Parliament?” they asked K.A. Thulasi, Minister for Development of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, and her husband V.K. Sreekandan, MP.

The answer delighted them. “Not just Parliament. We will take you to see the Kerala Assembly too,” the Minister and MP told the children.

The 27 students had travelled to the Kongad MLA’s office to meet the Minister and MP and celebrate the arrival of their new bus. The vehicle, costing ₹25 lakh, was funded through Mr. Sreekandan’s local area development fund.

Ms. Thulasi and Mr. Sreekandan spent nearly an hour with the children. They listened to the students talk about their studies and life in Attappady and asked about their dreams for the future.

The Minister wished them success in academics and extracurricular activities and assured them that steps would be taken to further improve the school’s infrastructure. Both also spoke to the students’ parents over the phone.

The school has around 300 students. It had long needed its own bus. The new bus has made it easier for students to travel for school and other activities. The headmistress said 120 new students had joined the school this academic year after the transport facility improved.

Other needs

The students also shared some of their other needs. They asked for an early start to the breakfast programme and hostel facilities. They also sought an auditorium, a compound wall and interlocking tiles for the school courtyard.

Headmistress Sindhu Sajan, PTA president Finny John, PTA vice-president and Agali panchayat councillor K.K. Surya, school management committee chairman M.C. Premachandran, mother-PTA president Rajani Benny, PTA members Smita Mangalassery and Princy Ranjith and teachers Sunitha, Priya, Maruthi, Sabitha, Rajeena and Jyothilakshmi accompanied the students.

Published - August 16, 2026 08:12 pm IST