A School Transformed: In a remarkable initiative, the Bhola Hirapur Netaji Subhas High School in Punishol, Onda, Bankura, has earned widespread praise for its innovative approach to student nutrition. Far from just a place of learning, this school has become a veritable “mine of nutrition,” ensuring that no student ever goes hungry.
The secret to their success lies in a large vegetable garden located behind the school, an endeavor that began in 2024. This decision was a direct response to the escalating prices of vegetables and essential commodities like potatoes and onions, which had become unaffordable for many middle-class families. In consultation with the school’s managing committee, the unique plan to cultivate their own produce was set into motion.
Bhola Hirapur Netaji Subhas High School:
Today, in 2025, this thriving garden supplies the majority of the produce for the school’s Mid-Day Meal program. The garden boasts a diverse array of fresh vegetables, including yard-long beans, brinjal, beans, tomatoes, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, pumpkin, malabar spinach, carrots, and okra. Beyond edibles, the garden also features trees such as Sal, Teak, Bahera, Sindoor, and Rudrapalash, adding to its ecological value.
The school’s commitment to student well-being extends even further. Students from classes nine to twelve can also receive meals if they wish, even outside the Mid-Day Meal program.
This commendable effort has garnered significant appreciation, setting a shining example for other government schools. By establishing this vegetable garden, Bhola Hirapur Netaji Subhas High School is not only maintaining but enhancing the nutritional standards of its students’ meals.
A school often holds a place even more significant than home for a student, encompassing education, sports, and shared meals – creating a colorful tapestry of memories. In this context, government initiatives like the Mid-Day Meal have already made a significant impact on the lives of ordinary people.
Headmaster Tarun Kumar Chatterjee emphasized the school’s dedication, stating, “The school authorities made this decision to provide complete nutrition to the students.” This forward-thinking approach truly makes Bhola Hirapur Netaji Subhas High School a model institution.
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