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A Lifetime of Service: H.Venkatesh Turns 75, Still Inspiring Generations.
For nearly five decades, H.Venkatesh, President of the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) of Kodigehalli Government Higher Primary School and president of kodigehalli and layouts welfare association has been a guiding light for hundreds of children and citizens . As he celebrates his 75th birthday today, his life story stands as a powerful example of dedication, leadership, and courage.
Born on September 20, 1950, into a poverty-stricken family to Late Hanumappa and Late Akkayamma, Venkatesha’s early years were marked by struggle and perseverance. Walking barefoot nearly 10 kilometers a day to study at Hoodi and Varthur schools, he understood firsthand the transformative power of education. He later worked at ITI (Indian Telephone Industries), completing his PUC from St. Joseph’s Evening College and graduating with a B.A. from Osmania Open University before rising to the post of Accounts Officer.
Yet, professional success was only the beginning. In 1978, he entered public life, serving as Vice Chairman of the Hoody Group Panchayat, and soon became known as a fierce oppressed rights activist. His lifelong mantra was clear: Only education and unity can break the chains of oppression.
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For 48 years, Venkatesh has been the face of patriotism in Kodigehalli, hoisting the tricolor an astonishing 95 times on Independence Day and Republic Day. At every ceremony, his words echoed the same belief: Children are the torchbearers of our nation, through education, we empower them to dream and build a stronger India.
His most transformative achievement remains the revival of Kodigehalli Government Higher Primary School. At a time when many parents turned to private schools, Venkatesha went door-to-door urging them to rejoin the government system. He arranged uniforms, books, and scholarships; mobilized funds for classrooms, water, and toilets; and ensured equal focus on academics, culture, and sports. Today, the school stands as a model institution—thriving with motivated teachers, confident students, and proud parents.
Community leaders, teachers, and advocates all recognize him as more than an administrator—he is the soul of Kodigehalli. Advocate Prabhakar, who attended a school function recently, said: True change doesn’t come from power but from service. Venkatesha is a role model not only for Kodigehalli but for the entire state. At the same time, his friends and followers express deep regret that neither the State nor the Central Government has formally recognized his decades of social service. They strongly feel that people like Venkatesh—who have dedicated their entire lives to education and community upliftment—deserve such honor. Recognition, they believe, will not only celebrate his journey but also inspire many more to follow his path of service.
As H. Venkatesha celebrates his 75th year, the tricolor once again flutters proudly above the school he helped revive. His journey—from a barefoot village boy to finance officer, grassroots leader, activist, and educationist—remains an enduring lesson in perseverance, patriotism, and people’s power.
On this milestone birthday, his legacy continues to inspire future generations to dream bigger, fight harder, and serve selflessly.
