Honesty, thy name is innovation

Madhusudhan Reddy & Prasaad Bhosekar
Every school teaches moral science lessons to the students. At the primary level, the students are taught about honesty, truth and such issues which would make them a good human being. But a school in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh is teaching `honesty' lessons to its students in an interesting manner. An ``honesty box'' is placed in the school along with the stationery. Whatever any student needs can take it and that student has to put the money in the honesty box according to the rate. There is no one to check.

Mandal Parishad School in Atluru village in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh is different from others as the teachers here teach the lesson of ``honesty'' in a unique way. This is an ``honesty box,'' surrounded with the stationery. The student needs like pencils, notebooks and textbooks can be taken and the money has to be put into the ``honesty box''. There's no one watching.

Suresh, a student says ``it is teaching us good thing in life. To be honest with ourselves.''

Laxmikanth Reddy, another student explains ``Sir said we should not tell lies. This box has helped me to understand the difference between good and bad.''

In fact, this experiment was suggested by a student of this school who is now a software engineer working in a good company in Bangalore. The teachers say there's a churning for good that’s happening with this honesty box.

Gopal Reddy, the headmaster said “they are face to face with their conscience. Honesty has to come from within. We are getting good results.''

It is a small gesture, but it means a lot, especially the corruption, which these days happen mostly with the educated lot. More than the subjects, the students' foundation in moral science should always be strong.