Panchavati Govinda Theertha HPS, Muddenahalli – Nurturing Free and Holistic Education with Nutrition

Nestled close to the historic Nandi Hills and just a kilometre from Muddenahalli — the birthplace of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya — lies Panchavati Govinda Theertha Ashram and Higher Primary School. Founded by Sri Govinda Theertha Swami, an erudite scholar with a Ph.D. in Mathematics from IIT Bombay and a long-time teacher at Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Institutions, Panchavati stands as a beacon of free service and spirituality.

A Vision of Free Education

In 2007, Sri Govinda Theertha Swami initiated the noble mission of offering free education for underprivileged children. His conviction was simple yet profound: by supporting poor and disadvantaged students with basic and higher education, entire families could be uplifted, and poverty gradually eradicated.

What began with free college education soon expanded to the Panchavati Govinda Theertha Nursery and Primary School, serving children who otherwise had no access to quality education. Today, around 170 students study at the Panchavati Govinda Theertha Higher Primary School, Muddenahalli, learning not only formal subjects but also moral values and life skills in a holistic, nurturing environment.

Nourishment for Body and Mind

Aligned with the vision of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, SaiSure Ragi Multi-Nutrient Health Mix is served to students every morning during assembly. This nutritious health supplement has significantly improved attendance, energy levels, and learning outcomes. Teachers have observed that children are more attentive, while they themselves feel inspired to teach students who come to class on a filled stomach.

Reflections by Mr. M. Ramamurthy

Speaking about the school, Mr. M. Ramamurthy – Trustee, Prashanthi Balamandira Trust, shared:

“Sri Govinda Theertha hailed from Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka. From his student days, he was an idealist with a vision to serve society and the nation. A believer in Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, he lived a renunciant’s life, dedicating his time to teaching, guiding, and spiritual activities. After serving as a warden and teacher at Sri Sathya Sai Institutions, he established the Panchavati Ashram — a garden of five trees — where he began free education for underprivileged children. He was very particular that education here should remain completely free and value-based, blending academics with moral instruction. This school today continues to carry forward his ideals, offering opportunity and hope to children who might otherwise be deprived of both education and nutrition.”

Continuing the Legacy

Sri Govinda Theertha Swami’s life was rooted in selfless service, spirituality, and education for all. His deep faith in Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s ideals continues to inspire the mission of Panchavati, where education remains a sacred offering, not a commercial enterprise.

The Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust regularly visits and supports the school, ensuring children stay motivated and nurtured both academically and physically. Together, these initiatives aim to empower children from marginalized backgrounds to grow into capable and responsible citizens of tomorrow.

✨ “Divine Hands do Divine Work” — Panchavati continues to embody this truth, where education and nutrition meet service and spirituality.