Bringing Butterflies to Thowdanahalli Government Primary School
On June 20th, five of us from the HF Chittara team set off early in the morning, excited for a day filled with color, creativity, and a bit of hard work. We were heading to Thowdanahalli Government Primary School as part of a CSR project by Andritz Technologies, driven by Gramanthara Trust.
Thowdanahalli Government Primary School is a small rural school that has seen significant improvements recently—thanks to the combined efforts of Gramanthara Trust and Andritz Technologies. Through their CSR partnership, essential infrastructure upgrades have been carried out, creating a better environment for both learning and teaching. Classrooms, toilets, and outdoor spaces have been renovated and painted, bringing fresh energy into the school campus.
With the foundational work already in place, our art team joined in to add an aesthetic and educational layer—using walls as a canvas to connect children with local biodiversity. The theme for the day was Local Wildflowers and Butterflies of Bangalore.
As we began, the compound wall quickly came alive with playful images of butterflies, bees, and bright flowers. Inside the school, our HF team focused on more detailed work—painting actual species of wild plants and butterflies found in and around Bangalore.
The transformation was incredible. What began as plain white walls turned into a vibrant, welcoming space full of life. Responding to a teacher’s request, we even added a group of monkeys on the Nali Kali room wall and painted a cheerful pumpkin near the kitchen.
Throughout the day, the children were never far. They stayed with us, helped where they could, and showed a quiet sense of responsibility that was both surprising and heartwarming. It was clear how much pride they took in their school and how naturally they extended warmth to their guests.
We were also taken care of with great care—fresh tea and buttermilk, followed by a delicious lunch. Everything was served the traditional way: no plastic, just steel tumblers and banana leaves.
As the sun set on a fulfilling day, the Headmaster gathered us for a small thank-you. We received locally grown flowers and handmade cloth bags crafted by local women— meaningful gestures that stayed with us.
Conclusion
This initiative went far beyond painting walls. It was about creating a joyful and educational space, rooted in local culture and ecology. With Gramanthara Trust and Andritz Technologies working hand-in-hand to improve rural school infrastructure, our art was the finishing touch that made the space more vibrant and welcoming.
The intent of this program is simple yet powerful: to connect communities through art and nature. It brings together educators, students, corporate teams, and volunteers—reminding us all that even small acts can have a lasting impact when done with heart.