Karnataka’s CBSE education sector emphasizes academic excellence, but true educational impact extends beyond textbooks. Schools that integrate experiential pedagogy, leadership cultivation, and strong value systems stand apart, shaping individuals who are not just knowledgeable but also principled and future-ready.

Appa Public School exemplifies this approach, redefining learning through hands-on experiences, student-led initiatives, and a deep-rooted commitment to ethical development. By fostering critical thinking, leadership qualities, and moral integrity, the school prepares students to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and purpose, ensuring they emerge as responsible, capable, and visionary contributors to society.

The Sharnbasveshwar Vidya Vardhak Sangha, founded by the 7th Peethadhipati, Poojya Doddappa Appa, began its journey in Mahamane, the spiritual abode. Over time, it has evolved into a prestigious educational institution, imparting knowledge in science, commerce, arts, engineering, and IT.

The Sangha has had the honour of welcoming eminent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whose visits not only marked significant historical moments but also acknowledged the Sangha’s enduring role as a torchbearer of educational, social, and economic transformation in the region. These engagements stand as powerful reminders of its commitment to academic and moral excellence.

In the early 20th century, North Karnataka struggled under the socio-economic challenges of the Nizam’s rule. Understanding that education was the path to progress and liberation, Poojya Doddappa Appa pioneered modern education in the region.

In 1918, during World War I, he established the Sharanabasaveshwar Public Library in Gulbarga, a landmark initiative aimed at awakening and empowering the masses. His visionary efforts laid the foundation for the region’s transformation into an educational hub.

Carrying forward this legacy, Poojya Dr Sharnbaswappa Appa, the 8th Peethadhipati, leads Appa Public School, a CBSE-affiliated institution that blends tradition with modernity. Established on June 1, 2010, as an offshoot of Sharnbasveshwar Residential Public School (SBRPS), it was founded under his visionary leadership and the mentorship of N.S. Devarkal. Rooted in the principle of Dasoha, inspired by Saint Sharnbasveshwara, the school fosters holistic education, emphasizing service and knowledge, continuing the Sangha’s mission of empowerment through education.

Currently, the Chairperson of Appa Public School is Mathoshri Dr Dakshayani S, under whose patronage the school is making a transformation in the educational landscape of region with special emphasis on the rural population who flocks to Gulbarga city for a better education of their wards, even when they are not equipped with a rich literacy background or the essential impetus for excellence in varying educational and professional endeavours. Hence, the educational undertaking of the Sangha is characterised by a futuristic vision pursued with a missionary zeal for enabling and ennobling the citizens of simple background.

A Legacy of Educational Excellence
The rich legacy of Appa Public School continues to shape its educational philosophy, viewing children as divine beings and teaching as an act of service to God. This ideology was endorsed by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who commended the school’s purpose for education. “Our institution champions holistic development, nurturing students physically, cognitively, intellectually, and spiritually. Our philosophy is built on four cardinal pillars, namely independent thinking, writing, speaking, and living. These principles are deeply embedded in the curriculum, ensuring the students become well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges”, says Viju Kallara Jose, Vice Principal, Appa Public School.

Academically, the school follows the National Education Policy (NEP), structuring education into foundation, preparatory, middle, and secondary stages, under the CBSE curriculum. However, its true distinction lies in experiential and student-centered learning. Moving beyond traditional teaching models, the school is shifting towards a highly interactive environment, ensuring a more engaging and meaningful learning experience.

Appa Public School nurtures the mind, builds leaders, and instills values, shaping future-ready individuals with knowledge, integrity, and purpose

Beyond academics, the school integrates care and concern, giving equal importance to affective and psychomotor development. This is evident in its pioneering programs, such as the inter-school Spelling Bee, with 3,000+ participants annually, along with quiz contests, cultural festivals, and talent hunts. The Bagless Day initiative fosters self-expression and exploration, while Karnataka Vaibhava celebrates the state’s rich heritage, making the school a true trendsetter in holistic education.

Supporting Student Well-Being & Academic Growth
Committed to holistic education, the school blends tradition with innovation, ensuring student-centric growth. Recognizing the importance of emotional well-being, the school provides individualized support through remedial classes and counseling sessions led by teachers and section coordinators. By fostering a supportive environment, the school ensures that every student feels valued, confident, and empowered in their learning journey.

Most importantly, Appa Public School has excelled in academics, sports, and innovation. It has thrice reached the national level in CBSE’s National Science Exhibition and performed strongly in CBSE sports competitions, advancing to quarterfinals and semifinals in multiple disciplines. “In the field of technology and innovation, we collaborate with IITians through Tech Radiance, giving our students handson exposure to the latest advancements in STEM. Our visits to IIT Mumbai and IIT Hyderabad have been truly inspiring, especially for those aspiring to become engineers and scientists. We take immense pride in our NCC cadets, most notably, Cadet Sergeant Harsha Siddareddy of 32 Kar Battalion who represented Karnataka & Goa Directorate at the Republic Day celebrations 2025 in Delhi. Culturally, our students continue to shine in platforms like Pratibha Karanji and the Prajavani Quiz, consistently securing top positions in literary and intellectual competitions”, says Shankargouda Hosamani, Principal, Appa Public School.

A Vision for the Future
Appa Public School envisions becoming a center of excellence, equipping students with both academic knowledge and essential life skills to navigate today’s world. A major shift is underway, replacing traditional lectures with student driven, experiential learning through collaborative projects and inquiry-based discussions. For Grades 1-5, textbooks are being redesigned to focus on activity-based learning, reducing rote memorization and aligning with global education trends. The school offers secondary education up to Grade 12 with integrated NEET and JEE coaching. Foundation classes begin in Grade 6. A school-level Math Olympiad launched this year aims at enhancing students’ analytical, and application skills in math and computational science. Plans are underway to expand coaching to UPSC, KPSC, and humanities. Leadership programs like MUN and service projects nurture future-ready, socially conscious students.

In conclusion, Appa Public School stands as a beacon of holistic education, blending tradition with innovation. With its commitment to academic excellence, character-building, and leadership development, the school is developing a self-motivated, student-centric learning environment, that continues to shape responsible, confident, and well-rounded individuals ready for tomorrow.