Gadag: At a time when dwindling enrolment threatens the survival of several govt schools, SM Bhoomaraddi Govt Higher Primary School in Mundargi has bucked the trend. The school enrolled 140 new students this academic year, taking its strength to 460. It had to turn away another 60 applicants due to a lack of space, promising to accommodate them next year.Headmaster MP Sheeranahalli said the school, established 28 years ago, received land donated by SM Bhoomaraddi’s family 26 years ago and has since benefited from strong community support.“When I took charge as headmaster in 2018, the school had 190 students. The strength rose to 320 last academic year and has now reached 460,” he said.The campus has smart TVs, toilets, fans, a borewell, pavers, a stage and other facilities. It received donations worth Rs 35 lakh over the past three years from parents, alumni and education enthusiasts. Teachers themselves contributed around Rs 10 lakh towards facilities and activities.SDMC chairperson Manjunath Kumbar said most students come from families of labourers, farmers and traders. A consultative committee comprising former SDMC chairpersons continues to advise the school and recently spent Rs 3 lakh on paving the verandah.Businessman Ramesh Bhoomaraddi said his family donated half an acre in memory of his father, SM Bhoomaraddi, an honorary magistrate in Mundargi. The school currently has 15 teachers.“We started LKG last year and have now extended the school up to Class 9. We plan to start Class 10 next year,” he said. The school requires two additional classrooms, which the committee hopes to secure by next year.Alumnus Er Yuvaraj Handral said former students, including doctors, engineers, govt officials and businessmen, regularly support the institution. Alumni batches also offer services, including engineering consultations and health check-ups for students.