It is celebration time for ‘Jeevana Shikshana’, the first-ever magazine on primary education in the country. This magazine joined the list of a few others that have been published continuously for the last 150 years.
Started as ‘Matha Patrike’ in April 1865 by legendary educationist Deputy Chennabasappa, the magazine was subsequently renamed ‘Shala Patraka’ in 1867, ‘Kannada Shala Patraka’ in 1871, ‘Kannada Prathamika Shikshaka’ in 1929 and finally ‘Jeevana Shikshana’ in 1956.
It is published by the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) and reaches 11,800 schools in nine districts of Belagavi division.
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The magazine was launched at a time when modern education in Kannada was in the nascent stage and there was no guide for Kannada-medium teachers. This continues to be popular among teachers till today, as it has kept pace with the changing times and addresses contemporary issues, thus helping teachers to keep themselves abreast with the latest developments in the field of education.
But, all is not well with the magazine as it is facing financial crisis due to lack of government grants. It has no permanent editorial team and the entire work is managed by staff on deputation. Repeated pleas for grants have fallen on deaf ears.
In 2012, the then Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar had promised help. Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmane Rathnakar too had assured help. But nothing has come out of it. It is even short of funds to celebrate the 150th anniversary.
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The historic magazine may soon become history if the government fails to extend support.
‘Jeevana Shikshana’, the first-ever education magazine, reaches 11,800 schools in
nine districts of Belagavi division