हाम्रो परिचयAbout Our School

With the beginning of human settlements in various places of Punarwas, including Parasan, the minds and intellects of education-lovers and intellectuals residing here have made every possible effort to ensure that the birthright of their children to acquire education is not curtailed. Through the relentless efforts of local pioneers and education-lovers, a collective consciousness was awakened to establish a school in this area, and a suitable location was chosen with everyone's cooperation. Located slightly away from the settlement towards the eastern part of Parasan village, amidst agricultural fields along the riverbank and surrounded by forests, this temple of Saraswati was established under the renowned name "Bhogeshwari" with the objective of spreading the light of knowledge to all children. Under the leadership of the then Headmaster Gangaram Bhatta and the chairmanship of Lamkatas Rana, a school management committee was formed, a temporary shed was built, and with the commencement of children's classes, Bhogeshwari earned the distinction of becoming the first school in Punarwas. Established in the year 2022 BS (1965 AD) on flat agricultural land situated towards the east of Parasan village—which is reached by heading towards the northeast corner from Prithwibasti—this institution initially operated classes 1 to 3 as Bhogeshwari Primary School. Gradually, it expanded up to class 7, functioning as Bhogeshwari Lower Secondary School under the name of Namana.
Based on its establishment date, February 1st of every year is celebrated as the school's anniversary. A few years later, around 2029 BS (1972 AD), Sri Ganesh Primary School was established in Prithwibasti, where the school is currently located, conducting classes 1 to 3. It is heard that the contribution of parents and education-lovers from both Parasan and Tribhuwan Basti was instrumental in establishing that lower secondary school in that flat expanse. Meanwhile, the primary school opened in 'Ka' village continued to progress under the name Sri Ganesh Primary School with the support of local intellectuals. It is said that Bhogeshwari achieved such remarkable progress that it stood out as a model school across the entire district; however, following a devastating flood in the Donda river accompanied by the "Saleni" flood, that pride of being a model school was swept away into the sandy riverbanks. Over time, the school lost its model status. Eventually, the lower secondary level (classes 4–7) merged with Sri Ganesh Primary School located in Prithwibasti, transforming it into Sri Ganesh Bhogeshwari Lower Secondary School. The classes (1–3) of one school and classes (4–7) of another merged to form a single institution, which is the current form of Bhogeshwari. Going through numerous ups and downs to reach its present state, it has already been 27 years since Bhogeshwari became a secondary school. With over 700 students studying here, this temple of learning suffered a sudden fire accident on the night of June 2, 2001 (Jestha 19, 2058 BS), which destroyed all records right before our eyes. Nevertheless, counting the names of the social workers, intellectuals, and teachers who have contributed to elevating this school to the secondary level since its inception could easily exceed three hundred. Detailed information regarding this has been presented in the appendix. Thus, whether called Bhogeshwari or Sri Ganesh, the history of both is worth examining. Sri Ganesh was ultimately absorbed into Bhogeshwari a few years after its establishment, in 2040 BS.
Yesterday’s Bhogeshwari was situated in a deserted plain, whereas today’s Bhogeshwari lies in the midst of a village. Although the school has fully developed in terms of physical infrastructure, it is continually striving to bring about qualitative improvements. Up to the present day, the secondary level (classes 11 and 12) of this school is largely reliant on community funding, with only 2 government-sanctioned positions. At the secondary level (classes 9 and 10), there are 4 teachers in total, comprising 1 permanent position and 3 contract positions. Similarly, at the lower secondary level, there are 4 teachers—3 permanent and 1 relief teacher. At the primary level, all 5 approved positions are filled by permanent teachers. Thus, the total number of teachers drawing salaries from government grants is 15. Additionally, the community-funded staff includes 1 part-time teacher, 1 secondary-level teacher, 1 lower-secondary teacher, 1 primary-level teacher, along with 2 administrative staff members, 1 office assistant, and 1 watchman, making a total of 8 staff members. Starting this year, a cook has also been appointed for the management of midday meals. With nearly 600 students currently enrolled, this school holds the distinction of being the first secondary school in the Parasan region, making it the collective responsibility of the entire community in this area to secure its bright future. Geographically, the school is located in 'Ka' village, Prithwibasti, Punarwas Municipality Ward No. 8.
Statistical data regarding the population of the community residing within the catchment area of this school is presented below. Examining the community composition of this region reveals that there are two settlements exclusively inhabited by the Rana community, while most other settlements consist of a mixed population living together in mutual harmony and tolerance. Various entities exist in the villages, including sports clubs, governmental and non-governmental organizations, cooperatives, women’s groups, child clubs, political party organizations, as well as a study center and a literary organization. Because this is entirely a rural area, the community is distributed across various hamlets. Houses range from temporary huts to semi-permanent and fully concrete structures. Although roads are unpaved, they are well-organized. In squatter settlements, houses are densely packed, whereas in other areas, the distance between houses can reach up to 25 meters. Compared to the past, settlements are becoming denser and houses are clustering closer together. Due to the fragmentation of joint families into nuclear households, the number of families is increasing; however, family sizes are generally shrinking. It is observed that poverty correlates with a higher number of children, while prosperity correlates with smaller family sizes. The entire territory of the former Parasan Village Development Committee (VDC)—specifically current wards 7 to 9 of Punarwas Municipality—falls within this region. This area includes settlements such as Khadda, Kakad, Parasan, Motiya, Dhansiya, and Bichphanta, where almost 100% of the population belongs to the Tharu community. Similarly, Buddha Basti (Chagaon) is exclusively inhabited by Tamang people, while other villages such as Prithvi, Sitabasti, Bichphanta, Motiya, and Dhansingha are home to Brahmin, Chhetri, Dalit, Thakuri, Gurung, and Magar communities.
On average, children appear to be the predominant demographic. Eighteen years ago, there were only 9 schools in this area, but that number has now grown to 17, and school-aged children can be seen everywhere. Youths are less visible as they frequently migrate elsewhere in search of employment. Elderly women outnumber elderly men. Similarly, female students outnumber male students in schools. Like many rural areas, one can commonly find students who enroll in school only after crossing the age of 5 or 6, repeat the same grade multiple times, drop out for a year or two before re-enrolling, or struggle academically with little interest in studying. The students of this school are no exception to these challenges, as a result of which many over-aged students can still be seen lingering in lower grades.