Hope Rises in Wayanad: Students Overcome Landslide Trauma to Excel in Exams

Nine months after a deadly landslide, all 55 Class 10 students of GVHSS Vellarmala pass SSLC exams.

The ability to overcome adversity is a true testament to the strength of the human spirit. When confronted with profound loss and hardship, it is resilience, perseverance, and unwavering determination that pave the way to triumph—even in the most challenging of circumstances. This indomitable resolve has been powerfully demonstrated by the Class 10 students of the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School (GVHSS) in Vellarmala, Wayanad, who have shown remarkable courage and commitment in the face of immense tragedy.

Nine months ago, these students endured life-altering hardship when a devastating landslide struck the district on the night of July 30, claiming 298 lives and leaving Chooralmala—the worst-hit village—shattered. The disaster severely impacted their school and homes, and tragically, 32 students from GVHSS Vellarmala, including seven from Class 10, were among the victims. Two students lost both their parents in the catastrophe.

Despite the trauma, the students’ resolve to continue their education never faltered. Just a month after the disaster, the school, which housed 328 students and 26 teachers, was temporarily relocated to Meppadi, 13 km away. Since then, with the unwavering support of teachers, the school administration, and the Parents-Teachers Association, students began to rebuild their lives. Headmaster V Unnikrishnan explained that each teacher was entrusted with the care and academic progress of three students, ensuring holistic support encompassing both educational and emotional well-being.

Although several counselling sessions were arranged, they proved insufficient to fully heal the emotional wounds. Recognising this, the school actively engaged students in extracurricular activities such as sports and arts to aid recovery. Their participation in the state school festival became a meaningful outlet for expressing resilience and coping with painful memories. While some students remained in Chooralmala, the most severely affected were relocated to nearby villages under the Meppadi panchayat. To ensure uninterrupted schooling, a bus donated by the Manipal Foundation was used to transport them daily. Special academic support for Class 10 students was introduced, with classes beginning at 7:30 am and continuing until 4:00 pm. Additionally, students were provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, thanks to the generosity of two Kuwait-based organizations.

Despite continued emotional struggles—often seen in their distracted behaviour, even during the March board exams—gradual recovery took place. Unnikrishnan emphasised that supporting the students was not viewed as a sacrifice by the staff but as a moral duty and a powerful message of survival. Their perseverance culminated in a historic achievement on 9 May, when all 55 Class 10 students passed their SSLC board exams, securing a 100 per cent pass rate. The accomplishment drew widespread praise, including from Kerala’s Education Minister and senior CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty, who called the achievement “inspiring.” He lauded the students' strength and congratulated the school community in a personal call to the headmaster.

Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi also recognised the school’s extraordinary success. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she paid special tribute to Muhammad Haani K, a student who lost nine family members, including his parents and siblings, but still passed his exams with distinction after saving his grandmother during the tragedy. Her message read: “Special congratulations to Muhammad Haani K, who rescued his grandmother during Wayanad’s darkest hour and has now passed his 10th-grade exams with flying colours. Courage. Resilience. Brilliance. Your story inspires us all.” In the end, the story of GVHSS Vellarmala’s students stands as a powerful reminder that hope, courage, and determination can triumph even in the wake of the darkest storms.

Editor’s Note

The remarkable achievement of the Class 10 students from Government Vocational Higher Secondary School (GVHSS), Vellarmala, in Wayanad stands as a powerful symbol of resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Just nine months ago, a catastrophic landslide struck Chooralmala, claiming 298 lives and leaving the village devastated. Among the victims were 32 students from GVHSS, including seven from Class 10. Despite the emotional and physical toll, including the loss of homes, loved ones, and their school, these students persevered. Relocating to Meppadi with teacher support, the school community rebuilt facilities and morale. Teachers guided small groups academically and emotionally. Counselling, activities, and transport aided recovery, while PTA and charities provided meals and academic help. On 9 May, this collective effort bore fruit when all 55 Class 10 students passed their SSLC exams—a 100% success rate. The achievement drew praise from Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, who offered special recognition to Muhammad Haani K, a student who overcame the loss of nine family members to succeed.

As per Skoobuzz, this exceptional story of commitment and academic excellence is a testament to the enduring human spirit, the power of community, and the impact of compassionate leadership in times of crisis.