Mangaluru: The state-wide educational outreach tour “Dreams on Wheels,” launched by former journalist Srinivasan Nandagopal, began on Monday with an interactive session for Class X students of Mullakad Government High School, focusing on exam preparedness and career orientation.

Flag-off from Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Mangaluru

The journey informally commenced from Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Panambur—Nandagopal’s alma mater—where Principal Tekchand Bhardwaj and students extended their best wishes as he set out on his motorcycle for the 5,000-plus km mission.

Guidance for Class X students

At Mullakad Government High School, Nandagopal spoke to students about managing the pressure of the upcoming board examinations scheduled for March 2026. He shared practical strategies on time management, study discipline, and maintaining emotional balance. School Principal Usman Guthigar was present during the session.

Meeting with education officials

Following the programme, Nandagopal met Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) Shashidhar and discussed the academic performance and challenges of Government Schools in Dakshina Kannada. Several school principals also joined the discussions.

A 5,000-km mission with multiple objectives

“Dreams on Wheels” aims to cover all 31 districts of Karnataka, interacting with nearly 30,000 students.
While the core focus is on motivating Class X students of Government Schools, the initiative has wider goals:

  • observing teaching and learning practices in Government Primary Schools
  • studying best practices in select private institutions
  • collecting district-level insights by meeting DDPIs
  • engaging with people’s representatives, NGOs, philanthropists, corporate leaders and educators to improve Government School ecosystems

Nandagopal intends to document the condition of academic infrastructure, teacher efficiency and learning environments across the state—hoping that the findings will help drive stronger interventions for Government Schools in rural, semi-urban and remote regions.

The project marks a unique blend of travel, education and social engagement, empowering young learners while creating a data-backed roadmap for strengthening Karnataka’s public schooling system.