In an inspiring display of courage and perseverance, students of GVHSS Vellarmala in Kerala’s Wayanad district, who were severely impacted by a deadly landslide in July 2024, have recorded a 100% pass rate in the 2025 Class 10 board exams. This extraordinary achievement not only highlights academic excellence but also stands as a testament to the resilience of young minds and the strength of community support in times of crisis.
The Tragedy: Wayanad Landslide 2024
On the night of July 30, 2024, the peaceful village of Chooralmala in Wayanad was struck by a massive landslide. It claimed 298 lives, with GVHSS Vellarmala losing 32 students, including seven from Class 10. The disaster partially destroyed the school building and displaced hundreds of families, including many students and teachers. Some students lost their homes, and two tragically lost both parents in the calamity.
This catastrophe echoed past tragedies in the Western Ghats region, raising concerns about climate change, infrastructure, and the preparedness of communities vulnerable to natural disasters.
Temporary Relocation, Permanent Resolve
A month after the disaster, the school was relocated 13 km away to Meppadi, ensuring continuity in education for its 328 students and 26 teachers. But relocation was just the beginning of a long journey toward emotional and academic recovery.
“We didn’t just lose buildings. We lost friends, families, and the sense of normalcy,” said V Unnikrishnan, the school’s headmaster. “We knew we had to do more than teach—we had to heal.”
Support System: Teachers, Parents, and Healing Initiatives
The school implemented a unique mentorship model—each teacher was given responsibility for three students, not only to support their academics but also their emotional and personal well-being.
H3: Beyond Classrooms – Counseling, Sports & Arts
Counseling sessions were held regularly, but educators quickly realized that academic recovery required more than therapy. So, students were engaged in sports, arts, and cultural programs, including participation in the state school fest.
“These activities helped them slowly reconnect with life,” said a teacher. “It reminded them of joy and gave them strength.”
Kerala Class 10 Board Exam 2025: A Result That Inspired the Nation
When the Kerala state board exam results were announced in May 2025, all Class 10 students from GVHSS Vellarmala had passed. This remarkable feat quickly drew attention from educators, policymakers, and the public alike.
Political leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, praised the students’ spirit and the role of teachers and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in helping rebuild lives through education.
Why This Matters: A Story of Student Resilience and Educational Equity
This success story is more than just numbers. It is a powerful example of student resilience in Kerala and what can be achieved when communities come together to prioritize education even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The GVHSS Vellarmala students showed that with supportive environments, mental health care, and creative engagement, students can overcome trauma and thrive.
Key Takeaways and the Road Ahead
- Education after disaster requires emotional rebuilding, not just academic instruction.
- Local authorities and school staff must work hand-in-hand to create recovery models for trauma-affected students.
- The GVHSS Vellarmala model can serve as a blueprint for disaster-affected schools across India.
From Rubble to Radiance
GVHSS Vellarmala’s story is not just about passing an exam. It is about how hope, determination, and collective care can rebuild futures torn apart by tragedy. These students rose from the debris of despair to script an inspiring chapter of courage, resilience, and educational triumph
Saathee Global
