‘Mustabu’ bringing a perceptible change for the better in govt. school students in Andhra Pradesh

The ‘Mustabu’ initiative is playing a transformative role in shaping the attitude, appearance, and self-confidence of the students in government-run schools. It has helped them understand clearly the importance of personal grooming and discipline, enabling them to stand on a par with their counterparts in the corporate institutions.

The programme was officially launched by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in December last to bring about a perceptible change in the lives of the students.

Earlier, the students seldom adhered to the prescribed dress code. While girls often attended school with untidy hair and a single plait, boys lacked uniform grooming standard.

Tidy demeanour

However, ‘Mustabu’ has ushered in a visible change. Girls now neatly braid their hair with two plaits, tie ribbons, and present themselves with confidence. Boys maintain well-groomed haircuts, wear clean uniform, and polish their shoes regularly.

These changes reflect not merely external discipline but an internalised sense of self-respect and pride. Most significantly, students now exude confidence and express the belief that they are “second to none.” They feel empowered to interact confidently with their peers from private and corporate schools.

Kishore, a Class IX student of the ZP High School at Kaniti, says with confidence, “The impact of the programme is already visible. After its launch, we have become more conscious of dressing neatly and maintaining personal hygiene.”

“We now make it a habit to wash our hands before every meal,” says Kameswari, another student of the same class.

Senior students have also taken the responsibility of guiding their juniors to follow the prescribed dress code and grooming practices, fostering a sense of collective discipline and peer support within the school environment.

Sravani of Class IX and Kalyani of Class VIII, who hail from below middle-class backgrounds, observe that financial constraints prevented them from maintaining a perfect demeanour. “With the support provided under the programme, we now have access to essential grooming materials,” they say.

The students have also noted a positive change in how their peers from private schools perceive and interact with them, citing improved respect for their appearance and conduct.

Lasting impression

School Head Master V. Narasimha Rao echoes a similar view. “There is greater awareness about uniforms, cleanliness and discipline. The students are more confident and responsible. The initiative is expected to create a lasting impression on government schools in the future,” he says.

Another significant feature of the programme, the students point out, is the provision to groom themselves on school premises if they are unable to do so at home.

‘Mustabu’ is not just improving students’ physical appearance, but is nurturing self-belief and discipline, which are essential for holistic development of students, the stakeholders aver.

(The author, Gouthami Paltati, is an intern with The Hindu.)