Mysuru: Ex-MLA’s Facebook math class reaches lakhs

CHIKKAMAGALUR: Before taking the plunge into the world of politics, former Kadur MLA and senior JD(S) member YSV Datta was a teacher, and the lockdown has offered him a golden opportunity to return to his former profession.
Although Datta holds classes for SSLC students to help them revise in time for their exams in his hometown, Kadur, every year, the former legislator is reaching out to children across the state this time around. Datta, using the Facebook Live app, is helping students of both English and Kannada medium students hone their skills in mathematics. The first of his FB Live classes was streamed on Tuesday, and nearly 5.3 lakh students tuned in to listen to the leader-teacher, in addition to being shared by 5,200.
After his second session received an encouraging response again – more than 2.2 lakh students attended the virtual classroom – Datta told TOI that he was delighted with the response from the children. “I have covered eight lessons so far. I am taking lessons in both English and Kannada to ensure that all of them benefit,” he said.
The former MLA said that it was primary and secondary education minister S Suresh Kumar who inspired him to take to teaching students on a virtual platform. “A few days ago, I met Suresh Kumar accidentally on the road, and we just sat together by the side of the road, and spoke at length. He voiced his concerns about SSLC students’ preparations being affected owing to the lockdown and how he wanted to keep them reading. That was when I decided to use technology to help students. Teaching is something I derive a lot of satisfaction out of,” said Datta, who added that several students posed questions online during the class.