Dubasiplaya is a sub-locality of Kengeri Satellite town at a distance of 17 kilometers from Bangalore City on the Bangalore – Mysore State Highway. The name Kengeri comes from the words tengu coconut and Keri meaning place. The place is still surrounded by coconut farms. In the past it was ruled by a number of dynasties including the Gangas followed by the Cholas. During Tippu Sultan’s reign Kengeri was a famous centre for sericulture industries. A memorial building had been built at the premises of the Kengeri Gurukula Vidya Peetha to commemorate the visits of Gandhiji. Now Kengeri is part of Brahat Bangalore Corporation. It has an average literacy rate of 75% which is higher than the national average of 59.5%. Gnanabodhini Institutions are located at Dubasipalya near Kengeri.
Mother Genevieve Castelino, Superior General of Ursuline Franciscan Congregation bought the land in Gollarahatti for the Ursuline Franciscan Educational Society in 1967. It is at a distance of one kilometer from Gnanabodhini Higher Primary School. ‘Jnanabharathi’, Bangalore University, Government Press and National Institute of Sports are its good neighbors.
The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters’ hallmark is preferential option for the poor. Keeping in mind the commitment “access to education especially of and for the poor”, Gnanabodhini Kannada High School was started in 1985 for the rural poor and Gnanabodhini English High School was started in 1988 to provide education in English Medium to the students of rural area. Fr Pancratius Pinto OFM (Cap) was the first headmaster (1985-86) followed by Sisters Therese D’Souza ( 1986-92), Emily D’Souza (1992-98), and Veena D’Souza (98-2011). The Institution is grateful for their relentless efforts in bringing it up. In 2011 Sr Therese D’Souza held the baton again until 2014.From then onwards till now Sr. Jacintha Pereira is heading the schools ably.