Ajitsingh : Torch Bearer

-Dilip Ranpura

Ajitsinh Solanki was only a year and a half in age. He was a toddler and he was not fortunate even to have adequate benefit of fathers' affection and caressing and before he could have a very faint knowledge about 'life and death', he was unlucky to lose his father Mashroobhai who was serving in military at Dhrangadhara. He was the only offspring of his parent. Father's income from service was so meager that there was no scope of good saving, so as to afford the expenses of the young son's higher education. Father's death was an unexpected calamity on the family. However, his mother Amjiben was devoted to work culture. She found solace in the only son Ajitsinh. She however faced undauntedly this awkward situation and she became very careful to see that the son did not feel the loss of father at all. She tried her utmost to see that Ajitsinh be brought up in the best culture. Poor as she was, she never described her poverty before anybody. She never stretched her hand before anybody for help. She started rearing her son on her own strength. She never felt ashamed of doing labour work, grinding food grains and pounding dry chillies. She took pride that she never allowed to blemish self-respect and honesty during her son's upbringing and this fact gradually began to come to the knowledge of developing Ajitsinh. Not only did he develop culture thanks to mothers' careful rearing but he could also learn how to live gracefully in poverty. He also came to know about the magnitude of honest effort that is required to cope with poverty. And this contributed to his sensitivity to the poor and the deprived persons.

Ajitsinh passed SSC examination when he was 17 years old. He was not so brilliant in study. He used to pass with an average achievement. At that time he was fond of viewing films. He used to see films in 'Pit Class'. Those were the days of his adolescence and fantasy. That was why he developed an intense whim to become a film actor. His uncle who was deputy collector came to know about Ajitsinh's desire to become a film actor. Therefore one day he called Ajitsinh and said, "Ajit, Change your life style." Ajitsinh could not understand what his uncle meant; so he asked, "Uncle, there is nothing wrong in my way of living. I am not an addict, I am not a rude person either, I do not have any other vices."

"I understand, you have nothing like that, but you should now get your self employed somewhere."

"I am in search of that vocation."

"Which vocation?"

"To become a film actor..."

On hearing this, his uncle persuaded him, "Such dreams for us would never be realized." After detailed discussion, he advised him, "You have passed S.S.C. examination with 45 per cent marks; so join PTC. At present you need to earn. Try to endure some hardships for two years."

And Ajitsinh was convinced. He got admission in Gharshala P.T.C. College , Bhavnagar . In 1971 he succeeded in P.T.C. two-year course. In 1974 he was appointed as a primary school teacher in Lakhanaka village near Vallabhipur. This was turning point of his life a decision to pass P.T.C. examination.

Ajitsinh went to attend Lakhanaka Primary School with enthusiasm on 28 th December, 1974 . Population of that village was 600 at that time. Deprived farmers, Vagharis, Shepherds and Rajputs constituted the major population.

The school building in the village had one room and that too in tottered condition. There were cracks in walls, the roof was deprived of several tiles, the ground was beset with dry twigs and thorny shrubs. which hindered the passage. Thick stems of babool tree and pits where used as lavatories. The school was alternatively used as a compound for collecting roaming cattle. It was also used as a place for gambling and sometime even for drinking wine. Under these circumstances, Ajitsinh had to organise teaching-learning situation in the school. He was undaunted by such an awkward situation, on the contrary he felt sympathy. The school had classes 1 to 4 and he was the only teacher. There were very few students in the school who consisted of even several smokers. Some of them even used rough language. Ajitsinh took the charge under such an awkward environment and he made up his mind to eradicate such evils and that too on their own accord with understanding. It was the resolve of the 22 years old young man with single body structure. On thinking about the origin of such a strong determination it could be traced in his earlier reading of an autobiography of Paramhans Yoganandji' – the title of which was 'Yogikathamrit' and he was pleased to have such a good resolve.

He thought over school improvement programmes with a view to making the school an ideal one. He decided to seek participation of the young villagers in this noble task. With their cooperation, he proposed to start a youth club. The young villagers wanted to know the nature of activities to be undertaken under the club. Ajitsingh replied, "We'll talk, sometimes tell stories, sing bhajans, sometimes matter relating to learning, farming and seasons. We have leisure in the evening. We may spend about an hour to meet together to share our experiences." He wanted to transform community mind.

The young persons liked the idea and joined in setting up "Ragunandan Seva Parivar Yuvak Mandal". The discussions among them selves continued on national and religious festivals. Encouraged by this, it was decided to gather together at night in the school for an hour every fortnight (15 days). During that one hour something about the cultural, religious and social activities could be thought over and to implement as many such activities as possible.

There was a good response to this proposal. The youth was very eager to undertake the task. Without waiting for instructions they began to work. To remove big hurdles from the school premises, Ajitsinh also joined in this task with the youth. Someone remarked, "Sir, please do not do this yourself. This work is ours."

"This is mine also. I am the school teacher of this village and hence it is my work also. Please do not consider me separate from you as well as the village."

Babuls were cut off and removed, thorny twigs and stems were also removed. Thereafter the smoothening of the ground in and around the school was taken up. This exercise was taken up not only by the youngsters but the members of the Gram Panchayat as well as the adults also joined with them. The place around the school that was dirty, bad-smelling and uneven began to appear neat and plane. Children got a playground. Trees were also planted. Even though there was scarcity of water, children brought water in buckets from the nearby pond and watered the plants. They carefully reared them. Thus a journey towards the all rounded development of the school began. Around 70 youngsters decided to go for diamond cutting during the day and so the night period was allotted for schoolwork. School building was renovated through self efforts. Even the wages earned in diamond cutting in night shift were donated for new school building. Village share for new school building was collected out of the amount of charity through 'Ramkatha'. On approaching Shri Amarjitsinh, District Development Officer, a matching grant of Rs. 18,000/- was immediately sanctioned as government matching aid through small savings schemes. Within a short period of 6 months, a strong and well structured school room was ready under the supervision of Ajitsinh. Village community contributed their self-labour to prepare school compound wall. An opening ceremony of this room was held by no ordinary saints as Shri Moraribapu and Shri Dayaram Bapu. With the active participation of the local community facilities like drinking water, shelters for birds and cattle were made better. Also the old temple was renovated.

'Human being does not live alone, flora and fauna are also living with them'. Lakhanaka had such an environment, where unison with all living world was being experienced.

Occasionally village people gathered in the school and talked about the development of good fellow feelings and moral behaviour through Ramkatha. Documentary films of Information Department were shown to get information about Social development schemes. Social workers were also invited. They were talking about eradication of social evils and importance of civic duties. This proved also effective.

One time having fantasy to become film actor Ajitsinh, a young teacher was now indeed homogeneous with the backward, ignorant, nearly illiterate persons. He used his endeavor and determination to lead them to the path of progress.

In order to enhance physical facilities, light educational charts and implements and equipments for gardening, gymnasium and scientific aids, he got donations from Surat , Bombay and abroad. Essential furniture was prepared and school building was whitewashed. He conducted door-to-door household visits to persuate parents to send their children within the age group 6-14 to school. Slates, pens were distributed free of cost, these resulted in the increase of enrolment to the order of 120.

Services of another teacher were procured. Teaching of music was also provided in the school. Pupils from backward communities also began to come to school to learn. As a consequence of the increased strength of the school along with the improvement in quality education, the school was fortunate enough to receive an award of Rs. 6000/- under EDN scheme.

In 1986 'Baltaru Upavan' (small plant garden) was created. Today it is developed. About 500 trees were planted in the place around Hanuman Temple about half a kilometer away from the village. Today we can see plenty of trees fully grown at the school, BalTaru Upavan and Hanuman Temple .

In 1987, this school of Lakhanakha was selected as the Best school of the district. This was an appreciation of the work of this school having 120 pupils and being managed by two teachers only. The credit goes also to the children and the village community. In 1988 five centres for eradication of illiteracy were also started. Literate young persons fully cooperated in this task. Around 150 adults were made literate. As a reward of this noble work, the school got a coloured TV as a gift from the government. There has been no election for the post of village sarpanch since Ajitsinh started his work as a teacher in Lakhanka. This means he was always unanimously elected for the post and no civil case has been filed so far in this connection.

Two tragic road accidents of very young school going children – a girl and a boy deeply moved Ajitsinh who happens to be a very sensitive teacher.

Once a school going girl was crushed under the wheel of a full speed bus.

The other accident crushed a leg of a son of a poor man by the hind wheel of a public carrier. These accidents occurred before the eyes of Ajitsinh in Vallabhipur.

This was a second turning point in Ajitsinh's life. He started of thinking a way out of that would prevent young school going children to fall victim to traffic rush. An idea sparked in his mind to set up a school in that area whereby the children would not require to cross the highway. He thought that if a school is set up in the backward area of Vallabhipur, school going children may be saved from tragic accidents. He approached Morari Bapu for financial help for setting up a school in that area. There was no immediate response from him, but Ajitsinh was satisfied to have informed the right personality.

In 1988, Morari Bapu handed over a cheque worth one lakh rupees on 'Rakshabandhan' day. Ajitsinh was very happy to receive the cheque, which was donated by 'The Gujarat Hindu Society, Preston '. Instead of depositing the cheque in his account, he formed a trust in the name of "Manas Prathmik Shala Trust, Vallabhipur." When he informed the then chairman Shri Narsinghbhai Ghelda, Vallabhipur Taluka Panchayat, the Chairman, thought to make efforts to have more donations. Premjibhai Kanani, the resident of Vallabhipur had earned a lot in diamond cutting industry. Panchayat chairman Shri Ghelda informed Shri Kanani about more financial help for school. His response was very positive. He said, "If Ajitbhai decides to set up a school, I am prepared to donate one lakh rupees for the purpose." The trust in a teacher is a testimony to the fragrance of the teachers' honest work.

With donation of Rs. 2 lakh on hand, Ajitsinh started thinking on how to acquire land for the school. He inquired from Vallabhinagar panchayat and got the information that a tract of land within area of 2162 sq. yd. was left reserved among the plots made by Shri Sonani. This land was officially acquired and the school building plan was prepared. Bhavnagar Jilla Panchayat Shikshan samiti was approached with a request to accord sanction for starting a school. This samiti inquired, "Suppose we sanction your proposal to start a school, what about the school building ?", "that also will be done" was the reply.

"Does it mean that you have a building ?"

"No, but if you sanction the proposal, the building will be made available."

"Then we are pleased to accord sanction, but the responsibility of providing a building lies with you, that is to say, whatever you spend on that account, you will be required to bear it. It is immaterial whether you hire it, buy it or get it by way of donation."

Ajitsinh returned to Vallabhipur and informed Shri Premjibhai Kanani about it. Shri Kanani said, " Until the construction of school building is over, I shall pay present of the hired building for the school."

A rented school building was procured in the vicinity of the new school building under construction with a monthly rent of Rs. 200/-. On 25 th May 1998 , the school was inaugurated with lighting a lamp by Mahant Shri Jinaram Bapu of Shihor Monghiba place and the same day Bhoomi Poojan (sacred ceremony of land) of ' Manas Primary School ' was done.

Ajitsingh got the entire school (Manas Prathmik Shala) construction completed under his personal supervision over masons and labourers. Only construction of five rooms could be completed within the amount of money received. Money was yet wanted for tiles plastering and windows and doors. He went to Surat and contacted the people who belonged to his native place for donation. 341 persons donated Rs. 1,111/- each for school. Pinakbhai Gujarati offered a sum of Rs. 31,000/- for the construction of an office room. His brother-in-law in England who was his pen friend also was informed about his desire to construct pucca school compound wall. He collected Rs. 33,000/- including his own share of Rs. 15,000/- from his frieends in Bristol and his sister sent Rs. 15,000/- for the construction of a water room in the school. His friend Kishorbhai Ramkrishna Shukla, a Vallabhipur native residing in America sent Rs. 15,000/- for providing other physical facilities in the school. Donations were received also for other infrastructural facilities. Thus, six rooms were fully constructed and equipped within a year and a half. Despite strong opposition from some people to have a school in such a backward area, and despite some persons' prejudicial behaviour for educating the backward community, Ajitsinh remained firm because he was committed to have a school in such a backward area for the upliftment of backward community. He had an intense desire to have a good and neat school building where the children from the backward areas and communities could go to learn.

During the course o the construction of school building, Ajitsinh conducted house-to-house visits and prepared a list of school going age (6-14) children. He persuaded the parents to send their children to school who could not send their children to school because of its distance from their residence. As a result of this, around 150 children were enrolled in the new school. There were quite a few children, who had never seen a school. On 15 th Feb. 1991 Shri Morari Bapu inaugurated the new school in presence of other saints, officers and the village community. Beginning with 25 children in the rented school building, the new school with classes 1 to 5 has a total enrolment of 471 pupils comprising 284 boys and 187 girls. The total strength includes 326 pupils belonging to Baxipanch communities and 26 Scheduled Castes.

In 1996, Ajitsinh had an opportunity to meet Shri H.J. Aggrawal (an eminent ship breaker at Alang) of Banaras settled in Bhavnagar . He expressed his desire before him that he wanted to see him personally for his school work. Shri Aggrawal asked him to contact him the next morning before 10 o'clock . As per appointment Ajitsinh proceeded to see him. He took with him the planned estimates for five additional rooms for his school, his photographs of the awards given to him by the state government and by the Rashtrapati. Having undergone necessary formalities before seeing Shri Aggrawal. Ajitsinh briefly explain has purpose and proposal with confidence before Shri Aggrawal. He was impressed and asked, "What kind of help do you need from me?"

He informed him that along with additional rooms a Prayer Hall is necessary where all children may sit together and offer prayer. The same room may also be utilized for cultural programmes and even educational seminar.

"What would be the estimated expenditure?"

"Approx. 2.5 lakh."

"I would like to see your school first and then take decision."

And Ajitsinh left the place. Shri Aggrawal visited the school on one Sunday. He observed the school from outside and went away. Ajitsinh met him once again when Shri Aggrawal gave away Rs. 2.5 lakh. Manas Prathmik Shala was fortunate enough to receive continuous flow of donation from different quarters. A sum of Rs. 4.5 lakh was made available by friends in Surat and Bombay through education-friendly acquaintances, A sum of Rs. 1 lakh was donated by Hari Aum Ashram Trust, Nadiad, Rs. 50,000/- from a friend Shihor Rolling Mill and Rs. 90,000/- from Harshadbhai Poonambhai Doshi of Vallabhipur.

Donation of Rs. 1 lakh was received from Ganatra family of London through Shri Morari Bapu at a petrol pump enroute to place for Ramkatha by midnight to Ajitsingh in person.

Rs. 6000/- was sent by an American friend to make desks. Ghoghawala Chinubhai Haribhai Shah bore the expense of fixing the class chalkboards in the school.

Ajitsinh handed over the management of the school to Shikshan Samiti. He was not interested in financial matters. Some of his friends tried to change his decision but he declined to change his decision. They tried to convince him that he would be benefited from the rich earnings out of the school income, since he did not even go in for tuitions. He has five daughters and one son, wife and mother all living with him. He tries to maintain his family with his salary only. He is so honest that he maintained clear accounts of money received through donation. There is shortage of two teachers in the school. He employed two retired and sincere teachers as additional staff on a salary of Rs. 1000/- each per month. This amount is disbursed cooperatively by 10 friends contributing 100 rupees each every month. Also Bhoopatbhai Mehta of Vallabhipur residing in Bombay sends Rs. 1000/ per month for the purpose of salary to the additional staff.

A watchman is being maintained by a donor. Ajitsingh is an illustration of a teacher whose insight, sincerity and intense desire bring forth indeed a remarkable outcome. What a government could not do could be achieved by a teacher through donors and community participation. It is in the fitness of things to remember Morari Bapu's encouraging words at the time of the inauguration of the school: "This is a brilliant illustration of the situation where a person definitely succeeds in achieving good and truthful result when he resolves without options."

Is not Ajitsinh a torch-bearer of paving the path towards quality education in universalisation of primary education?