Govind Verma, Radhana Public English Medium School, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, success often seems elusive, and the idea of making a difference can feel overwhelming. With so much emphasis on individual achievement, it’s easy to forget that we are all interconnected and that our actions have a ripple effect on others. Despite these challenges, there are individuals who strive to make a positive impact in their communities, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends personal gain. Today, we want to share a story about such an individual who makes a difference in the lives of those around him, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.
About the School Leader
Govind Verma, a man with a long-standing relationship with Varthana, was born and brought up in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. Govind started his career as a small entrepreneur before transitioning to the field of school education. “From an early age, I always aspired to do philanthropic work and make a positive impact on society,” he shares.
Driven by his vision of providing affordable and quality education to children from poor backgrounds, Govind established the Radhana Education Committee in the year 2000. Soon, he founded the Radhana Public English Medium School, offering affordable English medium education to all the children of the locality. Today, he also owns the Chhattisgarh Public School under the Chhattisgarh Pratap Educational and Welfare Society, which offers classes up to 8th grade.
Both the schools Govind started are well-known and highly regarded in Bhilai. They are known for their excellent infrastructure, quality teachers, and facilities.
In a world where self-interest often trumps selflessness, Govind’s story serves as a reminder of the impact one can make by prioritising the needs of others above oneself.
The initial struggles
Starting a school is no easy task, and Govind had his share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles he faced was raising the capital needed to get the school off the ground. With numerous expenses to consider, from infrastructure to rent, electricity, furniture, salaries, and more, it was a daunting task to secure the necessary funds. However, Govind was determined to make his vision a reality.
“Fortunately, I owned a piece of land in a prime location, which helped me save on rent and brokerage costs,” says the school leader. Despite the challenges, Govind persevered, and 22 years later, the Radhana Public School, affectionately known as RPS, stands as a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Also Read: No child left behind: This school leader goes extra mile to support struggling students in Jalandhar
COVID-19 and its challenges
The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the education sector. The government directed schools not to ask for fees due to the nationwide lockdown. “Our school needed guidance and support to sustain. In those trying times, our teachers worked tirelessly with months of pending salaries, ensuring that students’ learning was not hindered, irrespective of the situation,” Govind shares.
His school trained its teachers in the operation of online education, ascertained the uses of minimal resources available in poor localities, and supported online classes with the help of parents.
When schools reopened after a two-year-long halt, teachers faced several challenges such as learning loss, student behavioural changes, lack of interest, and so on. So Govind and the staff strictly focused on assessing the learning levels of every student. The teachers established extra classes and foundation classes to fill the learning gaps of students. Despite facing numerous challenges, the school leader and teachers continued to prioritise students’ education and well-being.
Also Read: How This School Leader Created A Pocket Friendly School For The Underprivileged In Karnal
School Leader’s vision
“In today’s world, education has become increasingly expensive, making it difficult for the poor to access it. Our school has taken on the challenge of providing affordable education to marginalised sections of society. Our vision is to ensure that every child, regardless of their financial background, has access to quality education”, Govind’s voice echoes.
Thanks to his vision and dedication, his school continues to thrive, giving hope to countless families in the Bhilai community, those who cannot afford education for their children.
Relationship with Varthana
In 2014, Govind urgently needed funds to improve his school. He approached all the banks and lenders in his locality for a loan but was turned down. Later that year, one of Varthana’s relationship managers contacted him and shared the company’s vision to support affordable education. Varthana quickly processed the loan and disbursed the money to Govind.
Initially, Govind borrowed five lakhs to buy furniture and build classrooms. Later in 2021, he successfully paid off the loan amount and reapplied for a new loan to construct the infrastructure of his second school, Chhattisgarh Public School. With Varthana’s support, Radhana Public School has also renewed its infrastructure and furniture. In this long customer relationship, this school has seen tremendous growth in student strength, up to 25%.
Before 2014, the school had less than 400 students at peak times, but now it has increased to a total of 600 students. Ultimately, Varthana’s loan solved the problem of seating space, and the school could enroll more students.
Varthana also provided Radhana Public School with Unlock School Program Books for more than 600 students in both English and Hindi without any cost. This initiative helped underprivileged students gain more insights into a new way of online learning through books.
Govind’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a selfless attitude towards serving others. He has made a significant impact in the lives of countless children in the Bhilai community by providing affordable and quality education. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Govind and his team have remained committed to their vision and have gone above and beyond to ensure that their students receive the best possible education. His partnership with Varthana has been a significant factor in the growth and success of his schools, and he continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. His story reminds us that by prioritizing the needs of others, we can make a lasting impact and create a better world for all.
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