Devraj Sharma, Saraswati Vidya Mandir School, Haryana
Inspiration
In 2001, in a small village, Devraj Sharma began an inspiring journey fueled by determination and passion. That year marked the inception of Saraswati Vidya Mandir School, now a symbol of success and educational excellence in rural Bhiwani, Haryana. “I remember a tough time when our school had no proper infrastructure, and we had to face this significant challenge for a long time. Despite that, we didn’t give up; it only made us more determined to provide quality education,” Devraj shares.
“With limited resources, we rented a humble house with just two rooms as a temporary school space,” reminisces the school leader. Devraj was just 21 when he, along with his cousin brother, founded the institution. “We felt compelled to make a difference,” he shares, emphasizing their commitment to the cause.
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Background
Despite his academic excellence and holding a BTech degree, Devraj faced financial instability during his student years. He says, “While many advised pursuing a stable government job after my Junior Basic Training (JBT), I chose a different route – following my dream of opening a school.” Rooted in agriculture, his vision aimed higher than traditional learning boundaries. “I faced financial struggles, but chose to chase my passion,” reveals Devraj, depicting a pivotal moment.
Instead of settling for the expected, he embraced an unconventional path. “Opening a school wasn’t just a dream; it was a commitment to a different kind of education,” shares Devraj, emphasizing the profound mission guiding their choices.
School’s Initial Journey
In the very first school year, Saraswati Vidya Mandir warmly welcomed 116 eager students. With steadfast dedication, the school has grown remarkably. Devraj shares the current scenario, saying, “Now, we have 650 students and 28 classrooms, truly reflecting the incredible progress we’ve made.” He goes on to add, “From our humble start, every student and classroom symbolizes a journey of dedication.”
The school’s path, seen in growing numbers and improved facilities, stands as proof of the team’s unwavering commitment.
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Varthana’s Support
The journey of Saraswati Vidya Mandir School’s growth became possible due to Varthana’s crucial support. He explains, “A turning point occurred when a Relationship Manager visited our school and introduced the possibility of receiving a loan – a much-needed financial boost we all were waiting for. He explained the necessary documents and guided us through the seemingly complex loan process. Surprisingly, the loan was granted seamlessly, thanks to Varthana’s simplified procedures.” This experience shattered any preconceived notions of the challenging nature of securing financial assistance. As Devraj puts it, “Varthana lit the way, turning dreams into reality,” highlighting their key role.
Since his encounter with Varthana in 2016, significant strides have been made, expanding the school’s infrastructure from 11 to 28 classrooms.”What seemed like an impossible dream became a tangible reality, all thanks to Varthana’s support we received,” adds Devraj, who is grateful for the transforming influence of this partnership.
School’s Growth Towards Innovation
The school stands apart in the community where other schools are succeeding by establishing a special place for learning. Devraj shares, “Our school has special timings, offering extra classes without any additional charges. We rely on trusted educational books like NCERT or SCERT, laying a robust foundation for our students.” His commitment’s depth reveals itself in the 300-day school calendar, ensuring all the students have ample learning opportunities. “We’re not just a school; we’re sculpting a distinctive learning journey,” Devraj emphasizes with a sense of purpose.
In the past, students in the 8th and 10th grades had their share of struggles during board exams. Yet, the school’s unwavering dedication and creative teaching methods have pushed almost 90% of students to succeed in these crucial moments. This achievement has given them a well-deserved reputation for bringing out the best in their students. “Our mission is about unlocking every student’s full potential; it goes beyond books,” says Devraj, summarizing their distinct approach to teaching.
School During the Pandemic
When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, schools worldwide faced an unprecedented challenge. With classrooms closed and students confined to their homes, the educational landscape changed dramatically. While urban areas had some advantages, like parents working from home and accessible technology, rural areas faced unique hardships due to financial constraints and the absence of internet and mobile phone facilities.
“In the face of adversity, we discovered innovative solutions to ensure education persisted,” Devraj says, commenting on the school’s reaction to these difficult conditions. Despite students not being able to come to school, dedicated teachers were determined to bring education to their doorsteps. Following strict COVID protocols, teachers embarked on a noble mission, visiting students’ homes and conducting small group teachings. Each teacher diligently shared knowledge, creating an environment where learning continued despite the adversities.
The pandemic forced parents and students to gradually adapt to new technologies. As mobile phones became a necessity, WhatsApp emerged as a valuable tool for communication and learning. “In this challenging time, our teachers and parents joined hands, exploring new avenues for continued learning,” Devraj emphasizes the collaborative effort. Parents pooled their smartphones, and teachers made effective use of online platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and WhatsApp groups. In this new era, teachers dedicated additional time to explaining concepts in online classes and provided written work in PDF format via WhatsApp.
Going Forward
Guided by Principal Devraj’s unwavering support and active engagement with parents, Saraswati Vidya Mandir School has become a nurturing space where education and character development flourish.
Together, they’ve fostered an environment where education and character growth are intertwined. Looking back at their humble beginnings and the challenges overcome, their commitment to empowering students and igniting a passion for learning remains resolute.
“Our journey is a tale of dedication and resilience,” adds Devraj, emphasizing the triumph over adversities. Despite the hurdles, the school’s dedication to transforming lives and offering quality education for future generations stands strong. The narrative unfolds as an inspiring story of teamwork, determination, and a shared dream for a brighter future through education.
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