Devkaran Verma, Shri Krishna Bal Mandir, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Devkaran Verma knows what it means to struggle for education. As a child, he walked 4.5 kilometers every day to reach School because his family couldn’t afford any other form of transport. Whether it was heavy rain or the scorching summer sun, he never gave up. That long daily walk became more than a routine. It became a powerful memory – one that shaped his deepest desire: to build a School where no child would have to travel such distances just to learn.
“Education is a journey where dreams begin and futures are built,” Devkaran says with pride.
A Humble Start with Big Dreams
Born into a modest family of five, Devkaran faced many challenges growing up. Accessing a good School meant enduring long walks and making personal sacrifices. To afford School supplies, he worked in a local kirana store.
Later, he moved to his married sister’s home, where he helped her with household chores so he could continue his studies. There, a friend suggested that he go to Dewas and eventually to a college in Indore. Despite financial struggles, he enrolled, marking a turning point in his life.
While in college, he took a part-time teaching job at Saraswati Shishu Mandir to manage his expenses. “That was when I understood how distance and lack of access often stop children in villages from going to School,” he says.
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The Start of Shri Krishna Bal Mandir
After years of hardship, Devkaran made a promise to himself: no child in his village should have to walk miles to study. In 2008, he started Shri Krishna Bal Mandir in a rented building, with just 60 students.
His wife stood by him from the beginning, helping teach classes while also managing the household. Over time, the School grew steadily. Today, it has over 1000 students from 12 to 13 nearby villages, offering classes from Nursery to Class 12. In his School, children are taught respect, values, and the importance of family and diversity. This School is not just a building – it’s a symbol of accessibility and a dream fulfilled.
Changing Mindsets in Rural Areas
In rural India, many girls are still expected to stay at home instead of going to School – especially when the nearest one is far away. Assessing the challenges, Devkaran communicated directly with parents, urging them to give their daughters the chance to learn.
Thanks to his efforts, many girls now attend Shri Krishna Bal Mandir and dream of becoming doctors, teachers, and changemakers – right from their own village.
He Walked So Others Wouldn’t Have To
“Our School focuses on offering quality education to children from low-income families,” Devkaran says. “We also provide financial aid and free education to students who need it.”
He believes that children thrive when Schools are within reach, not just in quality but in physical proximity. That’s why he worked tirelessly to provide better classrooms, safe spaces, and a nurturing environment in his village.
“Children should be proud of their School. It helps them dream bigger and aim higher,” he explains.
His message to the youth is simple: “Follow your passion, don’t be afraid of hard work, and never give up on your dreams. Challenges will come, but your spirit should stay strong.”
Partnering with Varthana
In 2013, Devkaran discovered Varthana, an organization that offers customized loans to Schools. He applied for a loan to improve his School infrastructure – and that decision changed everything. “Varthana’s loan process is smooth and quick. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, they supported us on time, helping us pay teacher salaries and manage School operations,” he shares.
In 2024, with continued support from Varthana, Devkaran was able to construct new buildings and expand the School. His dream of offering better learning spaces finally came true.
Looking Ahead
Devkaran’s journey has not been easy. From walking miles to School, working odd jobs, facing financial stress, to building an institution from scratch – his story is one of sacrifice, strength, and service. Today, his School is one of the most trusted institutions in the area and a pillar of hope for families across villages.
“Varthana’s timely support helped me expand my School. Without it, the journey would have been much harder. I look forward to continuing this partnership,” he says with gratitude.
Through dedication, family support, and the right guidance, Devkaran turned his pain into purpose – so that children from rural India can access the education they deserve, without having to walk miles like he once did.
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