Issant Singh Pawar, Highlight Higher Secondary School, Indore
Access to quality education continues to be a challenge for many children in our country, especially for girls. Even with so many awareness campaigns and government schemes, a large number of girls still don’t get to finish school. Some lose interest along the way, while others have to quit because of pressure at home or financial struggles. But in one corner of Indore, something different has taken shape – thanks to the vision of a father and the dedication of his two sons.
Uday Singh Pawar and Issant Singh Pawar carry forward the dream of their late father, Bhagwan Singh Pawar – a well-known maths teacher in the area, remembered not just for his teaching but for the kindness he showed to every student who walked through his doors. He ran a successful coaching center, but what stayed with him most were the quiet challenges his students faced.
He repeatedly observed how so many children, especially girls, were being left behind. Bright young girls who had big dreams were dropping out of School far too early.
“He used to tell us it pained him to see such talent go to waste,” Issant recalls. “Most parents would allow their daughters to study till 10th or 12th, and after 18 or so, all they wanted was to get them married.”
Even though his coaching center was doing well, Bhagwan Singh knew that wasn’t enough. He and his wife, who stood beside him at every step and even helped with teaching, felt the need to do something more meaningful. They wanted to build a School that opened its doors to every child – no matter where they came from or how much their parents earned.
“My father believed that education should not be a privilege,” Issant shares. “He always said that if even one person in a family is educated, the whole generation ahead is shaped by it.”
That strong belief became the foundation of Highlight Higher Secondary School. From the start, its goal was clear – to provide children from low-income families a real chance, especially girls who didn’t always get the support they needed at home.
Today, Uday and Issant Singh are carrying that mission forward. What their father started with passion and courage is now growing under their care. They aren’t just managing a school, they’re continuing a legacy.
Also Read: Continuing the Legacy of His Father, This UP Man Empowers Girl Education Through His School
Growing the School
Highlight Higher Secondary School was started back in 2001 with a simple purpose – to make education more accessible, especially for girls in the local area. Bhagwan Singh and his wife, Usha, began the school with only three rooms and around 30 to 40 students. The school operated on limited resources, and managing finances was a struggle. They had to ensure that teachers’ salaries and other expenses were covered despite financial constraints.
Right from the beginning, both parents took it upon themselves to reach out to the community. They went door to door, speaking with families, trying to help them understand why education – particularly for girls was so important.
“They would sit down with parents, listen to what worried them, and explain why sending their daughters to school could change their lives,” Issant shares. “It took time and a lot of patience, but slowly people began to believe in their vision.”
With growing trust and support from the local families, the school started expanding. From a primary level to Class 5, then to Class 8, and eventually into a full higher secondary school.
“Today, we have 478 students learning with us. Every step we’ve taken has been focused on giving these children the right environment to grow, learn, and imagine a better future,” says Issant, reflecting on the journey.
Family’s Philosophy in Running the School
Even though he was the director of the school, Bhagwan Singh never stepped away from the classroom. He enjoyed teaching and made sure he was there with the students every day – sharing knowledge, guiding them, and shaping their future, just like any other teacher.
His sons, Issant Singh and Uday Singh watched all of this closely as they grew up. In 2010, they officially joined the school’s work, carrying forward their father’s vision to provide education to children from underprivileged backgrounds.
One incident deeply shaped the way the brothers saw their future. When their father once fell ill and was admitted to the hospital, a young doctor walked in and instantly recognized their father. He had been one of Bhagwan Singh’s students years ago.
“He came forward with so much respect and said, ‘Sir, I am who I am today because of you. Please allow me to treat you personally.’ That moment left us speechless,” says Issant. “It showed us what real impact looks like.”
That simple act of gratitude was a turning point for both Issant and Uday Singh. It made them realise that their father’s school was not just an institution. It was a place that had transformed lives quietly and impactfully over time.
“We never saw this as just a family business to take over,” Issant Singh shares. “We saw it as a responsible legacy, and a way to give back to the same community that shaped us.”
Identifying the Emotional Bond
The Pawar family has always had a belief that education should be accessible to every child regardless of their parental wealth. Over the years, they have noticed how, frequently, mothers would be the ones who would make sure their children stay in school. Time and again, and with little resources, they would support their children’s educational journey, often with composed strength.
“We focused on educating mothers in the community,” shares Issant Singh. “We helped them see how sending their children to school could change the direction of their lives. This created a deep emotional connection and helped build lasting trust.”
“For many parents, especially mothers, it wasn’t just about school. It was about dignity, opportunity, and being heard,” he adds. To ensure financial barriers never stop a child, the school continues to waive fees for 20 to 30 students every year.
“We believe that if a child is willing to learn, their circumstances should not stop them. We’ll do whatever we can to support that,” says Issant Singh.
Varthana as Growth Partner
While the school kept fees low to support families, improving its infrastructure remained a constant challenge. As the student numbers grew, so did the need for better facilities. That’s when support from Varthana came in and helped move things forward.
“In 2012, I received my first loan of ₹2 lakhs from Varthana to manage the school’s running expenses,” shares Issant Singh. “The process was quick and clear, and the support felt personal. They understood our needs.”
Encouraged by the results, he took another loan in 2016 to improve infrastructure – adding proper washrooms, whiteboards, and furniture, and repairing classrooms that needed attention. “Clean washrooms and basic furniture may sound simple, but they change how children feel about school,” Issant Singh says. “It made a big difference in their comfort and learning.”
In 2024, he took a third loan to continue building on that progress. What stood out most to him was the ease of the process. “We didn’t have to go far. Everything was done right at our school. It saved us time and gave us the confidence to plan for the future,” he explains. “Whenever I think of doing something new for the school, I know I can count on Varthana,” says Issant Singh. “They’ve helped us turn our vision into something real.”
Future Goals
Looking ahead, the Pawar family has a clear goal – to bring modern, technology-based learning into their school. They believe that to truly prepare students for the future, the way of teaching must also move forward.
“It’s important to grow with time,” says Issant Singh. “Old teaching methods and outdated tools don’t connect with children anymore. We need to make learning exciting and meaningful for them.”
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