Satyendra Srivastava, Gyandarshan High School, Lingha, Madhya Pradesh
Foundations of the School
“The name “Gyandarshan” is a reflection of my curiosity for knowledge,” says Satyendra Srivastava, the visionary behind Gyandarshan High School in Lingha, Narsinghpur. The 40-year-old started his career in 2009 as a mathematics teacher in a private school. There he noticed how private schools often prioritized profit over quality education. This inspired him to make a change.
His family background played a significant role in shaping his values and aspirations. Satyendra’s father was a patwari, whereas his mother was a homemaker, who nurtured a culture of education and hard work at his home. He shared, “They supported my love for mathematics and English which fuelled my passion for teaching.”
As Gyandarshan High School grew, Satyendra’s wife became the principal, forming a strong team focused on quality education. On the other hand, he continued teaching, staying connected to students, and providing personalized attention. The school emphasized holistic learning, teaching moral values like respecting parents, sharing family meals, and daily prayers.
Early Days in Gyandarshan High School
In 2013, he founded Gyandarshan High School to provide affordable, quality education. To achieve his goal, he charged fees as low as ₹600 for the nursery and ₹1000 per month for class 10, making education accessible to all.
Talking about the history behind the school name, Srivastava shared, “While visiting the Damoh area in Sagar, I came across the name “Gyan Sagar.” Inspired by its meaning, I named my school Gyandarshan, symbolizing a sea of knowledge, which also reflects my mission to offer enriching education for all.”
In the school, he introduced physical education, personally coaching volleyball, chess, and badminton, while also incorporating yoga and co-curricular activities into the school schedule. This comprehensive approach led to students achieving recognition at the state level, demonstrating the effectiveness of Satyendra’s vision.
Parents began to notice the positive impact of Gyandarshan on their children. Satyendra’s reputation as a caring and dedicated leader spread throughout the community. Other schools struggled to convince parents to choose their institutions, as families increasingly preferred Gyandarshan. The school became a beacon of hope and quality education, making it clear that Satyendra’s efforts were paying off.
Overcoming the Challenges
As Gyandarshan grew, Satyendra faced challenges in expanding the school to higher classes. Traditional banks were hesitant to provide loans for infrastructure upgrades. Focused on his goal, he turned to Varthana, an organization that emphasizes offering educational institutions with loans. “The process was seamless, and I was impressed by the swift approval that helped me achieve my vision.”
Recognizing the importance of a satisfied teaching staff, he fostered a family-like atmosphere among teachers. He also ensured timely payments, celebrated milestones such as birthdays, and maintained an open-door policy for addressing concerns. This supportive environment enhanced teacher motivation and dedication, aligning with the school’s mission of student success.
Furthermore, it also helped them to modernize classrooms by installing touch panels and integrating technology to equip students with skills for a rapidly evolving world.
Looking ahead, Satyendra is committed to further enhancing Gyandarshan’s educational offerings. His ambitious plans include installing touch panels to modernize classrooms and integrating technology to better prepare students for a rapidly changing world. He envisions a school that not only imparts academic knowledge but also equips students with essential life skills.
Contributing to the Community
Satyendra’s messages to the community are thoughtful and inspiring. He encourages parents to take an active interest in their children’s education through Parent-Teacher Meetings and promoting collaboration with the school. To fellow educational leaders, he stresses that quality education for each student according to his interests and needs must be the priority. He shall assure them that the school is committed enough to their growth and can encourage them to support the teachers and appreciate the school’s commitment to helping them develop.
He encourages parents to be involved with various activities, with the school, towards a cooperative and collaborative relationship. He appeals to fellow teachers by saying, “I will provide quality education tailored for each student”; to his students, he promises the world by stating that the school is committed to their growth and should seek its teachers as partners.
Wrap-Up
“Varthana helped my school to provide quality education without worrying about the finances” Satyendra shared on a concluding note. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion, dedication, and a vision rooted in community service. Through Gyandarshan High School, he has reshaped the educational landscape for countless children, providing not only knowledge but also the moral and emotional support essential for holistic growth.
This story serves as an enduring inspiration, demonstrating how purpose and empathy can change the world—one student at a time.
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