Ravindra Gorade, Yogiraj Tukaram Baba Gurukul School, Nashik
Creating a transformative educational space in the village
Ravindra Gorde once witnessed the struggles faced by students traveling long distances for education from his village, Khedle Zunge, to another school in Nashik. This sparked a fire within the music teacher, and he knew he had to act. “I wanted to create a school that catered to the needs of our village children,” he shares, reflecting on his journey of how he opened up Yogiraj Tukaram Baba Gurukul School in 2012. “I saw the fatigue and discouragement in the children,” he recalls. This only fueled his determination to help them even more.
Children from Khedle Zunge and neighboring villages had to spend one to two hours traveling to school every day. Ravindra aimed to change that by bringing education closer to home. “I was convinced that our village needed a school of its own,” he emphasizes, determined to make a difference.
Gaining trust and support from the village community
However, starting a school from scratch posed many challenges for the music teacher. One major obstacle was finding a suitable location for the school. In a heartwarming turn of events, Sri. Kashinath Baba generously offered his place to run the school, Ravindra recalls gratefully. This act of kindness laid the foundation for Yogiraj Tukaram Baba Gurukul School.
The next challenge was gaining the trust and support of the villagers. “I talked to parents to convince them to enroll their children,” says the school leader. He worked tirelessly to educate the community about the benefits of attending the school, emphasizing the convenience of having education close to home.
“I knew it was important to win the hearts of the villagers,” Ravindra reflects. His dedication and passionate appeals won them over, rallying them behind his vision to make the local school a reality.
Read More: Determined School Leader Transforms Rural Education With Quality Education And Strong Relationships
Fostering moral values and confidence in students
From the start, the school aimed for more than just academic success. Ravindra prioritized instilling moral values in students alongside providing quality education. The school became known for discipline, stage daring, and cultural activities that built confidence and self-expression in students. “My focus has always been on shaping well-rounded individuals,” the music teacher explains. Embracing innovation, he never hesitated to try new techniques for students’ benefit.
“I believe in nurturing every aspect of a student’s development,” Ravindra emphasizes. This led him to adopt the Lead School Program, which played a vital role in fostering holistic growth.
Varthana’s support in infrastructural development
However, managing a school comes with financial hurdles, and Ravindra understood the importance of support to sustain his mission. Luckily, Varthana stepped in to provide funds for infrastructure development, allowing the school to enhance its facilities and provide better resources to students.
“Financial support was crucial for our school’s growth,” Ravindra acknowledges gratefully. “Varthana’s assistance proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted learning for Yogiraj Tukaram Baba Gurukul School students.”
“Varthana’s aid ensured that education continued even during challenging times,” Ravindra notes, highlighting the significance of their support.
Nurturing future responsible citizens
As years passed, Ravindra observed a troubling trend among students—a decline in moral values. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, he stressed the importance of schools prioritizing the teaching of moral principles alongside academics. “I believe instilling ethical values in students is essential for shaping responsible citizens,” Ravindra states.
As a forward-thinker, Ravindra is committed to expanding the school’s reach, ensuring more students benefit from its unique education and values. He envisions providing transportation for students from nearby villages, enabling them to access Yogiraj Tukaram Baba Gurukul School’s quality education and nurturing environment.
“Expanding our school’s reach is vital for impacting more lives positively,” Ravindra affirms. He dreams of creating opportunities for students beyond their immediate surroundings.
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