Punesh Kumar Patel, Takshashila Higher Secondary School, Chhattisgarh
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar once said, “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence”. This powerful idea is reflected in the journey of Punesh Kumar Patel. As the Director of Takshashila Higher Secondary School in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, he is dedicated to empowering rural students with the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives.
Fueled by a deep passion for education, Punesh earned his M.Ed. and is now pursuing an MBA to further expand his expertise. He has faced many challenges, but his commitment to learning has never faltered. Growing up in a small village, he understands the difficulties students face. He often shares that “Education is the key that unlocks the door to a brighter future.” Through his hard work, he has created an institution that offers hope and encouragement, inspiring many students to reach for their dreams and achieve their goal.
A School Built on Friendship and Shared Dreams
The idea to start a school wasn’t originally Punesh’s. He shares, “My friends and colleagues encouraged me to enter this field, giving me a chance for a rewarding career and freedom from traditional job limits.” However, the journey turned out to be more challenging than he expected. He reflects, “After a few years, we realized we needed financial support that we hadn’t planned for.”
Punesh recalls, “When we began, we faced many obstacles.” The lack of funding made it difficult to keep the school open. However, the support from the community inspired them. He explains, “The villagers didn’t want the school to close, and their faith in us motivated me to keep going.” He adds, “Their belief showed us that education is essential for our community.”
Braving Financial Struggles
Running a school in a rural area comes with many challenges. One of the biggest hurdles Punesh faced was financial stability. He shares, “There were times when we struggled to find enough money to keep the school running.” In those tough moments, he says, “I had to mortgage my own property to gather funds and ensure that Takshashila Higher Secondary School could stay open.”
Despite these struggles, Punesh’s determination never wavered. He states, “It was a tough journey, but I never gave up. I truly believed in the cause of education.” His hard work began to pay off as the school started to grow and attract more students from nearby villages.
Building Trust in the Community
From the very beginning, Punesh understood that building trust with parents was essential. “We went door to door, speaking to families and explaining the benefits of quality education,” he shares. His reputation in the community helped create a strong foundation of trust, which encouraged parents to enroll their children in the school.
Today, Takshashila Higher Secondary School serves over 848 students, providing them with structured and affordable education in an area where learning opportunities are few. Punesh believes, “When parents see our dedication to their children’s future, they are more willing to take that leap of faith.”
Varthana’s Impact on School Growth
Financial support from organizations like Varthana has played a vital role in his journey. He states, “In 2021, we received a loan from Varthana, which eased our financial burden and let us focus on developing the school further.” He reflects, “Varthana’s support came at just the right time, allowing us to turn our vision into reality.” The funds were utilized to enhance the school’s infrastructure, creating a better environment for both students and teachers. He emphasizes, “With this support, we could focus on what truly matters—providing quality education.” Punesh adds, “Every improvement we made was a step toward fulfilling our dream for the children.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking forward, Punesh is determined to continue expanding Takshashila Higher Secondary School and providing affordable, quality education to more children in the region. He dreams of a future where the school is financially stable and fully equipped to offer the best education possible. “I want to continue growing the school and making a lasting impact on the lives of these children,” he shares.
Punesh’s journey is a powerful reminder that dedication, community support, and perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges. His story serves as an inspiration for those who believe in the transformative power of education and are willing to fight for it.
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