Anil Thakre, Om Sai Central Public School in Chhindwara, Maharashtra
Inspiration and Background
Anil Thakre isn’t one to sit idle. Inspired by a passion for teaching, he couldn’t simply rest on the laurels of his degrees. Even while navigating the corporate world, his free time was spent nurturing minds through coaching classes. This restless individual soon recognized the educational void in his village – Sausar – where no CBSE schools existed until 2006. This forced parents to send their children 15 kilometers away for quality education.
Driven by a need for change, Anil didn’t just dream – he built. He had support from family and friends, and thus successfully established the village’s first CBSE school. His coaching experience became the blueprint for this bolder move. As Anil smiles, he says, “This school isn’t just bricks and mortar; it is the culmination of a dream, a testament to the power of belief. It is a reality for me.”
How the School Started
Anil wasn’t merely an educator; he was an architect of minds. Before starting Om Sai Central School, he had already made another mark in education. His previous college, which offered diverse courses like B.A., B.Com., B.Sc. (Computers), B.Sc. (Microbiology), and Biotechnology, served as a good practice for what he really loved doing – shaping young minds at the school level.
“Running a college with a vibrant community of 1300 students was more than just management,” Anil reminisces with a glint of pride. “It was like a real-life classroom, where I learned how to help students grow. From handling everyday tasks to facing the different challenges and rewards of leading an institution, every problem made me more determined to build a school that would truly be a beacon of excellence.”
A Steady Growth
Anil has seen his institution rise from the ground, but his true passion lies in seeing young minds soar. In Sausar, he didn’t just start educating, he lit a spark in parents’ minds. He wanted parents to seek quality education. “Our first year had 124 eager students,” he recalls looking back on the initial enrollment, “and we felt the responsibility of meeting parental expectations since then.”
His eyes light up when he talks about student achievements – from cracking IIT entrances, winning national sports events, to pursuing passions in NEET. “Every victory, big or small,” he enthuses, “becomes a testament to our shared journey.” He sees the school’s success reflected in every student’s triumph, their accomplishments showcasing the institution’s impact.
His own son’s journey stands as an inspiration. An alumnus of the same school, he now holds degrees from Chennai and London, working in Scotland. “His path,” Anil claims, “is a proof of the kind of education we provide – one that empowers, elevates, and unlocks boundless possibilities.” In Anil’s eyes, every student is like a blank sheet of paper, and Sausar is the tool that helps create dreams in their lives.
Read More: This School Leader Is Carrying On His Father’s Legacy Of Education in Haryana
Relationship with Varthana
Imagine a school where enrollment was on the rise, classrooms were overflowing, and computer labs were a distant dream. This was the challenge facing Anil’s school. Then Varthana entered the picture and recognized the school’s potential. They extended a helping hand, providing the vital funds needed to build a brighter future. Anil expresses gratitude to Varthana, saying, “When student enrollment was increasing, and the school needed to build infrastructure, Varthana stepped in, and helped us with the necessary funds.”
With this crucial support, brick by brick, classrooms rose, easing seating availability for students, and labs emerged, fostering computer literacy. “Varthana’s support wasn’t just financial,” Anil emphasizes, “it was an investment in the future of countless students. They believed in our vision, in the power of education to transform lives.”
Vision
As an experienced educator, Anil imagined a space where young minds don’t just excel in textbooks, but also do well in sports, dance, music, and every facet of life. “My dream,” he says with strong hope, “is to provide an education that unlocks potential, fosters well-rounded individuals, and prepares them for the world beyond exams.”
For our 9th and 10th graders, however, Anil’s focus is on building a rock-solid foundation, making sure students understand every concept before moving on to more advanced topics. “But learning in our school is not limited here. We aim to install LED screens and interactive smartboards, turning classrooms into exciting places of discovery,” affirms the school leader.
Yes, this isn’t a futuristic utopia; it’s the vibrant reality at Anil’s school, where technology isn’t just a tool but a bridge that connects what’s learned in books to real-life situations. Compassionate leaders like Anil Thakre inspire; they are nurturing critical thinkers and seeing the world with open eyes and curious hearts.