Hanuman Singh, Amar Jyoti Public Madhyamik Vidhyalaya, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Unbreakable Determination
Hanuman Singh’s journey began in the small village of Bhadrajun, Jodhpur, where he nurtured a passion for learning. Despite family challenges, his commitment to education never wavered. Even when circumstances forced him to pause his schooling, he persevered and completed his BA and B.Ed degrees in Jodhpur.
To support his family, Hanuman moved to Mumbai and taught in private schools. Though he tried for a government teaching job, he wasn’t selected. “I didn’t let failure hold me back,” Hanuman says. “I kept teaching, offering home tuition in Jodhpur and continuing in private schools.” The positive response from students inspired him to think bigger.
Taking the Bold Step
In 2005, he founded Amar Jyoti Public Madhyamik Vidhyalaya. “I wanted to create a place where children, especially those from weak economic backgrounds, could continue their education,” he shares. His story shows how persistence and a love for teaching can lead to a lasting impact.
“It wasn’t just about my dream,” Hanuman explains, “It was about ensuring others never have to stop learning, no matter their circumstances.”
Redefining Education: Change from Rote Learning to Activity-Based Teaching
Amar Jyoti Public School started in a small rented space with a big dream. Hanuman noticed that many schools relied on rote memorization. “I saw students memorizing without understanding,” he says. “I wanted to change that.” He introduced activity-based learning to help students engage more deeply with their subjects.
In a world where rote learning was common, Hanuman became a champion for meaningful education. “I believed every child could think and learn beyond memorization,” he shares. “I wanted to nurture their true potential.” As parents saw the benefits of this approach, more chose his school for their children’s education.
“It wasn’t just about teaching differently,” Hanuman explains. “It was about helping students understand and apply what they learned.”
Seeing Growth and Adding Value
Amar Jyoti Public School began with just 12 students, and now it proudly serves over 800. This growth reflects Hanuman’s dedication and vision. “Watching my students succeed and make a difference is incredibly fulfilling,” Hanuman says. “They’ve become doctors, engineers, government officials, and some have even gone abroad for work.”
The school’s impact extends beyond academics. Students excel in sports, competing at both district and national levels. “We focus on developing every part of a child’s potential,” Hanuman explains. “Our students’ success across different fields proves we are making a real difference,” he adds.
Empowering Through Unique Programs
At the heart of Amar Jyoti Public School’s success is its dedication to a well-rounded education. The school offers activities that develop not just academic skills but also character and empathy.
“Our ‘Amar Jyoti Gaurav‘ program supports students with guidance, counseling, and financial help, ensuring they can chase their dreams even after graduation,” Hanuman says. The ‘Picnic Week‘ blends learning with play, using interactive games to keep students excited about their studies.
The ‘Toys Bank‘ encourages students to donate old toys, creating a source of joy for underprivileged children. “The Toys Bank brings happiness to those who need it most,” Hanuman explains. “It’s a way for students to spread happiness and make a difference.”
“Mera school shiksha ke saath sanskaar, aur khel khel me padhayi ke liye jaana jaane wala school hai,” (My school is known for combining education with values and learning through play.),” Hanuman adds. “Our programs are designed to help students become caring, well-rounded individuals.”
Illuminating Futures: Career Counseling and Holistic Development
Understanding the challenges faced by rural parents in guiding their children’s futures, Hanuman introduced an annual career counseling program. “After exams, we hold a two-day guidance program where students and their parents receive personalized support,” Hanuman said. This program helps map out educational paths and highlights each student’s unique strengths and interests. By offering this guidance, Hanuman ensures that every student can see a clear path forward.
Staying Connected to the Classroom
Even as a director, Hanuman stays deeply involved in teaching. Each day, he spends one period with nursery students, showing that true leadership is rooted in a genuine connection with learning.
“Spending time with the young students keeps me connected to the heart of education,” Hanuman shares. His hands-on approach highlights his passion for teaching and commitment.
“Teaching is more than a job; it’s a calling that keeps my spirit engaged,” Hanuman explains. His direct involvement shows that great leaders stay close to the core of their work. “To lead well, you must experience the joys and challenges of teaching firsthand,” Hanuman adds.
Read More: A School Leader’s Quest to Boost Student Enrollment to 1,000 in a Year in Rural Davanagere
Varthana As a Pillar of Support
The journey of Amar Jyoti Public Madhyamik School was filled with financial struggles. Varthana became a lifeline, offering vital support for building the school. “Varthana’s help with stationary during COVID was a blessing,” Hanuman shares. Their support extended beyond just money; they also provided worksheets to keep students learning through the pandemic.
“The worksheets from Varthana were a lifeline for our students during the tough times,” Hanuman says. This helped ensure that learning continued, even when it seemed impossible.
“We are deeply grateful for Varthana’s support,” Hanuman adds. Their partnership made it possible to keep the school’s mission alive despite the challenges.
Forging a Strong Future: College Growth, Empowering Girls, and Community Impact
Hanuman’s vision reaches far beyond the walls of his school. He plans to open a college to ensure his students have smooth access to higher education. He is even deeply committed to supporting girl child education, helping orphans, and empowering widows.
“We assist around 50 students with free or discounted education,” Hanuman says, highlighting his dedication to making education accessible. His school continues to offer free education to those in need and provides an additional 20% in scholarships for widowed sisters pursuing their dreams. Hanuman’s dream is to uplift those in need through education, creating a future where every child, regardless of their background, can dream big and achieve their goals.
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