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If we change, the world will change; if we cultivate goodness, The world will reflect goodness.
- Vinay Jha
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If we change, the world will change; if we cultivate goodness, The world will reflect goodness.
The story is about Kamla Dapi Gavel, a
mathematics teacher in a government high school in Parsada Khurdh, Sakti
district of Chhattisgarh, India. Through her positive thinking and continuous
efforts, she not only successfully developed the physical resources of the
school like private schools but also played a crucial role in bringing about a
positive change in the students' and villagers' behavior.
Kamla shared that after her appointment in the education department in 2007, when she was transferred to the new building of the Parasda Khurd High School in 2010, the school was located outside the village. The school premises were deserted and unsafe, with empty bottles, tobacco pouches, and other waste thrown in front of the classrooms by antisocial elements from the village who used to consume intoxicants.
Due to the lack of fencing, livestock also
posed a problem, and thieves were targeting the school's resources like taps,
water tanks, lights, fans, and pumps. These incidents were causing losses to
the school's resources. The students were also leaving the school premises
without permission, leading to various challenges.
Kamla informed higher authorities and village representatives about these issues, and without delay, she persuaded the school staff to collaborate and seek help. Initially, with the assistance of village volunteers, a security fence was constructed using bamboo sticks around the school premises. Subsequently, students were engaged in various constructive activities like building racks, planting trees, and using bamboo to create gates for the school compound.
Kamla educated the students about the
adverse effects of non-biodegradable waste and encouraged them to take care of
the kitchen garden by planting organic fruits and vegetables. Within a short
period, students learned new techniques and started using their knowledge to
produce organic vegetables, understanding the importance of good health.
Alongside these initiatives, Kamla introduced innovative teaching methods. On Saturdays and extra vacation days, students were involved in various extracurricular activities such as self-defense techniques, tent pitching in open spaces, first aid knowledge, creating stretchers, march-pasts, sense games, folk music, folk dance, street plays, and crafting useful items from waste materials.
Recognizing the students' capabilities,
Kamla formed a Scouts and Guides team, providing training to the children. The
school team actively engaged in continuous community service, especially during
the COVID-19 period, by making masks and creating awareness about vaccination.
This not only developed social and moral values in the students but also
brought about significant changes in the school.
Now, students felt a stronger connection to the school than their homes, actively participating in school activities and contributing to its development. The entire village's perspective towards the government school changed, and the community became supportive of the school's progress.
The story of Kamla Dapi Gavel's journey
over the past 15 years has been filled with challenges, but her strong
determination has propelled her forward, leaving all obstacles behind. As
someone rightly said, where there's a will, a path is created on its own. This
statement perfectly encapsulates the transformation witnessed by the Government
High School Parasda Khurd. Kamla's efforts have paved the way for positive
changes in social behavior, not only among the students but also within the
entire village community. The success of the school is now a testament to the
dedication and hard work of Kamla Dapi Gavel from District Sakti.
Story of: Smt. Kamla Dapi Gavel from government high school in Parsada Khurdh
District Sakti.