Passion to Pursue Education

The story of Mahesh Gulla, studying at Satya Bharti Learning Centre, Bedawali, Jhabua (Madhya Pradesh)

Mahesh is an avid learner at the Satya Bharti Learning Centre in Meghnagar. His enthusiasm to partake in classroom activities and eagerness to learn something new every day is indeed commendable. He is a popular student among the teachers for his regularity to the school. However, Mahesh’s cheerful nature and positive outlook towards life do not reflect the struggles he and his family faced in the past.

Like many other migrant families who live a life of constant upheaval in search of livelihood, Mahesh too migrated from Surat (Gujarat) to Jhabua along with his family of five. While Mahesh’s parents made the move in the hope of a better life, Mahesh was distressed with the fact that he will not be able to play with his friends. The family began working in brick kilns and Mahesh had to discontinue his schooling to support his family by earning extra money.

During this two year long struggle, all the family members worked tirelessly in the hope of a better tomorrow. Everyday, Mahesh watched smartly dressed children of the village pass by the brick kiln where he worked. He silently nurtured a dream of attending school.

As he made his way to the kiln, Mahesh was spotted by Hemanti, an Education Volunteer at Satya Bharti Learning Centre, Meghnagar. On hearing the story of Mahesh, Hemanti decided to get him enrolled into the Satya Bharti Learning Centre. She began by counselling Mahesh’s family through regular home visits. Initially, the family showed reluctance to the idea of Mahesh’s enrolment as his odd jobs brought extra money for the family. However, with the diligent efforts of Hemanti, they finally agreed.

Thereafter, Hemanti facilitated the admission of Mahesh in the Satya Bharti School, Meghnagar and ensured that he was provided with a uniform, stationery and other school supplies that are part of the school kit. Though Mahesh was shy and not as confident as other students in the classroom, his eagerness to learn was evident. Today, Mahesh has come out of his cocoon of hesitancy, evolving as a bright and eager student. The Satya Bharti Learning Centre Program endeavours to bring many children like Mahesh back to school who have lost the hope of uninterrupted quality education due to seasonal migration.