Took up the cudgels for renovating school building, boosted enrolment
JAMMU Two years ago, the government primary school, perched on a hillock in the remote Ikhani village, in Pouni block of Reasi district had no roof and damaged walls. Today, it stands fully restored with a Tricolour proudly fluttering on top of it.
The change was brought about by 45-year-old Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, a teacher at the school, who has won the National Teacher Award for his contribution. Now, the school has 70 students—29 girls and 41 boys, largely from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
Sharma, who hails from Sungal village in Reasi district, has been teaching at the primary school since July 25, 2019. “Earlier, it would take me five hours
to reach the school on bus, but now thanks to a new road, it only takes three hours. The school is located on a hill top in a remote area where rough weather and gusty winds are a common feature, as a result the roof had been blown away and the walls were damaged.”
He came to know about the school during a “back to village programme” under which the government was hoping to revive different schools that had been lying in a dilapidated condition. “I decided to contribute my bit,” he said.
The school lies on the Narla axis of the adjoining Rajouri district and falls in the last corner of Reasi district. “When I first visited the school, it was in a shambles. The children were tending to cattle, instead of going to school. I had to convince the villagers to send their children to school. Initially, people were reluctant,” said Sharma.
After getting people on board, Sharma started reconstructing and repairing the school building. “The education department provided us ₹25,000 for a facelift of the school building. The villagers also realised that I was working for the betterment of the village and did not charge me for labour,” said Sharma, adding that his child also studies at the same school.
“In 2019, only 13 children were studying at the school and then the number rose to 50 last year. This year, 70 children — 29 girls and 41 boys — are pursuing their primary education at the school,” he added.
Sharma has also presented papers at the national conferences of the teachers and has many publications in Dogri language to his credit.
The former wrestler was also made nodal officer of Reasi district for the Khelo India programme, which was a huge success.
Besides focusing on the education of the children, Sharma has been at the forefront of promoting the girl child, and providing them with equal opportunities in academics, sports and vocational training.