MDM cook turns education activist

ALIGARH: At 56, Ramwati, a cook preparing midday meals at the Qazimabad primary school in Atrauli, has become an inspiration for many in her village. While working at the school, Ramwati took out the time to study with the students and today, she can read and write up to Class 5 level. Lauding her efforts, former UP chief minister and Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh wrote her a congratulatory note and awarded her a cash prize of Rs 51,000.

“This initiative of Ramwati will inspire men and women alike. She must continue her studies,” said the leader. Ramwati has been working at the school for seven years. She said she had to take up the job to better her financial situation. “My husband passed away in 2004 after prolonged illness and both my daughters are married. During my stay at the school, I started sitting with the children and slowly learnt how to read and write. The teachers also helped me,” she said.

Now, Ramwati is working to spread awareness among school drop-outs, encouraging them to take up studies again. She is also motivating parents to send their children to school.

Speaking about the cash prize and congratulatory note received from Kalyan Singh, she said, “This is biggest happiness of my life. I always wanted to study, but could not due to financial difficulties. My husband’s death compelled me to take up the school job. However, when I saw the children reading, I could not stop myself from studying in my spare time.”

She told HT that the prize money had already been credited in her bank account. “I will buy some books. I will also help poor children who are unable to buy books,” she said.