In a heartwarming story of sacrifice and community spirit, Mor Singh, a 60-year-old farmer from the hilly village of Piplodi in western India’s Rajasthan, has gained unexpected renown by transforming his home into a temporary school. This selfless act came after the village school was severely damaged due to heavy rains, resulting in a tragic incident where a classroom roof collapsed, claiming the lives of seven children and injuring many others.
Without any formal education himself, Singh's actions resonate powerfully within his community. His modest two-room residence is now serving as an upper primary school attended by 50 to 60 local children. Recently, the state government recognized Singh's contributions by awarding him 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,266).
On July 25, following the classroom disaster, Singh and his family relocated to a makeshift shelter made of bamboo and tarpaulin, prioritizing the education of village children over personal comfort. If I had not taken that quick decision, many children would have dropped out. The only other school is in a neighboring village, which is a two-kilometer trek in the hills, Singh stated, emphasizing the crucial need for accessible education.
The ongoing challenges are evident, as Rajasthan recently recorded its wettest July in nearly 70 years. With over 5,600 schools in dilapidated condition across the state, achieving lasting improvements poses significant challenges. However, Singh's courageous decision contributed towards declaring Piplodi a 'model village,' which is expected to attract more funding for educational and health facilities.
Mr. Singh's altruistic gesture has inspired community members, who now view him as a local hero. As residents hope for a new school in the near future, Singh remains committed to ensuring that children in Piplodi receive the education they deserve, believing strongly in the power of education to transform futures.
