This school run by Zilla Parishad at Paldoh village in Chandrapur district is different on several counts. Although people from the surrounding villages readily generate funds for the school, a teacher Rajendra Parteki is always ready to spend money from his pockets whenever the school requires. On many occasions, even children proactively help their juniors understanding lessons, and most importantly, whenever a student has to miss attending school for any reason he or she regrets. To fulfill the wish of the children Rajendra Parteki, the teacher makes it a point that school will remain open on all 365 days. Unlike most schools nowadays, this school doesn’t allow its students to use mobile phone. Founded in the year 1991, Rajendra Parteki joined the school as a teacher in 2006, when 22 students were divided in four classes. After 18 years the number of students admitted rose to 179 and classes increased from Class I to IV to Class IX. The school is planning to start Class X from next academic year. Parteki has defied the belief that one man can’t make much difference.

 

He, along with his colleagues and students, has made the school an attractive place, where students want to keep coming. It has become one of the biggest attractions for the villagers around. Within the school, he encourages students to take part in extracurricular activities, go outside, participate is games, and win tournaments, which has raised the reputation of the school. There are five teachers, including Parteki, who all support the cause. “Earlier, the villagers were reluctant. The girls in the nearby villages never thought that they would get to study or even go out of the village. The situation has changed a lot. Boys and girls are going out for higher studies. Our school is getting huge response. Even children from places like Parbhani are approaching. Their parents request us to make staying arrangements for their wards. We are planning to build a hostel,” Parteki told ‘The Hitavada’. What Parteki said about the changing views of villagers is true. The villagers are happily donating for the school. People did not take objection when the money deposited by people in the donation box of the Hanuman temple was given for some work of school. Many people are now coming forward with donations. One medico Dr Pallavi Ingle donates Rs 6,000 every month. 

 

Mobile phone not allowed here Students do not use mobile phones in this school. Parteki has maintained the discipline and prohibited the use of mobile phones in the school. Even at home, when a child asks for a mobile, the parents make a video call to Parteki to seek his permission. Sudhir Mungantiwar, Guardian Minister of Chandrapur, expressed happiness over the uniqueness of the school. He told ‘The Hitavada’ that he is ready to extend help whenever the school required. “In this era, making students attend school is a big thing. We must encourage such initiatives. I am ready to extend all help to the school,” he said. Ulhas Narad, Deputy Director of Education, was highly impressed when he visited the school recently. He said, “The quality of education would improve further if our schools have such teachers. They play an key part in shaping the personality of the students. I am happy for the school, its teacher Parteki, the students and the villagers too.”