Adopted by veteran, his alma mater now has latest infra, facilities
In a heart-warming gesture of giving back to his roots, Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd), who had adopted Government Primary and Middle School in Pandori Arian, Kapurthala, his alma mater where he received his primary education in the 1960s, is a new-look building with the latest infrastructure and modern facilities.
After retiring from the Army in 2012 and working for an MNC for three years, Maj Gen Singh returned to Jalandhar in 2015 with a strong desire to contribute to society. He felt that education was the key to driving societal change and was determined to make an impact. In 2016, he decided to adopt his old school and began a series of improvements aimed at enhancing the school’s infrastructure and overall learning environment.
Recalling his early years, Maj Gen Singh shared fond memories of his school days, when students would carry a taat (a piece of coir mat) to sit in the class. He particularly remembered his teacher’s encouraging words, predicting his success, which he fulfilled by retiring from the Army as a Major General.
“When I first visited the school, the level was low and rainwater would enter the premises. The first task was to raise the ground level, which has now been elevated by seven feet, with interlocking tiles laid in half the premises,” he said, adding that more improvements were underway. Over the past eight years, approximately Rs 40 lakh has been spent on improving the school’s facilities, with contributions from himself, NRIs, locals and other supporters.
The school now boasts of a modern assembly ground, an upgraded stage, improved classrooms, computer lab, science lab, library, separate washrooms for boys and girls, kitchen and a dining area where students eat their mid-day meal.
Additionally, teachers have gone above and beyond by arranging transportation and hiring an autorickshaw that provides free pick-and-drop facility to the students. Besides, they have hired a sweeper to maintain cleanliness, with all these expenses being met from their own pocket.
Maj Gen Singh said he also ensured that the school hosted an annual function with dignitaries from across the state attending the event.
The former Army veteran said he had set his sight on upgrading the school to a high school. Currently, it is only a middle school which forces village residents to send their daughters to neighbouring villages for further education – a practice that often results in girls dropping out.
Let’s bring about change
Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (retd) said, "If just four people step in and decide to give back to their alma mater, countless lives could be changed," he said. His message is clear - small acts of giving can create a ripple effect, transforming communities and providing a brighter future for the next generation.
