Teaching underprivileged kids his passion

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 5

On the occasion of Teacher’s Day, he does not expect to be honoured or recognised for his work.

His lone aim is to make children of slum dwellers self-reliant and provide them education so that they can decide for themselves what is right or wrong and become independent to feed themselves and their families in the best possible manner.

An advocate by profession, Hari Om Jindal has been able to teach over 500 children so far from deprived and neglecting backgrounds of collecting trash or cow-dung.

“When I met some of these children in 2013, it was not an easy task to motivate them for getting education as they were doing the work of collecting trash. Hard, sincere and dedicated efforts are required for bringing transformation in their thinking. Unlike regular schools, delivery of education had to be made interesting to attract them and their parents. It was also important to provide them relevant education which would help them connect with the country, its problems and progress. It has to be stressed that they should also lead a life of dignity,” he said.

Jindal used to visit various slum areas, gets data of children who could be provided education, motivates them and their parents and take classes in the open wherever little space is available.

His students simply love him. The day when he is not able to meet his students, they look restless.

Jyoti, one of his students, said: “It is because of him that I will be appearing for Class V exams and now, I can add, subtract, multiply easily. I do understand that the country needs educated youth for progress and I will definitely try to motivate others to join us and become responsible and self-reliant citizens.”

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