Studying under street light is a story associated with many Indian legendaries individually. But students following the practice in mass are something surreal.
This stands relevant especially when successive governments make tall claims for education reform in the remote pockets of the country.
The Kartik Oraon Ratri Pathashala (night school) is fast expanding its reach in the rural areas of Jharkhand that are tucked away unobtrusively. Two days ago, the 16th and 17th centres of the school were opened in Navatoli and Jaher villages under Mandar block.
And the enthusiasm of the students was really appreciating. A video tweeted by former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Arun Oraon endorses it; kids thronging the open space in Navatoli lit with street light and mobile, carrying copies in the tiny hands and rushing to the teachers to mark a correction.
“The teachers are doing an exemplary job and the zeal of students propels them to execute it more effectively,” Oraon, who is on a mission to expand the classes, says.
The concept of Ratri Pathashala started in 2014 and the former IPS officer is the brain behind it. Started with limited resources at his command, people especially villagers got associated.
Besides imparting standard education, the classes focus on local language and culture.
