Thursday, March 27, 2025

A Journey of Pride

 There were days when Mandangad,  the hilly and remote rural region to the north of the Ratnagiri district was known as another Andamans. During the course of time development slowly crawled into the tehsil and now the face of this village like town has changed. A region, once having only a trio of middle schools has now grown as a fair place facilitating the rural youth to access many branches of education.



In this journey, the work done by English Medium School conducted by Yojak Shikshan, Kreeda and Arogya  Seva Mandal has its significance. The school was started to meet timely need of providing education through the English medium. It is a pleasant day bringing opportunity to witness the occasion of its silver jubilee function.

The story of the journey of Mandangad cannot be completed without the mention of Late Mr.Keshavshet Lende. He was one of the pioneer tradesmen of this tehsil, who started as a hawker cum small seller and grew as a reputed wholsale grocery trader. His three sons raised as traders and businessmen, while the youngest, Suresh, a physician. He started a clinic where he treated the patients at possible lowest charges.

Dr. Suresh had suffered to learn, not monetarily but from the difficult and very limited access to educational facilities. The Middle school education was provided by institutions conducted by local bodies and influenced by teachers from outer regions. The result was lack of attachment, poor performance and stalled development of the schools. 'Yojak' came up to cover the gap.

The idea to start new school would be zero without substantial monetary support. Shreeman Keshavshet offered a big hand donating a piece of land in the heart of Madangad town and patronized the project till his last breath. Mr. Vikas Shetye was the first President of the society and now Mr. Babanshet Lende is chairng the seat. The most appreciable is that all four Lende brothers are associated to this task, surprisingly not narrowing the channel to themselves; and have keenly maitained a democratic atmosphere in the decision making process.

During twenty five years of its journey the school maintained securing a heritage of cent percent outcome of the final examinations. They have record of district level acheivements. Despite this its students acheive abilties and skills that enable them to live a better life compared to other students coming from rural area. They have plans to offer additional courses oriented to more job opportunities. It will help drive the students on the path of skill development.

A range of persons deserves gratitude for helping this project throughout its quarter century journey. They include devoted teachers that worked against only a nominal amount as salary, some among them even worked free. Many tradesmen from the town forwarded to assist whenever needed. It would not be unfair if the mention of Mrs. Rashmee, wife of Dr. Suresh is made here for her practical support involving free instructions to the students for initial years. She showed no sign of towards her husband's devotion to this social activity, as usually the wives do.

I see a bright future before this activity, and hope and wish every success feathered in the caps of the institution and its conductors.


A Journey of Pride

  There were days when Mandangad,  the hilly and remote rural region to the north of the Ratnagiri district was known as another Andamans. D...