Making dream of education come true for poor
Ludhiana : In 1987, when city resident Colonel
Desh Bushan Sharma took voluntary retirement from the Army, he was motivated by
a desire to impact society though education. About 24 years later, he is doing just
that.
Known in the city as a devoted educationist, Colonel Sharma
started Adarsh Public School about a year ago and provides free education
to 300 underprivileged children.
Colonel Sharma, who stays in Kundian Vidya Mandir Colony, said city residents are
always ready to lend a helping hand to care for poor and needy, but their charity
work is not organized and there is no systematic data. "The government should help
organize the charity work so that those who are genuinely needy are benefited,"
he said.
All students in Colonel Sharma's school, which is situated in Haibowal, are children
of labourers and migrants but their parents ensure that they attend school so that
their children will speak in English someday. The retired army man said he has also
invited other students and parents to avail scholarships and pursue education, but
unfortunately no one has ever got back to him.
Colonel (retired) Sharma remembers the day Rakesh Bharti Mittal of the Bharti Enterprises
appreciated students of Adarsh Public School for being the most smartly dressed
among students of 30 recognized schools in the city. "As of now the school is only
up to class VI, but we have applied for more land and next year will put up proposal
for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
affiliation for the school," said Colonel Sharma.
The educationist was earlier principal of Kundan Vidya Mandir and is still appreciated
by city residents. "When people appreciate my clean image and works, it is the best
reward for me," he said, adding that he is also associated with Nehru Sidhant Kendra
Trust which provides scholarships to needy students and organizes talent programmes
for youngsters.
Colonel Sharma is also founder general secretary of Senior Citizen Conclave that
has 135 members who interact and share about their lives. The conclave also provides
about Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh as scholarships for students and organizes medical
camps. "All this work keeps me busy and satisfy my soul," he said.
Courtesy: Times of India
