Tilak Bal Gurukul inaugurated

The 87th anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak (23/07/1856- 01/08/1920) was observed by Indian Development Foundation and Sarthak Manav Kushthashram in a fitting manner by opening a village school named `Tilak Bal Gurukul’ for the children in Nonpura village in Ramgarh area of Jaipur on 1st August 2007.

Village schools are the need of the hour and Indian Development Foundation need to be congratulated for opening the school in a backward area like Nonpura, said Mr. Brij Kishore Sharma, MLA – Jaipur Rural, while dedicating the school to the nation. Mr. Brij Kishor Sharma was speaking as the Chief Guest for the function while inaugurating Tilak Bal Gurukul (TBG) at Nonpura.

Education has to percolate into all sections of society and this can be done only by a national NGO like IDF, said Mr. P. D. Singh, Chairman, Tagore Group of Institutions. IDF has been in the forefront of establishing rural-village schools in different parts of India and it is the duty of the every well-to-do citizens to support such noble cause, expressed Mr. P.D. Singh as he was addressing as the Special Guest for the event. He also said that IDF’s role in the improvement of health and education in Rajasthan will be gratefully remembered by the people.

Mr. Suresh Kaul, President, Sarthak Manav Kushtashram outlined the modalities of the TBG and said, partnering with IDF for the national cause will be a trend-setting experience for other states. He thanked IDF for the long association with SMK in health and education field. TBG activities will be supported by IDF while the monitoring part will rest on SMK team. Mr. Suresh Kaul also thanked Club Nomades, a group from France for supporting the infrastructure for TBG including the land and building.

Dr. A. R. K. Pillai, President, Indian Development Foundation congratulated the people of Nonpura for extending their assistance to make this project viable. He hoped that Nonpura model will be extended to other villages in Rajasthan with public support. Providing vocational training and other social activities are on the cards, said Dr. Pillai.

Indian Development Foundation (formerly Indian Leprosy Foundation) is a leading national NGO committed to health, education and rural development in India. Besides leprosy and TB work, IDF has taken up the task of establishment village schools and empowerment classes in India. IDF has so far opened 14 empowerment classes for the underprivileged children and there many more to follow, said Dr. Pillai.

As India is at the verge of celebrating 60 years of Independence, focus on village development is the prime need and this is possible only by bridging the rural-urban divide, expressed Dr. Narayan B. Iyer, National Co-ordinator, IDF.

Mr. Sayed Khan Goodage, Hon. Secretary, Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce and Rotarian President R. P. Batwara, Rotary Club of Jaipur East complimented IDF and SMK for this novel scheme. The District and Panchayat officials of the village attended the function.

Nonpura village was gaily decorated to mark this important event. TBG will mainly focusing be on primary education and the students will be provided free education and with a mid-meal. Reaching these underprivileged children to the top will be the prime motto of TBG.

Mr. V. G. Agochhia, Esst. Officer, SMK proposed a vote of thanks.