Jain Professionals' Three-Year Mission to Elevate Hubballi's Government Schools
In a heartening display of community service, Sukh Shanti Parivar, a collective of ten Jain professionals from Hubballi, has been spearheading a transformative educational initiative for the past three years. This dedicated group has officially adopted five government schools in the Hubballi region, committing their time and resources to enhance the learning experience for hundreds of students through a series of engaging, fun-based activities held monthly.
Inspired by Compassion: The Genesis of the Initiative
The seed for this noble endeavor was planted by Vimal Jain, a pharmaceutical businessman, who observed the challenging family circumstances of his employees from rural backgrounds. "Since the father was a drunkard, education of their wards was being hampered," Vimal explained. "We realized that while we couldn't directly address addiction issues, we could empower the next generation. By ensuring these children receive quality education and training, they can overcome crises and build better futures." This insight led to discussions with friends, culminating in a decision three years ago to focus on supporting students in rural government primary schools.
Expanding Reach: From One School to Five
Members Vikas Jain, Chetan Jain, and Bhavesh Jain detailed the group's expansion. They initially approached the government primary school in Adaragunchi, followed by three schools in Nulvi. "Seeing our work, teachers from the govt school in Kotgundhunsi invited us to their school," they noted. Currently, the initiative covers five government primary schools, with a recent request from a government high school to extend services there. Every Saturday morning, the team visits at least two schools to conduct:
- Group games and drawing competitions
- Open-book exams to reduce stress
- Dramas on critical topics like anti-drug awareness and the importance of education
Innovative Tools: The 'Sanskar Form' for Habit Building
Members Gunvant Jain, Yashwant Jain, Kiran Jain, Ronak Jain, and Jeetu Jain introduced a creative tool called the 'Sanskar Form', designed to instill nine positive habits in students. This form includes daily points for practices such as:
- Avoiding junk food
- Maintaining early sleep and wake routines
- Limiting TV/smartphone use to one hour per day
- Assisting parents with domestic work
- Showing kindness to animals and managing anger
- Respecting deities and parents
Students mark their compliance daily and return the form monthly with parental reviews, fostering accountability and family involvement.
Rewarding Excellence: Picnics and Community Engagement
To motivate academic achievement, the group organizes annual picnics in Hubballi for over 100 top-performing students and four teachers from all five schools. These outings include visits to a gaushala (cow shelter), temples, and an old age home, where values like compassion and family bonds are emphasized. "They make us feed cows, explain family values, provide lunch, and drop us back at school," shared students Prema Meti and Ankita Kumarswamimath, highlighting the holistic approach.
Positive Impact: Behavioral and Academic Improvements
DC Jainar, headmaster of Govt Higher Primary School in Plot Area, Nulvi, praised the initiative for driving significant positive changes. "Students are showing more interest in learning and co-curricular activities," he stated, noting enhanced behavioral shifts and increased engagement. The group funds all activities through personal savings, demonstrating a sustained commitment to community upliftment without external aid.
This three-year journey by Sukh Shanti Parivar underscores the power of grassroots efforts in education, transforming not just schools but also shaping the character and futures of young minds in Hubballi.
