Hostel inspires many by giving wings to tribal kids

KANPUR: Achang always wanted to study but he was not sure if his parents would be able to afford his education. Unlike his siblings in Nagaland, he was fortunate enough to be selected by the volunteers of Birsamunda Vanvasi Hostel at his village in his home state.
The hostel, situated in Rawatpur village here, houses 90 underprivileged kids hailing from various villages of Purvanchal, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur and other states.The hostel stands tall as an inspiration for many. It provides free education, fooding and lodging to these poor children and also gives them a platform where they can mix with children of other regions. They are being taught to lead a healthy and disciplined life.
Ram Narayan Vishkarma, a volunteer of the hostel, said that the initiative was taken in 1950s by Rama Kant Keshav Deshpandey. He and Ravishankar Shukla from south Bihar thought of strengthening the weaker sections of society. “They used to collect ‘vanvasis’ and teach them in jungles. In 1981, his disciples opened this hostel for tribal children in a two-room complex at the bungalow of Narendra Jeet Singh. “Initially, we had five children. In 1986, it got shifted to Rawatpur village and started under a small tin-shed on a land provided by the Ram Lalla Trust,” he said.
The hostel is run on public donations. “Whatever, we have is donated by people. We send these kids to schools. Some schools don’t charge fee, some oblige us by reducing the bus fair. Our main motive is to educate tribal children and make them self-dependent,” he said.
Student Amrit Lal from Balrampur said that he is living in the hostel since past 11 years. He was 8-year-old when he first came here. After completing his schooling from a local school, he is now doing his bachelor in pharmacy from a private college. “I find myself lucky to be a part of this hostel. Had I not come here, I would have been nothing. I could now proudly say that I am educated man. After I complete my education and get a job I would like to do something for the hostel,” he said. There are many children who are doing graduation. “It is an inexpressible feeling to see these children grow. Students between 6 and 25 years are kept here. They get up at 4.30am and have a schedule to follow. If a student has interest in learning music, dance, sports or another activity, we try to arrange an expert for him,” Tilak Raj, an ex-military officer said.