Techie couple working in US admit son in ZP Marathi school to connect to roots
Kolhapur: A woman software engineer working in the US with her husband on Monday enrolled her seven-year-old son, Vihan, in a zilla parishad school in Sangli district's Atpadi to learn Marathi, his mother tongue.
Vihan will live with his maternal uncle and attend school with his cousins.
Vihan's mother, Bharati Vijaykumar Shelke, told TOI that the boy was studying in a North Carolina-based school, where where the neighbourhood primarily consisted of English-speaking residents. "At the start, he could speak a few words in Marathi. But we were shocked to see him forgetting his mother tongue as he grew older. We wanted him to learn Marathi and felt this was the right age for it.
We chose a ZP Marathi school for its focus on quality education and fewer distractions.
My brother's daughters are already studying there, and seeing them thrive made up our minds," she said.
Bharati's husband, Vijaykumar, has been working in the US as a software engineer for around 15 years. She moved to the US after her marriage in 2016. The couple have two sons, with another just two-year-old. Vijaykumar holds an L1 visa, allowing him to work temporarily in the US due to an intra-company transfer from their foreign office, while Bharati holds and L2 visa, which allows the spouse and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of an L1 visa holder to enter and stay in the US.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Enpal zahlt jedem Hausbesitzer bis zu 2.000€ jährlich, wenn...
Enpal | Solaranlage fürs Dach
Undo
"There is still one-and-a-half years for the termination of the visa. We may decide to come back to India depending on situations, such as promotion. We explored other options like online tutoring for Vihan in the Marathi language, but it lacked the actual experience of learning," Bharati said.
The couple first stayed in New York state and moved to Charlotte in North Carolina about a year back, where Vihan finished his first grade at a local school.
Homeopath Umesh Balte, the maternal uncle of Vihan, said, "I shifted my twin daughters from a private school to a ZP school due to a lack of quality teachers. Now, they've improved significantly. My nephew Vihan will join them in Std II."
Bharati visited India during summer vacation and planned to stay with her brother temporarily, working from home, but might return to the US if needed. Meanwhile, her son Vihan would stay in India to connect with his roots, and she would take him back to the US later.
The ZP Marathi shala in Atpadi has gained recognition for its students' success in talent search exams, attracting parents who previously opted for private schools. "Our teachers are student-friendly and focus on excellence in competitive exams. We're seeing a surge in admissions, with 90 students joining Std I this year, up from 60 last year. Notably, 20-25 students have shifted from private schools to our school.
We've also upgraded infrastructure with LED projectors and educational tools like math-learning toys," Sangli ZP block education officer Jagannath Kolape said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Libra Daily Health Horoscope Today, June 18, 2025: Protect your energy like a resource
Libra, daily horoscopes await your discovery according to how mighty planets act on your health and vitality. Get helpful insights to coordinate your day with clarity and confidence. Maintain your balance and bask in the good cosmic vibes. Dear Libra, today the universe asks you to treat your energy like treasure. Not everyone deserves your attention, time, or kindness. You often give too much, trying to please everyone. Now it's time to protect your peace. Say no without guilt. Step back from draining people or places. Your calm energy is your power—save it for those who honour it. Guard it with care today. Libra Health Horoscope Today Fatigue or headache may not be physical—they may be signs that you're emotionally drained. Take quiet breaks. Rest in calm surroundings. Avoid overcommitting. You don't have to do everything for everyone. Recharge yourself first. Your energy will return quickly if you stop letting others take it without limit. Libra Wellness Horoscope Today Emotional wellness today requires gentle boundaries. Protect yourself from gossip, arguments, or negative people. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo You don't need to explain your silence. Sometimes not reacting is the best healing. A calm space, soft music or time alone will help restore your balance. When you protect your emotional energy, your heart becomes lighter and your mind clearer. Choose peace over performance today. Libra Love Horoscope Today In love, maintain boundaries without building walls. If you're in a relationship, avoid draining conversations today—talk softly or just spend quiet time together. If you're single, don't give your energy to someone who doesn't value your presence. Love should recharge you, not exhaust you. Stay open, but stay guarded too. The right connection respects your space. Libra Career Horoscope Today Career today may feel busy and emotionally loud. Protect your mental space at work. Don't get involved in office drama or unnecessary tasks. Your work speaks for itself. Take short breaks to breathe. You'll achieve more by doing less if your energy stays focused. Saying 'no' today will create space for something better tomorrow. Libra Money Horoscope Today Money-wise, today's guidance is to avoid impulsive spending or lending. Your energy and money are both precious—give with thought. You may feel like buying peace through things, but pause and reflect. A wise, small investment in something calming—like a home item or self-care—will bring peace. Protect your wealth the same way you protect your mood—with grace and strength. Libra Affirmation Today: My energy is sacred, and I protect it fully. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Padma Shri farmer Seeding Sathya finds place in Kerala's Class 4 textbook
Mangaluru: A lesson on Padma Shri awardee Sathyanarayana Beleri, popularly known as Seeding Sathya, has been included in Class 4 Kannada textbook in Kerala. Beleri is a rice farmer from Nettanige village in Kasaragod, Kerala, bordering Dakshina Kannada. The lesson titled 'Battada Taligala Saradara' is based on an article written by retired Prof Narendra Rai Derla, published in a Kannada magazine before Beleri was honoured with the Padma Shri. Interestingly, this marks the 19th lesson authored by Prof Derla to be featured in school textbooks across Karnataka and Kerala. Prof Derla said Beleri never preserved paddy varieties for recognition. "He owns limited pieces of land and the soil is not fit for paddy cultivation. Despite these challenges, Beleri went to extraordinary lengths to conserve indigenous rice varieties, even resorting to growing them in grow bags. In a rare reversal of roles, Beleri supplied nearly 200 seed varieties to agricultural universities across India, institutions that typically serve as seed providers to farmers," he said. Ramanna Delampady, Kannada language textbook committee member, said the textbooks are developed based on the Kerala Curriculum Framework 2024, under the State Council for Educational Research and Training. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo A curriculum committee oversees the process, adopting a thematic approach to enhance learning. For language subjects, 14 themes have been identified, one of which is agriculture. As part of this theme, the story of Beleri has been introduced. For Class 4, the chosen theme is 'Varieties of Paddy', which also includes profiles of successful individuals in agriculture and an introduction to farming equipment. The aim is to celebrate a local figure, making the content more relatable for students, he said. Beleri said he was happy that his life has become a source of inspiration for children. "Receiving the Padma Shri brought with it a deep sense of responsibility. When a farmer is recognised with such an honour, it naturally sparks curiosity among people that has led to surge in demand," he said. Beleri has over 650 paddy varieties. "The real challenge lies not just in collecting them, but in maintaining them. I developed my own methods of cultivation through trial and error, often learning from setbacks," he said. Amit Shah wishes Beleri on birthday Beleri was in Bengaluru on June 15 when he received a surprise birthday call from Union home minister Amit Shah. "I was shocked when told it was the home minister. I said I do not understand English or Hindi, but he still wished me. That is when I realised it was my birthday," he said.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Powai residents pay respects to AI pilot on his final journey
1 2 3 4 5 Mumbai: Captain Sumeet Sabharwal's mortal remains arrived at his residence in Powai's Jal Vayu Vihar at 8:45 on Tuesday morning. A hush fell over the housing complex, with Air India crew, fellow aviators, and family and friends filing in quietly. Residents of the locality gathered in clusters—some in grief, others in disbelief—outside the building where Capt Sabharwal (56) lived, the compound echoing with stories of the man they called "a thorough gentleman." From pilots who flew beside him to the crew that flew with him, neighbours who knew him simply as the kind man with a calm smile, all stood still in the moment. "I can't tell you what a thorough gentleman he was," said Usha Talawdekar, a resident of Powai Park. A retired Air India cabin crew member who served 37 years in the skies, she paused to compose herself outside the gates of Jal Vayu Vihar. "I've flown with him. Every request he made came suffixed with, 'whenever you get the time'. No ego. Never demanded respect. We all just loved him. And he was an ace pilot." Her eyes welled up again. "Too early for him to go," she said, wiping her tears away. "Air India pilots are the best. They always know what they're doing." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo On June 12, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal's final flight—AI171 from Ahmedabad to London—crashed seconds into the take-off. As the coffin was brought into Jal Vayu Vihar, his 92-year-old father, a former DGCA official, Pushkaraj Sabharwal—a widower—stood silently, flanked by his daughter, her sons, other family members, neighbours, and several pilots and cabin crew. Residents carried the coffin to the building's temple and offered their final prayers. Savitri Budhania, an elderly resident, said, "It was just Saturday," she said, pointing to the path where he last walked. "He took prasad from my hands right there." Her voice broke. "I told him, 'Your father is too old to be alone.' And he said, 'Just one or two more flights… then I'm going to just be with Papa.'" She added softly, "Who knew this was going to be it. Whenever he wasn't flying, you'd find him walking hand in hand with his father in the evenings. They would smile at everyone, just wonderful quiet people." The Sabharwals lived in Jal Vayu Vihar for 22 years. Those from the aviation sector hoped that the details of what caused the crash are released soon. "We hope the report is accurate and acted upon so that no such tragedy takes place again. We have lost too many lives," said retired Captain S Krishnamurthy of the Indian Air Force, who lived three floors above Sabharwal. Meanwhile in Goregaon, the remains of senior cabin officer Aparna Mahadik arrived at Oberoi Esquire apartment around 9pm. Senior NCP leader Sunil Tatkare and his daughter Aditi, close relatives of the Mahadiks, led the mourners. Over in Navi Mumbai, air hostess Maithili Patil (23) was cremated in Nhava village. Her parents performed the rituals without opening the coffin given that her remains were charred. Her younger sister was inconsolable and sobbed as she embraced her coffin. Two officials of Air India offered a wreath with a message that read, 'With Deepest Sympathy, From Air India Family'. BJP MLAs Prashant Thakur and Mahesh Baldi from Panvel and Uran attended. (Inputs from George Mendonca, Umesh Parida & Shourya Avankhedkar)
