Latest news with #SaraswatiPuja
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Beyond the call of duty: How a govt official transformed a school for tribal kids in Garhwa
Ranchi: During the Saraswati Puja in February this year, Garhwa district welfare officer, Dheeraj Prakash, happened to visit the Janjatiya Awasiya Vidhyalaya, a residential school for ST students run by his department and located in Naxal-hit Kudrum, a remote area in Garhwa district. What Prakash saw there was disheartening — crumbling infrastructure and an environment far from ideal for young children. Amid his helplessness to do anything at that time, Prakash made a silent vow, "It must change." Days later, he began a modest personal intervention in the Nilambar Hostel, meant for junior section students studying between classes 1-7. Despite limited resources and the school's challenging location, nearly 45km away in a forested region — he chose not to wait for govt funds or schemes. Prakash began mobilising personal resources, including from like-minded people in his department and undertook multiple site visits to renovate the hostel. Today, the facility is transformed and it gives the inmates a sense of dignity. it wasn't a large-scale project, but a noble one inspired not by official obligation, but by empathy and purpose. Talking to TOI on Tuesday, Prakash, who earlier served in various official capacities in Sahibganj and other districts, said he was at a loss of words when he first visited the school. "I was called by the school authorities during the Saraswati Puja celebrations as a guest. I had also shared bhog (prasad) with the staff and kids there and walked on the campus," he said. Prakash further said, "While the condition of the senior section was largely better, I couldn't believe my eyes to see the pathetic condition of the facility of the junior section. I couldn't sit back, thinking about those kids. They deserved better." After holding a review meeting with his departmental officials, he learnt that four years back, repairs were undertaken but the situation, instead of improving, turned worse. Preparing a fresh detailed project report (DPR) for renovation would take a long time given the maze of bureaucratic channels, even though funds are often earmarked for repairs and upkeep of such govt hostels, he said. "After evaluating the required works along with our engineers, we decided to mobilise the renovation through our own resources and funds. A few like-mind staff, too, joined hands and the work began," Prakash junior section hostel is a G-plus one structure having 28 rooms, two large halls and accommodation for 120 students. So far, Prakash and others have invested Rs 1.5 lakh. "We largely focused on revamping the inside of the building as it mattered the most for the kids. Gradually, the entire structure was whitewashed and painted. Moreover, other repairs were done by local workers. The defunct electric wiring system was also rectified to ensure proper lighting and cleanliness," Prakash said, adding that work related to pipelines needs an upgrade for which they are exploring ways.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Time of India
3 held for gang rape of 18-yr-old girl
1 2 Ranchi: Three persons were arrested on Sunday in connection with the gang rape of an 18-year-old girl in Ranchi, police said on Monday. The accused are Jagdish Swansi, Vishnu Munda and Deepak Munda, all aged between 18 and 20 years. Ranchi SP (Rural) Sumit Agrawal said, "Police had registered a case in this connection on Sunday following a complaint by the girl's father. Taking swift action the police arrested the three accused. They have admitted their involvement in the crime." He said that the girl got to know Vishnu during Saraswati Puja and subsequently remained in touch on social media. A week ago, Vishnu took the girl to a hill near her village where he along with two other accused persons committed the crime. The relatives could not inform police immediately as the girl was admitted in a hospital after the incident, the SP said.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Time of India
Teacher gets 3-year jail term for molesting minor girl in Jajpur
Kendrapada: A 41-year-old private school teacher has been sentenced to three years in jail for molesting a 12-year-old student in Jajpur district. The verdict was pronounced on Thursday by the Ad-hoc Additional District and Sessions Judge at the Fast Track Special Court. The accused, a Hindi teacher, was found guilty of molesting the Class VII student during Saraswati Puja celebrations on Jan 31, 2017. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000, with an additional three-month jail term if the fine is not paid. The incident came to light when the survivor refused to attend school the next day and disclosed the incident and threats made by the teacher to her parents. An FIR was filed by her mother on Feb 1, 2017, and the teacher was arrested. Special public prosecutor Rajendra Prasad Nayak said the judgment was based on statements from six witnesses, including the victim. The school suspended the teacher immediately after the complaint. The conviction comes eight years after the incident. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Kendrapada: A 41-year-old private school teacher has been sentenced to three years in jail for molesting a 12-year-old student in Jajpur district. The verdict was pronounced on Thursday by the Ad-hoc Additional District and Sessions Judge at the Fast Track Special Court. The accused, a Hindi teacher, was found guilty of molesting a Class VII student during Saraswati Puja celebrations on Jan 31, 2017. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000, with an additional three-month jail term if the fine is not paid. The incident came to light when the survivor refused to attend school the next day and disclosed the incident and threats made by the teacher to her parents. An FIR was filed by her mother on Feb 1, 2017, and the teacher was arrested. Special public prosecutor Rajendra Prasad Nayak said the judgment was based on statements from six witnesses, including the victim. The school suspended the teacher immediately after the complaint. The conviction comes eight years after the incident.
