During his tenure as a probationary trainee officer in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, IAS officer Ravindra Goswami observed that the handwriting of the children from government schools of the district was so poor that hardly anyone could understand their words. Realizing very well that this bad handwriting would create a hindrance in their education and affect their future career prospects, he decided to help them improve it. And so, Project Sulekh was launched.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, he shared details about the project.
PROJECT SULEKH
While on a visit to the government schools of the district, Mr. Goswami observed that the children were all sitting on the floor, hunched over their notebooks lying on their laps, and writing their classwork. He examined a student’s notebook and found his writing almost indecipherable. He moved on to another student’s notebook and the result was the same.
“Tables and benches in government schools are usually distributed to higher standard classes, such as 9 to 12. But I believe that a student’s handwriting develops during the early stages of their lives and stays the same till the end. It is very important to take care of it in early classes rather than at a later stage,” Mr. Goswami told Indian Masterminds.
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Therefore, in an effort to improve the handwriting of children studying in government schools, the officer launched Project Sulekh, under which he decided to donate tables and benches specifically for younger students.
A FEASIBLE PROJECT
The officer developed a model according to the local need of the schools and children. He got iron framed tables constructed for the children of the school. These tables were strong, durable, and made in such a way that till the next 15-20 years, children of the school would be able to use them without any degradation.
“The project was feasible and we could cover all the cost smoothly with the help of community donors. Until now, we have arranged over 1000 desks for the children which have proved to be extremely beneficial for their handwriting as well as their physical health, as now they don’t have to hunch over their laps and strain their necks to write. It also connects the community with the school and the community takes the onus of the school and its infrastructure” stated Mr. Goswami.
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A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT
Currently posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Personnel, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. Goswami believes that infrastructure is one of the most important things in a school or any other organization that trains people.
“It helps in developing the soft skills of a person. Focusing on infrastructure will help in ensuring appropriate soft skills which will be beneficial in a person’s life in the long run,” he said. Looking at the commendable step taken by the IAS officer, other communities and organizations have also come forward to provide help towards this cause. The project was birthed in the year 2017 and is still going strong with thousands of children now writing on desks and improving their handwriting, all thanks to the officer and his team.
