This is a story of a Gandhi who dedicated his life to a cause of education. No, not the fancy money printing schools but a well run school for those girls who come from disadvantaged sections of the society.
This is the story of my friend, Gandhi-ji. Sh. Omprakash Gandhiji, Padma Shri.
Padma Shri? What?
Yep! 4th highest civilian order of India Padma Shri was bestowed on Sh. Omprakash Gandhiji in 2022. An octogenarian who was born in a small village on the banks of Yamuna in British era.
I grew up listening to his stories from my father. About how Gandhiji left a well paying job of Physics Professor at Rampur College in Uttar Pradesh to ensure he spends his youth for the cause of female education.
Where? In his home district.
Why? The community of gurjars were primarily involved in agriculture. Sending boys to study was a taboo in itself forget girl education. In such circumstances, he established Gurjar Kanya Vidya Mandir in Devghar of Haryana.
Oh, so what went next?
5 decades of extreme hard work. It was not just a school that he had to run but spread awareness in the community about importance of education for girls. He was outcasted, disrespected and even asked to never step in some villages (ofc in not so polite manner)
Man is built different. He did not just keep moving but today, you name the best in this country and they have either worked with him, contributed to his work or simply acknowledged his efforts publicly. His dedication to work, simple clothing and efforts earned him title of Gandhi among the region and that’s how he is known today. A big man!
Comes 2022 and Govt. of India reaches out to him.
“Hum aapko Padma Shri dena chaahte hai, kya aap swikaar karenge?”
He just said one phrase: “Mithai aur Badai kise acchi nahi lagti sahab?”
So this tough man is not just hard worker but can crack some funny bones, too. But how did I become friends with him?
Remember how I told you I grew up listening to his stories from my father? I was a kid when my father and I were at a high end gathering. I remember a conversation where someone asked my father about Gandhiji and said
Acha, toh Gandhiji aapke gaanv se hai?
to this, my father replies
Nahi, hum unke gaanv se hai
You heard me right. The real name of Gandhiji is Sh. Om Prakash Poswal. I come from the village where he was born and today, entire country recognizes him. The very first time I met him, he hugged me and said: “ye toh mera puraana dost hai” (what a fun man, bruh!)
Nevertheless here’s me with my friend, Gandhiji
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