Community Services

Service to Mankind is next to Godliness. When the massive earthquake shook Kutch and Gujarat, the whole world was shell-shocked at the colossal destruction and loss of lives. That wasn't a time to think but act. And that is exactly what Kiran Sir did!

There are many who are aware of the role that Sir played in the rescue operation during the relief work but most do not know to what extent. I recall very vividly that we were all attending the Republic Day celebrations in the SNK Main School and when the first tremor shook the building, Sir went into action, without even blinking his eyelids! After assessing the loss of the school building, the first thing he did was to close the school for a couple of days so that the building could be cleared of rubble for the classes to re-begin. In the meantime, he immediately contacted the Municipal Commissioner and put the massive school transport system at the Commissioners disposal. All the drivers were given instructions to work in shifts, which they willingly did. Next, he contacted the Ramakrishna Ashram and offered help in whatever way possible. Hundreds of teachers voluntarily came forward to help and the Ashram Kitchen became the hub of activity. Sir was there each day to coordinate and take charge and make sure that everything worked smoothly. Those were the days when the first mobile phones came to India and Sir was in constant touch with all connected with the operations. Food Packets got rolling and there were groups that went from house to house to collect clothes, blankets and medicines. All this was loaded onto the school busses that took them to various NGOs and Agencies working in Bhuj. Many teachers like me, who wanted to be of service on-site, he gave us unconditional permission to work and hence, an opportunity of a life time came along - to serve at the grassroots level. At that point, I saw a different version of the Kiran Sir that we all knew - A man who believed in action without the unnecessary numerous speeches and the fanfare, and I realized the true meaning of respect. They say respect should be earned and Kiran Sir definitely did!

For me, at a personal level, it was an education in itself. Along with 3 other teachers, we worked relentlessly with the NGO, Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyaan for 3 months, stationed in Habai and Lodai, just 17 kms from the epicentre! And that too, on paid salary! We had a fleet of school busses at our disposal and it would never have been possible without the help of Kiran Sir. Later on, in the month of April, Kiran Sir, The Rotary Club of Rajkot and Hotel Rajdoot, sponsored 7 villages and helped organize an exhibition - cum- sale of their handicrafts.

Kiran Sir didn't stop there, as did many of our so-called politicians at that point in time, but ensured that the process of rehabilitation was an on-going process. Hence, he adopted a village, Juni Talavadi, near Wankaner, helping with the school there and the women's small scale industry of spice production. Till date, the school helps sell their products of clean, hygienic and unadulterated spices to the school community and the public. Sir also saw that the land was bereft of any vegetation and hence, on a regular basis, tree-planting was held in and around the village by the teachers and students of SNK. Today, the trees have grown big and the village has benefited immensely through the continuous efforts and vision of Kiran Sir. Another school was set up in Metoda with the help of The Rotary Club of Rajkot and is successfully being run by the school management. Keeping hope alive long after the promises were made - this is true commitment.

Ask anyone in the school and they'll have at least one incident to share where Sir has helped them on humanitarian grounds. Though every one cribs about SNK, look at the quality of adults it has produced. Children who have passed out have spread their wings and are now successful people in the careers they have chosen. After all, it is the education and the guidance they have received at the school under the onus of Sir's principles, which draws them apart. If children had the right to vote, Sir would win hands down! What's more, he is one of those rare people who is approachable and has the fine quality of a good listener. He is forthright and non-judgemental. I feel privileged to have worked under him and know for sure that many like me, who have worked with him and know him, feel the same.

Kiran Sir isn't one of those people who would want publicity and pictures of him appearing on the front page, or for that matter Page 3 of every newspaper, and this itself shows his integrity as a genuinely compassionate human being who believes in doing the right thing without thinking of the accolades or the name.

When I heard people ask of what has he done as community service and cast doubts on his ability as a leader, I felt the need to share this with my fellow citizens simply because it is easy to see the man's persona and pass comments but it is vital to see the human being behind the facade of the persona to really make a judgement.

Whatever said and done, he is one man you could either love or hate, but definitely cannot ignore! For, he is a man who firmly believes, I believe, that change is always for the betterment of the community and the only means to get out of the rut and make a difference is by taking a stand.

Today, when the time has come for reckoning, I think it becomes pertinent to see the qualities, education, experience, principles and the vision that Kiran Sir holds and support him in his endeavour to take our country to the heights that are possible with the vast, diversified culture and potential that the youth of tomorrow have! And what could be better than having a leader with clarity in vision and the ability to bring that change, than just talk like the rest of the world does! Thank you, Sir and wishing you success - May the Force Be with You - Jai Ho! ---

-Pintueli Gajjar
Artist, Environmentalist & Educationist.
 
 
Kiran Patel Community Services Kiran Patel
Community Services		  
     
Kiran Patel Community Services Kiran Patel
Community Services		  
 


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