Thane teacher spends own salary to rebuild crumbling Adivasi school

Anand Sonkamble, a Zilla Parishad teacher posted in Chargaon village in Thane district, has used his own salary and mobilised donations to rebuild a dilapidated school attended by 25 Adivasi children. He found the building in a dangerous state when he arrived in September, with a leaking roof that could collapse any time.

Sonkamble approached government officials, NGOs, corporates and the Rotary Club of Ambarnath. The club adopted the school under its Happy School Project, constructing a new ground-plus-one classroom, separate toilets for boys and girls, and renovating the kitchen. Sonkamble also bought a smart TV from his pocket for digital learning.

"Students have a right to my salary too," Sonkamble said. Rotary Club president Mukesh Vispute said the aim was to create a safe learning environment where every child can learn with dignity.