Lessons Beyond the Blackboard: Stories of Rural Students
DATE: 18th June 2025 LOCATION: Bhararhi Vidyanikethan, Dhanwada, Narayanpet The school was small, with limited ventilation and two main blocks — one for pre-primary and primary students, and another for high school students up to 10th grade. The first thing I noticed — and liked — was how lively the kids were. Being in a rural area, I expected a natural vibrancy, and it didn’t disappoint. The infrastructure was neither too good nor too bad. I appreciated that the principal had installed solar panels, but to my surprise, when I stepped into the classroom, there was no electricity. It made me wonder if the solar setup was more of a display than a functioning resource. The classroom had around eleven students, filled with second-hand materials — both from homes and school reuse. Most students were shy to speak on camera, so I switched to voice recording and written answers. The environment among the teachers and students was friendly — I could see genuine connection and kindness, an...