Very often the existing educational system becomes subject of our perpetual dissatisfaction, probably not without reason. And like most problems that strike the 'socially concerned' citizens like us, this one too fails to raise a suitable solution. If it weren't for the people like Dwarko Sundrani, we would continue to disregard any exceptions also.

His brainchild, Samanway Vidyapith stands as a lone example of a truly noble effort of striving towards a better education. It is everything the visionary educationalists in the past dreamed of, and more. It is possible to impart education with a purpose more significant and holistic than just finding a job. Located in the Gaya district of Bihar, Samanway Vidyapith presents itself as a remarkable example of the same.
Working since 1954 and spread across 15 villages in Bihar, Samanway Vidyapith works with 3.2 million people called Musahar who are the worst victimized community in the prevalent rigidity of the caste system here. In an environment where in spite of governmental efforts only 5% of harijans attend the school none of whom are girls, Samnway Ashram is the unique institution to have 40% of its student population as girls. It's activities also comprises the medical service, agriculture, diary development and housing programmes.

The children are brought to school at the age of 4-7 years. They are trained and educated for 12 years and rehabilitated on the land that has been given to their parents. While aiming at the full mental and moral development of the pupil, the school also trains him for self-reliance and social service as an agent of social change and reconstruction. Since unconventional education of this kind cannot be for the sole goal of state prescribed examination, its teachers and workers are free from the control of the state and redundant grip of its bureaucracy. The radicalism has to be paid for by deprivation of any Government aid or grant. The Vidyapith has solved its financial problem in a unique manner, by securing the aid of a number of Indian and foreign foster-parents who can contribute a fixed amount monthly for their ward.
Relentlessly standing for his principles against all the odds is the man of his own kind; Shri Dwarko Sundrani. He has been running this Ashram for Adivasis and poor children, in a far away place 'Bodh Gaya' in Bihar for atleast 25 years. This internationally famous Ashram is conducted on Gandhian lines, where poor are fed, clothed and given education, all free of charge.

This Gem in the Sindhi community was born in 1922 at Larkana, Sindh now in Pakistan, passed his matriculation from Larkana High School. Thereafter he joined C.S college at Shikarpur in the year 1942. During the same year he joined the Quit India Movement and became the student leader. After Partition, he came to India in 1947 and joined Sant Vinoba Bhave in his Bhoodan work and in the due course of time became his managing trustee. He joined him in Pad Yatras of Vinobaji's famous book 'Geeta Pravachan' in Sindhi.

After that with generous support from Vinobaji he started the Ashram. He also received ample appreciation and encouragement from the Late Shri Jayprakash Narayan.
Sometime back the Vidyapith started another experi-mentative project. It picked from the neighbouring rural areas a number of young men who had dropped out of school to find gainful employment and had failed to find any. A course of theoretical and practical learning has been devised for them so as to develop them not only as useful producers but also as part-time village workers and leaders.
This matchless effort to co-relate education and development at a time India needs it most should be supported and the efforts multiplied.

Parts of the article have been adapted from an article by Shri Jayaprakash Narayan