Mor Singh, a 60-year-old farmer from the hilly village of Piplodi in Rajasthan, India, has gained local admiration for his extraordinary decision to convert his home into a school amidst a crisis. Following a deadly incident where a classroom roof collapsed due to heavy rainfall, Singh offered his modest two-room house as a makeshift school for about 50-60 children from the village.
Singh's act of kindness has not gone unnoticed; recently, he received 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,266) from the state government as a token of acknowledgment for his contributions to the community's educational needs.
The dire need for a school emerged starkly after the tragic event on July 25, which resulted in the loss of seven children’s lives and injuries to many others, rendering their school unusable. Two days post-incident, Singh and his family temporarily relocated to a makeshift shelter while his home began serving as a classroom, ensuring that local children did not miss out on their education.
Despite personal sacrifices, including leaving behind his comfortable living situation, Singh expressed that the children's education was his priority. If I had not taken that quick decision, many children would have dropped out. The only other school is in a neighboring village, two kilometers away. The younger students would struggle with such a trek, he said.
Rajasthan experienced unprecedented rainfall, establishing July as the wettest in nearly 70 years, which greatly affected school infrastructures across the state. A survey indicated severe deterioration in over 5,600 schools statewide.
In response to Singh’s efforts, local officials have worked to have Piplodi designated as a “model village,” aiming to secure additional funding for a new, dedicated school and other vital facilities. However, plans for a new school may still take up to 18 months before completion.
Mor Singh’s selfless gestures have resonated within his community, with local residents considering him a hero. One father noted, His contribution has prevented children from dropping out, and we all appreciate his gesture. As a result, Singh not only provides a vital educational space but also inspires hope and resilience within a disadvantaged community striving for development.