Dr Kuber Dindor: A Biography -4

 

Menial to Minister: An Adventurous Odessey of Dr Kuber Dindor

“As I drive down the very same roads, now paved, where I once filled potholes with earth as a teenager during a drought, a whirlwind of memories from the past fills my heart. This feeling is beyond words.”: Dr Kuber Dindor

 

(A biography by Shri Ishwar Prajapati

Into English by Pallavi Gupta)

Part 4: The Conclusion

Kuberbhai's innovative approach to his work caught the attention of the senior leadership. The leadership had been actively seeking a robust leader for the tribal and backward areas. Consequently, in 2006, he was entrusted with the responsibility of the Santarampur Mandal president. Having fulfilled this role with distinction, he was elevated to the district-level position in 2009. Kuberbhai tirelessly devoted himself to public welfare, working round the clock.

While the Jallianwala Bagh massacre is a well-documented tragedy of the Indian Independence Movement, many other such incidents have been relegated to the annals of history. Mangad, situated near Santrampur, is one such forgotten martyr's memorial.

During the freedom struggle, a massacre akin to Jallianwala Bagh occurred at Mangad. However, this historical event remained largely obscure. The history of Mangad held many untold stories. Kuberbhai, deeply moved by the spiritual awakening instigated by Govind Guruji, envisioned bringing the history of Mangad to the forefront and developing the site.

In 2012, he met with Modiji to discuss the historical significance of Mangad. He recounted the sacrifices made by hundreds of tribal people and the spiritual revival initiated by Govind Guru. Impressed by the lesser-known and fascinating aspects of Mangad, Modiji assured Kuberbhai of his support in developing the site. As a result, the Mangad Martyrs' Memorial was developed. Today, people from far and wide visit this sacred site to pay their respects. The massacre took place on November 17, 1913. To commemorate this events Kuberbhai initiated a yearly pilgrimage to Mangad on the same date to raise awareness.

 

Kuberbhai, in a meeting with the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, presented a compelling case for the development of tribal areas. After decades, this region seemed to have finally taken flight towards progress. Kuberbhai's approach was characterized by a strict adherence to three principles: the presentation must be accurate, it must benefit the marginalized, and it must be delivered in a simple, straightforward manner. Modiji was so impressed by his qualities that he appointed him as the General Secretary of the Gujarat Tribal Morcha in 2013. Subsequently, for his satisfactory performance, he was appointed Chairman of the Forest Development Corporation in 2015, entrusting him with even greater responsibilities.

 

The top leadership's confidence in Kuberbhai was justified by his transparent management. Upon assuming the position of Chairman of the Forest Development Corporation, he successfully transformed the historically loss-making organization, achieving a record profit of 80 crores. Kuberbhai possessed a profound understanding of the challenges faced by the tribal people who would rise at 4 AM to collect tendu leaves in the forest for sustenance. His own childhood experiences of accompanying his parents on similar endeavors fostered this empathy. With unwavering dedication, he led the Forest Development Corporation, resulting in a turnaround and subsequent distribution of profits as royalties to approximately 90,000 individuals.

 

In the run-up to the 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections, Prime Minister Modi and the top leadership were on the lookout for a strong leader from the tribal community. Surveys conducted by media houses, intelligence agencies, and trusted sources for the Santrampur constituency consistently pointed to one name: Dr. Kuberbhai Dindor. When he was announced as the party candidate, local political opponents were stunned and launched significant opposition. However, Kuberbhai, with his astute political acumen, skillfully neutralized the opposition and strategized for victory with a calm mind. His decades of selfless service culminated in a resounding victory in the 2017 Assembly elections. This win was a testament to the faith placed in him by Prime Minister Modi and the top leadership. As a first-time MLA, Kuberbhai was appointed as a Minister of State, a responsibility he discharged with utmost dedication. He even published a detailed account of the 1072 crore worth of projects undertaken by his ministry, surprising even his opponents with his transparency.

 

He kept the doors of his office open to the public at the Gandhinagar Secretariat, fostering a welcoming and approachable atmosphere where anyone could come and present their concerns. Despite holding a ministerial position, he maintained his connection to the people, strengthening his bond with them. Even with his busy schedule, he made it a point to attend both big and small events at the homes of his constituents, no matter how insignificant the worker. To ensure that visitors to his office faced no inconvenience, he took meticulous care. He not only won the hearts of his constituents but also gained immense popularity among the people of the entire state by being down-to-earth as a minister.

 

As a result of all these efforts, Kuberbhai was renominated for the 2022 Assembly elections. Voters came out spontaneously to support him, turning the election into a movement to ensure his victory. The once Congress stronghold, the tribal region, had now become a BJP bastion, a transformation attributed to decades of dedicated work by sincere workers like Kuberbhai. The outcome of the 2022 election was a foregone conclusion, with Kuberbhai winning by a landslide. With this resounding victory, his responsibilities in the government increased. This time, he was entrusted with the cabinet-level portfolio. It is often said that those who are capable are given greater responsibilities.

 

Traditionally, tribal leaders were often assigned ministries related to tribal affairs. However, this trend changed post-Independence. Dr. Kuberbhai Dindor was entrusted with the education portfolio, a decision that must have been made with careful consideration by Prime Minister Modi and the top leadership. For the first time in Gujarat's history, a doctorate holder was given the education portfolio. As a seasoned academic and professor, Dr. Dindor had a deep understanding of the challenges faced by teachers and students. His ability to guide officials in the right direction has led to the resolution of several long-standing issues in the education department. When visiting schools, he treats teachers with respect and avoids taking the principal's seat, thus upholding the dignity of the position. He has a knack for gently correcting mistakes made by teachers or officials. Dr. Dindor is quick to make important decisions in the best interests of children. Corrupt officials tremble at the mere sight of him. He promotes honesty and punishes corruption. As a result, he is deeply respected by the common people. As the Education Minister of Gujarat, he has taken historic decisions and set new benchmarks.

 

Despite holding a cabinet-level ministerial position, his parents continue to reside in their modest ancestral home. His elder brother is a schoolteacher, and his other siblings remain aloof from politics. Flaunting authority in government offices is completely alien to his upbringing. The Dindor family is not involved in any contracts or NGOs. The entire family is known for its simplicity and prefers a low-profile lifestyle. While achieving success might be relatively easy, it is far more challenging to handle it gracefully. Even after attaining immense success, the Dindor family has truly embraced the essence of humility. When you meet Dindor, you will hardly sense the weight of his position. He engages in candid conversations with a warm and open heart.

 

During the recent heavy rainfall in Gujarat, Kuberbhai worked tirelessly day and night, standing by the affected population and overseeing relief operations. He personally took up an axe to clear trees that had fallen on roads due to the storm, setting an example for others. His call-to-action inspired teachers across the state to join the relief efforts. Kuberbhai's decisive leadership and administrative skills in restoring normalcy to the disrupted lives of people affected by the calamity were widely praised.

 

Dr. Kuberbhai Dindor has always held onto the words of his father. When he became a minister, his father had advised him, 'Son, a wealthy person can get anything done, but there is no one to listen to the poor in this world. Therefore, do work that benefits the poor.' His father's advice has become his guiding principle in life.

 

Dr. Kuberbhai Dindor reminisces, 'While working on drought relief projects in 1987-88, I filled potholes with soil on these very roads. Today, as I drive my car as the education minister on these now-paved roads, a whirlwind of memories from the past fills my heart. I will never forget the days when we used to sleep on straw during the winters to keep warm. The sleepless nights spent cleaning utensils during the monsoon rains are still vivid in my mind.' Even while speaking in his ministerial chamber, one can clearly see the emotions of the past reflected in his eyes.

 

The Gujarat state is really very fortunate to have acquired an education minister as natural, simple, learned, and dedicated as Dr Kuber Dindor.

Published on Ishwar Prajapati's Study Room on 16th September '24. The link is...

https://ishvarprajapati.blogspot.com/2024/09/monday-special.html

©️ Pallavi Gupta 🌷

Dr Kuber Dindor- A Biography -3

Menial to Minister: An Adventurous Odyssey of 

Dr Kuber Dindor

                        (A biography by Ishwar Prajapati,

 Translated into English by Pallavi Gupta)

Part - 3

       Dr. Kuber Dindor met the then Chief Minister Mr Narendra Modi for the first time in 2004. From the very first meeting, Mr Narendra Modi had recognized the heroism of this young leader.

         Sodden and triumphant, Kuberbhai boarded a truck and embarked on a journey home, passing through Harsol, Dhansura, Modasa, and Malpur. He finally arrived at his ancestral home at eleven o'clock at night, amidst a torrential downpour. His heart pounding with the news of his newfound professorship. The relentless monsoon had transformed his journey into a perilous pilgrimage. As he stepped into his humble abode, still marked by the indignities of a leaky roof, he offered his parents the tangible proof of his academic achievement.

         The following day, he proudly displayed his appointment letter to the entire village. Yet, few could believe that Kuberbhai had ascended to the esteemed position of a college professor. To mark this significant milestone, he borrowed money and traveled to Santrampur to purchase two new sets of clothing. With his new attire and a handkerchief neatly packed, he set off for Talod. On September 19, 1994, he commenced his duties as a professor at Talod College. Talod was entirely new territory for him. With no acquaintances in the town, he initially stayed with a relative, commuting to the college. Subsequently, he received invaluable support from the college principal, Natubhai, and the head of the Hindi department, V.P. Chauhan. Soon, he became a permanent resident of the Talod hostel. In no time, Kuberbhai had become a beloved figure among the students. His affable nature endeared him to his pupils. Ever mindful of his humble beginnings, he was always eager to assist students in need.

       His academic achievement had transformed Kuberbhai into an eligible bachelor. Marriage proposals, driven more by ambition than affection, began to flood his doorstep. Yet, Kuberbhai remained steadfast in his desire to find a partner who shared his values. Guided by his mentors, he found his perfect match in Jagrutiben, a woman of intellect and grace.

      The allure of his ancestral home was a siren song that Kuberbhai could not resist. Weekends found him traversing the distance between his academic life and his roots. His heart, as much as his feet, was always on the path back to his village. His selfless service to his community had transformed him into a local hero. The villagers hung on his every word, their admiration for him growing with each passing day. This unyielding popularity, however, was a bitter pill for his rivals to swallow.

      The memory of the village sarpanch accepting a bribe of fifty rupees for a door-to-door survey was deeply etched in his mind. When the sarpanch elections approached in 1995, Kuberbhai saw an opportunity to teach the corrupt official a lesson. He mobilized the youth and entered the electoral fray. The outcome was nothing short of miraculous; the corrupt sarpanch was soundly defeated. Since that day, Kuberbhai has held immense sway over village politics, and any candidate he endorses inevitably wins the sarpanch election.

     The Santrampur region, with its tribal majority, was a Congress fiefdom. Victory for the Congress here was almost assured, regardless of the campaign. Yet, Kuberbhai, a man of resolute nationalist convictions, dared to challenge this entrenched dominance. He orchestrated a spirited campaign for the BJP, culminating in the complete shutdown of Congress activities in his village. The party's high command took notice of his exceptional grassroots mobilization. As the campaign for both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections gained momentum, Kuberbhai emerged as the BJP's indefatigable campaigner. Against all odds, he managed to crack the Congress stronghold. The BJP's triumph in the Dahod Lok Sabha seat in 1999 was a testament to his extraordinary leadership.

      While actively involved in politics, Kuberbhai continued to excel as a college professor. As an NSS program officer, he initiated numerous constructive activities in the villages surrounding Talod, leaving an enduring legacy. During an NSS camp in one such village, he led a successful campaign to make the entire community pledge to abstain from substance abuse. Even today, no shops or stalls in that village sell tobacco or gutkha. For these commendable efforts, Kuberbhai was honored as the best NSS program officer. In collaboration with the renowned Ahmedabad-based laboratory, Prathama, he organized a blood donation camp, collecting over 350 units of blood. He also played a pivotal role as the in-charge of the 'Vanche Gujarat' campaign in the Talod region, a state-wide initiative launched during Modi's tenure as Chief Minister. Kuberbhai has consistently supported underprivileged students from the Santrampur region by facilitating their higher education at Talod College. He has personally borne the educational expenses of numerous students who were on the verge of dropping out due to financial constraints. Today, many of these students are gainfully employed and attribute their success entirely to Kuberbhai.

        Day by day the increasing popularity of Kuberbhai also increased the number of opponents in his constituency. As a result, when the communal riots that took place after the Godhra incident on February 27, 2002, 46 persons were booked in Santrampur area. One of them was named Kuberbhai. Political opponents made a whole plan to end Kuberbhai's political career. But on the day of Kuberbhai's presence in Talod College, the opposition presented solid evidence in the court of law.

         The year 2002 witnessed the conduct of legislative assembly elections, during which Kuberbhai spearheaded a vigorous campaign endorsing the BJP candidate. His exceptional rhetorical skills enabled him to effectively communicate his message to the local constituents, who exhibited an implicit faith in his assertions. As a result of this strategic maneuver, the BJP candidate achieved a landslide victory in the Santrampur constituency. This electoral triumph firmly established Kuberbhai's reputation as a consummate strategist.

         This region, predominantly inhabited by indigenous tribes, was in dire need of visionary leadership. Kuberbhai emerged as a beacon of hope, perceived by the populace as the visionary leader they sought. In 2004, amidst a severe water crisis along the banks of the Mahisagar River, Kuberbhai accompanied the local MP and MLA to present their plight to the then Chief Minister, Mr Narendra Modi. In a poignant appeal, Kuberbhai described the irony of the situation, stating, "Sir, the very people who live in sight of the Mahisagar River are deprived of its life-giving waters." His concise and impactful presentation resonated deeply with Mr Modi, who immediately sanctioned a 70-crore water supply scheme. Kuberbhai's astute advocacy was pivotal in alleviating the region's chronic water scarcity.

          From the very first meeting, Mr Narendra Modi recognized the heroism of this young leader. Kuberbhai's illustrious political career had started its grand journey.

(Continues....)

Published on 9th September '24 on 'Ishwar Prajapati's Study Room' 

The link is .....

https://ishvarprajapati.blogspot.com/2024/09/sunday-special.html

©️Pallavi Gupta🌷

Dr Kuber Dindor- A Biography -2

Menial to Minister: An Adventurous Odyssey of Dr Kuber Dindor

Part-2

(A biography by Ishwar Prajapati,              

Translated into English by Pallavi Gupta)

          Kuberbhai, an indigenous adolescent enrolled in the Santrampur Tribal Boys' Hostel, was diligently pursuing his secondary education. A committed participant in various constructive endeavours, he was deeply disturbed by the deplorable conditions within the hostel. The students were consistently provided with inadequate and substandard meals, often receiving as little as one or two meagre rotis. It became evident that the hostel administrators were embezzling the government-allocated grain, diverting it for their personal gain. The impoverished children residing in the hostel were thus subjected to chronic hunger. Unable to condone such egregious injustices, Kuberbhai decided to take decisive action. He formally lodged a complaint with the Tribal Commissioner, detailing the malpractices occurring within the hostel. The Commissioner, responding promptly to the allegations, personally conducted an investigation and summoned Kuberbhai for an inquiry. The Commissioner's patronizing and dismissive attitude towards the plight of the students deeply wounded Kuberbhai, leaving an indelible mark on his psyche. Although the immediate consequences of his actions may have been uncertain, Kuberbhai's resolute stance against injustice at such a tender age is a testament to his courage and moral fortitude.

 

          Kuberbhai was an enthusiastic participant in the diverse constructive endeavours undertaken by the Santrampur Gayatri Mandir. His involvement in the multifaceted activities of the Gayatri family not only contributed to his personal development but also shielded him from the pernicious influences of negative peer groups and harmful addictions. Having successfully completed his twelfth-grade examinations with commendable results, he secured admission to the Adivasi Arts and Commerce College situated in Santrampur. Uncertain about his academic pursuits, he was influenced by the newly established Hindi department and consequently opted for Hindi as his major. His innate abilities soon became evident, and his charismatic personality permeated the college campus. He garnered the admiration of distinguished faculty members such as Professors Mr Kisorsingh Rao, Mr Ram Tripathi, and Mr Ishwarbhai Rathava. Despite financial constraints, he maximized the resources of the college library to facilitate his studies. During his academic breaks, he consistently assisted his parents in manual labour, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a selfless commitment to his family.

 

          Kuberbhai's exceptional leadership and unwavering courage were further exemplified by an incident that transpired during his college years. A significant controversy arose when the Adivasi Arts and Commerce College was arbitrarily renamed after an individual of a different faith. This unilateral decision ignited widespread resentment and dissent among the student body. Assuming the mantle of leadership, Kuberbhai astutely navigated this tumultuous period. Through his intelligence and resourcefulness, he engaged in a dialogue with the college principal and management to ascertain the rationale behind the name change. It was revealed that a substantial donation of one hundred and fifty thousand rupees had been offered by an individual of a different faith on the condition that the college be renamed in their honour. Undeterred, Kuberbhai mobilized the student body, collecting fee receipts from his fellow students. These receipts indicated a mandatory construction fee of twenty to twenty-five rupees per student, which, when aggregated, amounted to a sum exceeding two hundred thousand rupees. Armed with this compelling evidence, Kuberbhai and his fellow students vehemently opposed the name change, arguing that the students themselves had already contributed a significantly larger sum for the college's infrastructure. Under Kuberbhai's leadership, a non-violent protest was organized. The students collectively decided to boycott the supplementary examinations if the examination papers bore the new, contentious name. Their resolve proved unwavering, as all students adhered to their decision, refusing to participate in the examinations. Faced with such a formidable display of unity and determination, the college administration was compelled to concede to the students' demands and revert the college's name to the Adivasi Arts and Commerce College. Through his successful leadership of this movement, Kuberbhai solidified his reputation as a promising young leader.

 

          Upon the successful completion of his undergraduate studies, Kuberbhai initiated the enrolment process for a Bachelor of Education program. However, his academic mentor, Professor Khandubhai Parmar, advised him to pursue a Master's degree, given his exceptional academic performance. Recognizing the financial constraints associated with pursuing a full-time Master's program in a metropolitan city like Ahmedabad, Kuberbhai opted for a more pragmatic approach. He enrolled in a part-time, external Master's program, enabling him to concurrently fulfil his academic aspirations while contributing to his family's livelihood through manual labour. Remarkably, he achieved distinction in the inaugural year of his postgraduate studies. Impressed by his outstanding performance, Professor Parmar recommended that Kuberbhai transition to a full-time, on-campus Master's program. Subsequently, he secured admission to the esteemed LD College in Ahmedabad.

 

          The year 1993 marked a pivotal moment in Kuberbhai's life as he embarked on his journey to Ahmedabad for the first time. His parents, particularly his father, expressed considerable apprehension regarding his safety and well-being in the bustling metropolis. Driven by an unwavering academic pursuit, he assuaged their concerns and ventured forth. The cacophony and throngs of Ahmedabad were an entirely novel experience for him. Under the rigorous tutelage of the college principal, A.V. Patel, Kuberbhai dedicated himself assiduously to his studies, ensuring unwavering attendance. His academic pursuits were profoundly influenced by the biography of Abraham Lincoln, which left an enduring impression on his psyche. Furthermore, the profound poetry of the celebrated Hindi poet Nagarjun stimulated his intellectual faculties. Despite limited access to personal textbooks, he meticulously transcribed the lectures and diligently reviewed them. His unwavering commitment to his studies was ultimately rewarded. The publication of the M.A. Part-2 results in the Sambhav newspaper on August 10, 1994, revealed that Kuberbhai had emerged as the top-performing student in the entire LD College, securing an impressive 63%.

 

          His parents, being entirely illiterate, had no comprehension of the academic distinctions between first and second class. Upon learning that his peers had achieved honours in their examinations, his father expressed disappointment, admonishing Kuberbhai for not attaining a similar level of academic excellence. Amused by his father's innocent inquiry, Kuberbhai chuckled.

 

          Concurrently, a significant issue arose in a peripheral region of Santrampur, characterized by a dearth of essential amenities such as paved roads, potable water, and electricity. The government had initiated a benevolent initiative, aptly named 'Door Point,' aimed at providing electricity connections to the tribal community. A total of seventy-five such connections were sanctioned, entirely free of cost. However, Kuberbhai uncovered a disturbing revelation: the village sarpanch was illicitly demanding a fifty-rupee bribe for each connection. Outraged by this blatant corruption, he vociferously opposed the sarpanch's actions. The gravity of the situation was further exacerbated when Kuberbhai's father was compelled to offer a kilogram of ghee as a bribe, owing to his inability to pay the monetary fee. This incident profoundly affected Kuberbhai, galvanizing him into action. Alongside his fellow villagers, he lodged a formal complaint with the local electricity board, vehemently denouncing the sarpanch's corrupt practices. In retaliation, his adversaries filed a spurious First Information Report against him. Undeterred, Kuberbhai resolved to expose the corrupt sarpanch and bring him to justice. This pivotal event marked the genesis of his involvement in village politics. Reflecting upon this experience, Kuberbhai asserted, "Had I remained oblivious to the sarpanch's corrupt practices, I would likely never have ventured into the realm of politics. My resolute commitment to eradicating corruption and upholding the principles of good governance propelled me into active political engagement.

 

          After the darkest night, the sun always rises. For Manubhai’s family, they were now waiting for their golden sun to rise. Within a week of receiving his M.A. results, advertisements for professors were published in Palanpur, Rajkot, and Talod colleges. To go for the Rajkot interview, he did not have enough money for the fare, so he sold chickpeas to gather the funds. The next interview was scheduled for Talod College on September 17, 1994, a Saturday. He borrowed 200 rupees from Mr Pratapbhai Dindor, the village talati, to go for the Talod interview. Talod College had decided to hire local candidates as those from faraway places often left their jobs to take up positions closer to their hometowns. Despite this, seeing Kuberbhai’s talent, the Talod committee immediately selected him and made him commit to not leaving the job. (Kuberbhai has kept this commitment to this day.) They handed him the appointment order for the professorship on the spot.

Continues…

Published on 26th August 2024 on Ishwar Prajapati's Study Room, the link is 

 https://ishvarprajapati.blogspot.com/2024/08/part-2-solitary-journey-from-labourer.html

 ©️Pallavi Gupta 🌷

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Kuber Dindor- A Biography

 

Menial to Minister: An Adventurous Odyssey of Dr Kuber Dindor

(A biography by Ishwar Prajapati,            

Translated into English by Pallavi Gupta)

 Part - 1        

 "What's meant to bloom will find a way, even through the cracks of a wall.”  Life's journey, often riddled with obstacles, can be transformed into a grand highway through sheer determination. Today, let's celebrate the extraordinary life of Dr Kuber Dindor, the Education Minister of Gujarat. Emerging from humble beginnings, he has reached the pinnacle of success, inspiring countless others.

          Even Google might struggle to pinpoint the hamlet of Bhandara on its vast digital map. Nestled in a remote corner of Gujarat, this village, a home to tribal communities, is a stark contrast to the grandeur of the position its most famous son now holds. One wouldn't believe that a son born into an extremely poor tribal family in this remote village of Gujarat, just over five decades ago, would go on to become the Education Minister of Gujarat. Born into abject poverty, Dr Kuber Dindor's journey from a remote tribal village to the esteemed office of the Education Minister of Gujarat is nothing short of miraculous. This seems like a golden dream, but today it stands before the world as a reality. His transformative leadership in the education sector, marked by swift and significant reforms, has set a new benchmark for educational excellence."

          Born into a thatched hut in the village of Bhandara, Santrampur Taluka, Mahisagar district, located at the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, Dr Kuber Dindor's life was a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. In the humble village of Bhandara, under a sky as vast as his dreams, he was born into a family where survival was a daily struggle. His parents, illiterate and toil-worn, eked out a meagre living, their days consumed by backbreaking labour. Their home was a mere patch of earth sheltered by a roof of grass, a fragile barrier against the relentless elements. Winters were a bitter trial, with the family huddled together for warmth on beds of straw. Monsoons turned their home into a leaky vessel, as they gathered rainwater in pots and pans. Recalling those days, Dr Kuber Dindor's eyes still well up with emotion. Yet, amid such hardship, a spark of hope ignited within young Kuber. His childhood, though fraught with challenges, was a crucible that would forge the steel of his character.

          Though his parents were illiterate, they deeply valued education. Despite their own struggles with manual labour, they ensured that their children's studies were never compromised. Kuberbhai's formal education began at the Rai Dungri Primary School. Yet, as a child, he often faced the challenge of affording even basic school supplies like slates and pens. Fortunately, he met compassionate and dedicated teachers like Mr Manharbhai Patel and Mr Somabhai Khardi. These teachers provided all the necessary materials for their students, nurturing a love of learning.

          From a young age, Kuberbhai displayed a remarkable aptitude for studies. His insightful thoughts during school prayers left everyone spellbound. Even as he excelled academically, he was deeply empathetic. Witnessing his parents' arduous labour, his heart ached. Despite his tender age, he would often join them in the fields on weekends and holidays. His young hands, meant to hold a slate and pencil, were instead hardened by the tools of labour. Yet, he found joy in contributing to his family, even if it meant earning a meagre four rupees a day. For him, those four rupees felt like a fortune.

         Though rooted in poverty, Kuberbhai's parents sowed the seeds of education in their children's hearts and ensured their children didn't have to work full-time. They continuously encouraged their children to focus on their studies. After completing primary school, Kuberbhai enrolled in the Ukhreli high school, a neighbouring village. He walked to school every day, a long and solitary journey. Books were a luxury they couldn’t afford. Despite these challenges, his thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. He juggled farm labour with his studies.

          In 1987, when the results for the 10th grade were announced, everyone was shocked. Kuberbhai, a brilliant student, had failed in one subject. His scores in other subjects were excellent, but for some reason, he had failed in just one. Failing the 10th grade seemed to dampen his spirits. He gradually lost interest in studies and began working full-time with his parents."

          As the summer sun blazed, tribal families from Santrampur would embark on an annual pilgrimage, seeking sustenance in the fields of North Gujarat. Among them was Mansukh bhai, who, with his family, would find temporary refuge in the village of Idrapura in Mansasa taluka. Following his academic setback, failing his 10th grade exams in 1987, Kuberbhai, too, joined his father, toiling in the millet fields. Their payment was often in kind about five to seven kilograms of millet for a day's hard labour. Once they had accumulated this amount of grain, they would return to their village. Between 1986 and 1988, the family worked for this Patidar family in Idrapura and formed a deep bond with them. Even after ascending to the heights of political power, Kuberbhai has cherished this humble beginning and the enduring friendship he forged in the fields of Idrapura.

          As the bus rumbled towards Vijayapur, for manual labour, carrying hopes and dreams, the young Kuberbhai witnessed a betrayal of trust. The conductor, a symbol of authority, had cheated the passengers. The conductor, after collecting the full fare, tore the ticket in half. Kuberbhai’s parents were too simple to notice the deceit, but Kuberbhai, being more observant, realized that the conductor had pocketed the extra money. Seeing the half-torn ticket, he immediately demanded the remaining fare. With the courage of youth, Kuberbhai challenged this injustice. His voice, though young, resonated with the truth, silencing the conductor. In that moment, a seed of defiance was planted. A young boy, armed with nothing but honesty, had dared to question the corrupt. His act was a testament to his character, a foreshadowing of the man he would become.

          Disheartened by his failure, Kuberbhai had turned his back on education. But his teachers, Rathod Sir and P.D. Patel, were heartbroken, recognizing his potential, refused to let him give up. With renewed determination, he cleared his exams and enrolled in the high school at Santrampur, the only one in the taluka. The bus fare between Ukhreli and Santrampur was 75 paise, a significant amount for his family. The journey to school was long and arduous, and the bus fare was a constant burden. To meet this expense, he worked odd jobs on holidays. Even as a teenager, he understood the value of hard work and the importance of education. Balancing studies with labour was a demanding task, but his spirit was unwavering.

          Rather than being a victim of circumstances, Kuberbhai chose to be a victor. A flicker of hope, a relentless pursuit of a better life, drove him forward. His academic achievements opened doors to new opportunities. When the results of his 11th-grade exams were announced, he surprised everyone by topping the class. Due to his excellent performance, he secured admission to a tribal boys' hostel for his 12th grade. His passion for studies had truly ignited. During his stay at the hostel, he was introduced to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) through Suresh Bhai Bhavsar. His patriotic spirit found a home in the RSS. He actively participated in its activities. Simultaneously, he had been associated with Ramjibhai Garasiya of the Gayatri Mandir in Santrampur since the 8th grade. The spiritual guidance he received from the Gayatri family further fortified his spirit, shielding him from the vices of society.

          The small ember of a desire to carve a distinct path in life had now burst into a blazing fire consuming him with its intensity which had been ignited in his heart.

(Continues...)

 Published on 22 August 2024 on Ishwar Prajapati's Study Room. The link is...

https://ishvarprajapati.blogspot.com/2024/08/a-solitary-journey-from-labourer-to.html

©️ Pallavi Gupta 🌷

16: Absconding Offenders

 Kartavya: Duty with Dedication

Chapter 16 : Absconding Offenders

The desire to set off a millionaire in a short way leads a man to the path of serious crime. A human being blinded by the greed of wealth does not even think of killing another human being. One such painful incident from the past of twelve years is described here.

It happened twelve years ago when a container carrying five tractors belonging to a trader in Anand went missing. The container owner was trying to contact the driver. But the driver's phone was found switched off. The owner realized that something untoward must have happened. The container with his fellow men went in search of the trailer on Shamalaji Highway. While checking all the hotels on that road one by one, he came to know that a driver with a tractor full of containers had stayed at the same hotel for one night and left early in the morning. There was no trace of where he went after that. The suspicion of the owner became stronger that the driver himself had absconded with the container in temptation. The owner filed a complaint against the driver at the police station. The police, thus, started an investigation.

On the third day of its disappearance, the missing container was found uninhabited in the forest of Chhota Udepur. Apart from this, the tractors loaded in the trailer were also missing. The container owner went to Chhota Udepur and identified the trailer. The container owner's suspicions that the tractor driver might have sold the loaded items turned out to be correct. Now the case was registered in the police station of Chhota Udepur area. The police started a flurry of investigation there too.

The secrets those came out in the investigation were shocking. The names of seven accused were revealed, some of them were from Balasinore and Godhra. The police nabbed some of these seven accused at the same time. While the other accused took advantage of the opportunity and escaped. The arrested accused were severely interrogated.

Based on the confession made by the accused, the container owner's suspicion of container theft on the driver was completely wrong. According to the confessional record, when the container was being transported from Bayad to Kapdwanj, the accused overtook the trailer with a private car and stopped it. One of them climbed into the trailer's cabin and hit the driver. The body was cremated. The tractors in the trailer were stolen and the trailer was left in the forest of Chhota Udepur. Twelve years ago, a complaint of murder was registered at the Bayad police station.

Despite the efforts of the police, the main indictee of the murder had been fugitive for twelve years. But the Bayad police never had given up on hunting him. Once, Bayad P.S.I. Mr. S.K. Desai got a definite information about the accused's son who had become a Maulavi in a village in Kheda district. Mr. Desai reached him and communicated tactfully to get his father’s particulars when it seems hard to get any detail easily. Mr. Desai expounded him that he had initiated the pious religious duties and added If he would commit an act of iniquity by supporting a murderer how Allah would accept his worship. Those words melted Maulavi’s heart. Maulvi answered positively as he told to Mr. Desai, “My father lives in Godhra. I give his address to you. You go and catch him.”

The police pleaded, “Your father has been absconding for twelve years. No policeman knows his face. Please come with us to Godhra.” As Maulavi accepted the police’s words they left for Godhra reached at the given address. They all had to be quite vigilant for the murderer must not to escape that time. The police were dressed plainly. They climbed up the roof of the accused's house and inspected the surrounding area. Police personnel were stationed under cover in all four directions. PSI Desaisaheb knocked the door of the house. As soon as the accused opened the door, the police nabbed him. Due to the vigilance and bravery of the police, at the end of twelve years, the accused of murder was brought to jail.

Anti-social elements are emboldened in the society due to the rampant accused. The police are always cautious to bring such lawbreakers to justice. Police have to work with strength and skill to tackle the criminals and moreover they have to risk their lives. However, Aravalli District Parole Furlough PSI K. S. Sisodia, PSI K. N. Manat and his respective team have a similar heart-wrenching story of catching the remaining 181 culprits. The police are determined to decontaminate the society by taking risks and nabbing the offenders. In the last few years, as many as 182 fugitive indictees have been apprehended and set an example.

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 Kartavya, a police diary by Mr. Ishwar Prajapati in Gujarati

©️Translated into English by Pallavi Gupta🌷

15: Munnabhai MBBS

  Kartavya: Duty with Dedication

Chapter 15:  Munnabhai MBBS

            Is it possible for a patient to die not of a disease but of a drug? Seems strange. Medicines are meant to save lives. How can they kill the patient? What would be the scenario, suppose if an illiterate person examines a patient, administers drugs, injects and bottles? Yes, sickeningly, many illiterate Munnabhai MBBS’ are found in medical practices in remote villages.

            Once there was a flare-up of deceptive doctors gulling money by tampering with the health of uneducated and ignorant people in the distant villages of Aravalli district. The ineligible doctors without obtaining any required degree certificate used to treat people with conventional medicine. And so forth they were messing with people's health and committing unforgivable crimes at the cost of patients’ lives. Even a few of compounders were also carrying bags of medicine on bikes and going door-to-door delivering death in the name of medical treatment.

            When such cases came to the light, it became necessary for the police to act with strict hands and to teach lessons to such bogus doctors. Several informants collected details from different areas of the Aravalli district. The district SOG team got determined to set an example in the society by nabbing the bogus doctors. The police hatched a conspiracy to trap these so-called rogue doctors. They seized about fourteen fake medical practitioners along with a large quantity of medicines. Many other addas of such false doctors disappeared overnight as the police took action. People also came to know the truth by whom they were given medicine.

            There were many doctors practicing medicine without a degree. Such bogus bones disappeared overnight as the police took action. People also came to know the truth that the rogues who gave them the medicines were actually Munnabhai MBBS.

            “No one has ever seen the God Almighty, but we consider the doctors as the envoys of the God. Inflicting physical and financial harm to patients suffering from poverty and illiteracy by giving them false hope is a serious matter. This matter has become grave serious in the post-corona period.

            The district police’s words reflect his determination:

“Maintaining peace in the society is the first responsibility of the police. We have also been vigilant about health matters and have taken strict action against the bogus doctors who are tampering with it. The district police have done commendable work. Police have played an important role in building ‘a bogus doctor free society’.”

Kartavya, a police diary by Mr. Ishwar Prajapati in Gujarati

©️Translated into English by Pallavi Gupta🌷

14: Is it a spa or….?

 Kartavya: Duty with Dedication

Chapter 14: Is it a spa or….?

A young man: Do you have anything new?

Hotel Owner: Rose flavour present in stock.

A young man: Rate?

Hotel Owner: 800.

A young man: Make the price fair enough.

Hotel owner: The Rose cultivation is getting expensive, but if you are a regular customer, give at least 600.

The above telephonic conversation is not as simple as it sounds. This dialogue is a danger bell for civil society. Whether it is a town or a big city, prostitution is spreading alarmingly. The lives of many young men and women are being ruined by the evil of prostitution. There are many places where body trade business is run under the banner like beauty parlour, massage centre and spa. The district police are constantly trying to ensure that the lives of young men and women who fall into the trap of prostitution, must not be ruined. As a result, the district police busted a prostitution racket by raiding a spa massage centre in Modasa, the district headquarters.            

The police take a strict stance on any unethical activities in the district and try to stamp it out immediately. The police received details about a prostitution racket running under the guise of a spa massage centre. Immediately the district police team became active to crack the spa racket.

Modasa city is the hub of education. Students from all over the country come here for their studies. Some elements entice such students into prostitution. It was privately tipped off that the owner of Thai Spa and Massage Parlour situated next to one of the hotels on Modasa Shamla Road, is running prostitution under the guise of an illegal spa. Moreover, it was involved in many sordid activities such as sneaking girls from abroad illegally, calling clients and conducting illegal prostitution business.

No sooner had they found the information, the police raided the Thai Spa and Massage Parlour. The cringey views from the spa centre were degrading the notability of the town. In a small room, girls from the other provinces with their customers were caught in appalling conditions. The owner of the spa centre was taken into the custody immediately. The whole affair became the talk of the town. By assaulting this racket, the police have succeeded in preventing the lives of many young men and women from being ruined by the taint of prostitution. The police took strict action against the hotel owner and the caught customers.

Collegians demand or call pocket money from their parents every month in the name of their studies. Despite facing indigence parents tend to fulfil their children’s desires, but the children are misusing the money and ruining their lives by engaging in unethical business. While some girls take a short cut to earn money due to the appearance of the hi-fi lifestyle and get into prostitution and make their lives poison. Once in this business there is very little chance of turning back. Girls who want to get away from prostitution are blackmailed by hotel owners and pimps. Even though girls have to escape, it becomes impossible to escape from this clutch, so it is imperative for young men and women to be vigilant and stay away from such elements.

PSI V. V. Patel who busted the spa racket says, “Call girl details have gone viral in Google. In a single click, heaps of contact numbers and photos are found instantly. By abusing some loopholes in the law, pimps exploit needy and young girls who have been kidnapped from foreign states. Girls from Nepal, West Bengal and Bangladesh are preyed upon by brokers. Once victimized girls fall into that clutch there is no turning back. Laws treat such girls as victims. The main objective of the police is to take action against the brokers, to save the girls from their clutches.”

Many lives were saved from being ruined when the Modasa spa racket was exposed. Enlightened citizens of the district, social organizations applauded the work of the police. The police will have to remain vigilant and take strict action to prevent the town from becoming a hub for such flesh trade by doing any other activity in the name of guest house or spa centre.

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Kartavya, a police diary by Mr. Ishwar Prajapati in Gujarati

©️Translated into English by Pallavi Gupta🌷

Beyond The Alphabet : 2

Beyond The Alphabet :2

‘e’

                        

 How wonderful it is to read letter ‘e’ 

with different sounds in various words!

Indian languages are scientific and rich with the most salient characteristic that is their pronunciations. They are written according to their pronunciations, unlike English language. While reading in English language we find that the sound is varied from the letters those are written.

One of the major reasons behind the diversion of the pronunciations is the vowel system of English language. They are quite confusing for the beginners as well as for the foreign students. There are only five vowel letters i.e. ‘a’, ‘e’, ‘i’, ‘o’ and ‘u’, but the language is rich with more than 15 different vowel sounds. The key is that each vowel letter has about five to six basic sounds, and it is important to learn the basic sounds of each one.

We have studied about the various diction of letter ‘a’ earlier in January ’24 issue of Linguazine. Now let’s proceed with another vowels.

Let's begin with the letter 'e' with different examples:

Generally, ‘e’ is pronounced as /ˈiː/ but it has common sounds as /e/, /i:/, /ɪ/, /ə/, /iə/ with its different uses.

1.   'e' read as '/e/' sound;

egg

bed

envelope

 

2.   'e' read as /i:/

me 

Chinese

Egypt

 

3.    'e' read as /ɪ/

 

rocket

pretty

cricket 

 

4.   'e' read as /ə/

 

broken

pollen

jewel

genre

 

5.   'e' read as /iə/

 

material

bacteria

cafeteria

[Notable: 'e' sounds /ɒ/ in the French loan word 'genre':

genre /ˈʒɒnrə/]

We have seen how variously the vowel ‘e’ is read. Now, let’s study about its multigraphs.

When 'e' comes with other vowels…

1. ‘ee’ sounds as /i:/

tree /triː/

feet /fiːt/

eel /iːl/

 

2. 'ee' also sounds as /ɪə/

cheer /tʃɪə(r)/

engineering /ˌen.dʒɪˈnɪər.ɪŋ/

pioneering /ˌpaɪəˈnɪə.rɪŋ/

 

3. ‘ea’ sounds as /e/

bread /bred/

head /hed/

thread /θred/

 

4. 'ea' also sounds as /i:/

pea /piː/

beach /biːtʃ/

teacher /ˈtiːtʃə(r)/

 

5.  'ea' also sounds as /eɪ/

break /breɪk/

steak /steɪk/

breaker /ˈbreɪkə(r)/

 

6. ‘ea' also sounds as /ɪə/

idea /aɪˈdɪə/

theater /ˈθɪətə(r)/

 

7.  'ei' sounds /eɪ/

veil /veɪl/

rein /reɪn/

reign /reɪn/

 

8.  'ei' also sounds as /i:/

ceiling /ˈsiːlɪŋ/

protein /ˈprəʊtiːn/

receipt /rɪˈsiːt/

9.  ‘ei' also sounds as /aɪ/ or /ˈiː/

either /ˈaɪðə(r)/, /ˈiːðə(r)/

neither /ˈnaɪðə(r)/, /ˈniːðə(r)/

10.  'eo' sounds as /ə/

dungeon /ˈdʌndʒən/

sturgeon /ˈstɜːdʒən/

 

11.   'eo' also sounds as /i:/

people /ˈpiːpl/

 

12.  'eu' sounds as /juː/

eucalyptus /ˌjuːkəˈlɪptəs/

neutral /ˈnjuː.trəl/

Eugene /juːˈdʒiːn/

 

13.  'eu' also sounds as /jʊə/:

Europe /ˈjʊərəp/

euro /ˈjʊərəʊ/

neuro- /njʊə.rəʊ-/

There are some other features also related with the unique vowel ‘e’.

1.        Long-e

The sound of long-e is the same as the name of the letter ‘e’ when we say the alphabet. A few words are: he / we / be / maybe / she / see / three / seem / feet / seen / feel / street / green / week / deep / free.

2.     Short-e

Short-e is pronounced in the front middle (not low, not high) part of the mouth — the mouth needs to be open, but not quite as much as for Short-a-1. And of course, it is very important to relax the tongue, if not, the sound of Short-e can be easily confused with Long-A (see Sell or Sale).

Words with Short-e: get / help / tell / end / men / left / next / egg / red / best / ten / less / yet / yes / kept / seven.

 

3.     Schwa sound

Besides the basic sounds, any vowel letter can use the schwa sound. This happens in weak (unstressed) syllables.

Some words in which the “e” is in the unstressed syllable and has the schwa sound:

item / college / faces / escape / define/ the / them / then.

 

4.    Silent -e

Words with silent-e are

Safe / use/ one / those / are .

 

How wonderful it is to read ‘e’ with different sound in various words!

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Published on Linguazine July '24, Issue-4

https://linguaodyssey.blogspot.com/2024/07/linguazine-issue-4-july-2024.html

©️ Pallavi Gupta 🌷