Karnataka: Railway signalman shapes lives of children in native village

HUBBALLI: Irappa Taladavar, 32, a signalman in railway department, had dreamt of becoming a teacher. But poverty was hurdle for his desire. Now he has floated 'Halli Ranga Shaale', an informal school for children of his village Yavagal in Gadag district to make learning interesting for them. This one-and-a-half-year-old school has attracted 42 students.

Recalling his past, Taladavar told TOI that he could not join D Ed or complete degree due to poverty. “When I was in BA second year, I saw the recruitment advertisement of fire and emergency services department and joined there. After four years, I joined railway department and served in Bagalkot for seven years. As I was transferred to Hombal station, which is just 20 kms away from my native Yavagal village, two months ago, I decided to go with my hidden desire of becoming a teacher. I started this evening school with four students and now it’s 42,” he stated.

Students learning in local government school are attending this evening and weekend school to finish up their home work and pursue their study with playing. “My teaching is by ways of acting, singing and dancing. Along with their school curriculum, they should be groomed to become better citizens and that is my aim,” he claimed.
As Sunday is weekly off for him, he takes children to learn folklore, indigenous games, drama and totally rural culture. Taladavar is not collecting single paisa instead he spends his money for events like Independence Day.
BC Gani, a retired teacher in Yavagal, to whom Taladavar considers as motivator, commented that rural students are deprived of trainings in co-curricular activities. “This informal school is turning as oasis to encourage village students to exhibit their talent and to make good use of it for their all-round growth,” he remarked.
Students Akash Kadiyavar, Katik Hebsur, Afsana Bapannavar shared that they have found new ‘sir’ who treat them as elder brother and plays with them freely. “After joining here, we are feeling that study is not a burden but a way to get refreshed,” they added.
Parents Rajma Bapannavar, Gadigeppa Kadiyavar, Shamshad Babanagar said that they work in fields from morning to evening. “As we are not educated, we were unable to train our children at home. So, our children were wasting time in evenings and on holidays. Now their leisure time is being utilized to improve them in all aspects” they said.