Stany Bela
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 29: Nearly 30 toddlers studying at Tarikambla Anganwady near Bajpe are eagerly waiting to shift to their new Anganwady building, which has state-of-the art facilities.
Their old Anganwady, in which they are currently studying, was built 13 years ago and is in a dilapidated condition.
When Siraj Husain, ward member and President of Bala Vikasana Samithi came to know about this building’s condition, he took up the initiative of constructing a new building for the toddlers. He approached different departments and succeeded to mobilize funds for a normal building, which is usually granted for an Anganwady construction. But Siraj wanted the new building to be such that it should be a model to other government educational buildings, especially Anganwadys.
To make this dream a reality, Siraj approached all local representatives without any discrimination of party and politics. Realizing that the plan will work out and it will bring fame to the district, every representative came forward to contribute. Siraj himself drew the sketch of building in consultation with an engineer and a contractor.
The new Anganwady ‘Balabhavana’ consists of two buildings, one for learning and another for play and rest. The learning centre is built in an octagon shape and the play room is built in a heptagon shape called ‘Chinnara Bhavana’. The roofs of both buildings are covered by clay tiles, which help maintain a cool atmosphere. The classroom is decorated with beautiful paintings. Modern kitchen and toilets and granite marble flooring are other specialties of this building. A special playground with modern and safe play equipments, garden with interlocks, adequate water facility makes this campus a star attraction.
Compound walls, secure gates are also constructed, keeping the safety of the students in mind.
Speaking to Daijiworld, Siraj said, “The new structure was my dream. With the help of MLA, MLC, MPs, it became a reality. When I approached to Codilate Company, situated at MRPL and Bajpe Co-operative Society, without any questions, they generously contributed. I am grateful to all who contributed for this building. There is no doubt that this building will be a model for others,"
Most of the people prefer private kindergartens to Anganwadys due to the amenities and facilities. “Even I enrolled my son to a kindergarten. However, it deeply disturbed me that only people who are financially well-off can afford the private kindergartens. Why should poor students suffer, when state-of-the art Anganwadys can be constructed utilizing government funds? This thought stuck my mind and being a ward member, I looked for ways to mobilize funds. Within a month, I received positive response from locals and the child welfare department. I gave leadership for the construction and now after one year, this beautiful building is ready at a cost of Rs 30 lacs,” he says.
“I have been working here for the past 17 years and the new building is beautiful and will become an inspiration. Parents who are sending their children to private kindergartens are approaching us with queries,” says Sunitha, Anganwady worker.
Siraj also adds that they are not waiting for the official inauguration. The first priority is to shift the children to the new building as soon as it is ready.