Mangaluru, Jan 25: Orange vendor Harekala Hajabba, popularly known as 'Akshara Santha' (the saint of alphabets), who went on to build a school at Newpadpu village on the city’s outskirts in 1999 is among this year’s Padma Shri awardees.
When Hajabba received the call on being nominated for the award, he was standing in a queue to buy rations.
As he is not fluent in Hindi, Hajabba handed over the phone to an auto driver, who conveyed the news that the Padma Shri award will be conferred on him.
The unlettered achiever set up a primary school from his meagre savings of Rs 150 per day, selling oranges in Mangaluru.
“The first time I felt bad for being an illiterate was when a foreigner enquired about the price of oranges in English. I did not know what he meant. So, I decided to start a school in my village,” Hajabba had said during a felicitation programme.
When Hajabba decided to start a school, he did not get any support. He started the school with 28 children.
The school today has been upgraded to a composite high school and is catering to the educational needs of hundreds of children in and around Newpadpu.
He ran from pillar to post in the Zilla Panchayat to make his dream come true. All cash awards he had received went into building the school. The United Christians Association, moved by the sight of his dilapidated house, built a 760-square-foot house costing Rs 15 lakh for him.
Hajabba’s life was prescribed for the syllabus of three universities - Davangere, Kuvempu and Mangalore. His success story is also included in a Tulu textbook.
He won the Karnataka Rajyotsava award in 2013, Real Heroes award from TV channel CNN-IBN.
Hajabba, when contacted, said he could not believe his ears when told about the award.
New dreams
The frail vendor, in his 60s, humbly declared that he could achieve all this because of the support of all. Hajabba now dreams of upgrading the school into a full-fledged PU college.
"People of the country are demanding a Ram temple, but how will a Ram temple be made if there are no Ram-bhakts in the country," he said while addressing a programme at Devbad area of Saharanpur district.
Comments
PUTTIDINA JOKULEG YER NINNA AMME TUPENA
Let us start with Ur Master.
This KKB again started to B--k
Why people cast their valuable vote in favor to this uncultured mannerless creatures. Most of the elected mp's are with same attitude and mind set. For our unite India all should kick them out from country like India.
KKB - KUTTE KA BACCHA.
during partition muslims in India was 36% and part of them migrated , so now decreased to 15%.. hindus in pakistan migrated to India , still migrating , hindu population might have decreased there also....even then minority hindus enjoying reservation in politics , education . etc
Here is one more....these BJP leaders are out of mind. Someone is saying change the religion (Ghar wapsi) and someone is asking to go to pakistan someone wants hindus to show their mardangi. Rubbish ppl with fools followers
good news for modi and baba ramdev......
U start the lead, let followers take your step
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There was a time when the enemies of mankind spread the LIES of accessive Population is harmful to earth and they spread the fear & introduced \hum do hamare do\". --- We see the results that most of those who never read about \"the revelation of God who gave the life\" have been trapped in this depopulation situation and NOW they are forcing their community to make children... without any financial aid.
ALLAH the creator of all that exists speaks about the life and death of every thing that he created..
one ayat of quran below: (17:31)
Do not kill your children for FEAR of POVERTY. We will provide for them and for YOU. Surely killing them is a great sin...
Those who trusted God never fall trap to such fear....
At that time and even now Many abortion took place to live a worldly enjoyment but in their old age people desired that they had many childrens... which they regret of not having 3 or more children..
Dont forget, India and China with most population are the most fast growing economy today.. Nothing to feel ashamed... only the ruling few will put fear on the people to control their evil agenda.."
have beef consumption .....for population increment
Raj Takre did not oppose our players to play against Pakistan hokey match in KL....HYPOCRISY....
India's population is 1.5 Billion......can India afford another 1.5 billion....to build Ram Temple....these are politicians gimmick to cheat poor innocent voters....very sad....
First eat madam posts and cashews....ha haa.....and ask for strong guns....
Giri babu
How many children U have or How much children U planned? Let the Cheddi members know that ...
It is hard to follow cos most of our leaders are just barking and no action..
our PM needs to reconcile with his partner
Cheddi Bachelors club - needs to search for partners even in old age to reach this target...
We need some leaders with action not blah blah...
If 76% Population is of Hindus, 24% Muslims!!! which is = 100%, then what about christian, Jain, Sikhs, Buddhists & Atheist?????
Mathematical Error Mr. Giriraj Singh.. You don't know simple maths and you are the Union Minister for the State.!!!! STRANGE....
Dikhao yaar. Mardaangi hai to.
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