A school transformed by Rotary’s love

In a quiet corner of Taraimal, a village 231km from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the once-faded walls of the Dhanwarpara Government Primary School now gleam with fresh colours and its students sport cheerful smiles. This heartwarming transformation is the result of an initiative by RC Raigarh Royale, RID 3261, under its Happy School Project, aimed at creating quality learning environment for children in underprivileged areas.

For club president Ashish Mahamiya, the project began when “I received a call for support from the school principal Silbiya Tigga. After visiting the school, we knew we had to act swiftly. Our goal was to ensure that every child studies in a space that inspires her and makes her feel safe,” he says. Within days, the Rotary team, led by project chair Rajiv Gupta and club secretary Ankit Agarwal, mobilised resources and volunteers to do the work.

The school underwent a complete visual uplift, the walls were repainted, 35 new desks and benches arrived, electric fans, lights and play equipment were installed, and drinking water was made accessible. “The children now have toilets that ensure their dignity and hygiene, and a shed where they can eat together. What may seem like small changes brought real comfort and dignity to the students’ daily routine,” says Mahamiya.

The entire makeover including infrastructure upgrade and learning material was completed at a cost of ₹5.52 lakh. The desks and benches were donated by Arun Patwari through the Balkishan Patwari Charitable Trust. “We aimed to stretch every rupee for maximum impact,” says Omprakash Modi, the club’s immediate past president. “Thanks to our members, we achieved a meaningful transformation on a modest budget.”

Infrastructure was upgraded, new learning material and two swings were provided at a total cost of ₹5.52 lakh.

“Perhaps the most touching additions were two simple swings in the schoolyard. As children lined up to take their turns, the joy on their faces reflected their happiness,” he smiles. The project didn’t stop at just infrastructure. Each child received a school bag, notebooks, pens and pencil boxes.

At the inaugural event, industrialist Sanjay Agarwal of the N R Group commended the club for its “commitment to community development. Initiatives like this don’t just beautify a space, they lay the foundation for dreams.” Club members, the school staff and villagers were present at the event. “When the school bell rang that morning, it signalled more than just the start of another day. We watched the students and teachers stepping into a space with improved facilities, with a smile on their faces. For us club members, this was not just a school upgrade. It was a renewed investment in the children’s future,” says Mahamiya.