Divyajeevan

Smt. Ushaben Jani and Shri Gulabbhai Jani

In our country there are many persons, many hidden gems who lead a life committed to the welfare of the poor and the downtrodden. They work quietly in their respective fields without seeking any publicity. In the darkness and gloom of falling standards and disappearing values surrounding us, these souls provide a glimmer of hope, that all is not yet lost. We will once again emerge as a nation where people will lead their lives following the highest ideals. It would be India of Tagore’s dream when he wrote those famous lines:

“Where mind is without fear and the head is held high.......

Into this heaven of freedom let my country awake......”

The search for such selfless workers led me to the names of Smt. Ushaben Jani and Shri Gulabbhai Jani who have done phenomenal work in the fields of education. They are founders of a unique project called “Sister Nivedita School on Wheels” which has recently won Ashok Gandhi Award for 2006 established by Young Men’s Gandhian Association, Rajkot. This project which started 12 years ago covering 17 village schools and 6,000 students, today has expanded to cover 56 schools spread in 41 villages, which benefits 448 teachers and over 16,000 students. This project is given financial support by “Share and Care” Foundation of USA, which awarded this project the status of “Signature Project” after studying the programmes of various projects working in India.

Ushaben is the daughter of Principal D.P. Joshi, a Sanskrit Scholar, and Smt. Ramaben, a student of Music and Fine Arts. She studied in schools at Surat and Rajkot, and colleges at Rajkot and Bhavnagar. She is an Arts Graduate with Sociology and M.A. with Economics, and B.Ed.

Gulabbhai studied in schools at Vavania (birth place of Shrimad Rajchandra), Rajkot and Jasdan and college at Rajkot. He graduated in Arts with Economics & Politics as subjects standing first in Rajkot Centre. Thereafter he did his LL B (standing first in the University). He also did his masters in Arts with Economics, standing 3rd and also did his B.Ed. and M.Ed. with flying colours. He worked with Khadi Gramodyog Bhandar, Law College, and LIC during his studies to meet with his financial needs. On completing his studies he became a teacher in Dharmendra College, Rajkot, where because of his extensive knowledge and reading, brilliant oratory and deep knowledge of the subjects he became “a Role Model” for his students. He later joined Virani College of Sarvodaya Kelvani Samaj, where he with his Gandhian ideas and sense of discipline, encouraged his students to wear khadi uniform.

Ushaben–Gulabbhai were co-students in college, when they decided to get married. The marriage ceremony was performed with all simplicity. Both took a vow never to wear any jewellery and work together for their common cause.

Both of them were deeply influenced and impressed by the thoughts of Gandhiji, Vinoba Bhave, Shri Shrima Shardamani Devi, Ramkrishna and Vivekananda. In 1967 when the birth centenary of Sister Nivedita was celebrated all over the country, both very enthusiastically gave lectures on the life and work of Sister Nivedita. Appreciating their wonderful contribution, Swami Atmasthanadji congratulated them and suggested that they should take on the work of basic education of children and the work of upliftment of women instead of merely being engaged in college education. Accepting the direction given by Swamiji both took the decision of leaving the life of comfort and prosperity and started “Sister Nivedita Charitable Trust’ in 1968. They started with a small bal-mandir with 17 children, in their own home. In 1969 they established Gyandeep Primary School, and in 1970 Gyan Jyot Secondary School. The motto of the institution is “sadvichar anvikshamahi “ – we are searching for the good thoughts. Today the institution has grown from a small sapling to a huge tree. Value based education, education via activities, education in mother tongue and co-education are the four pillars of this institution. Teaching modern technologies and computer education, and yet keeping in mind the high value of Gandhian philosophy is the speciality of their school. In 1990-91 it won the Gujarat State Award for “the Best School in Gujarat”.

They explain that their goal is to make a student a good person. The child has to become a good human being, a good citizen and a creative person.

To celebrate the 25 years of their organization, they created a unique institution called “Nirentar Shiksha Kendra” – where any person from any strata of the society, of any age, with any educational background could get education and get professional competence. Ushaben is committed to the cause of “Women Empowerment” and provides education in various fields such as fashion designing, garment making, computers, home management etc. which will enable women to be self-reliant. They also run a public library, music and dancing class, give scholarships to deserving students. Several other activities such as cooking workshop etc. are also run by them. Since last 11 years they have started giving “Sister Nivedita Best Teacher Award” which is given to dedicated, devoted, committed teachers who are quietly doing great work without any expectations of rewards of publicity in the small and unknown places. This award is considered the most prestigious award of the state in the fields of education.

Both of them have written several books and publish a quarterly magazine called “Samudgar” which is very much appreciated by other educational institutions. Ushaben is actively connected with 28 different social organizations while Gulabbhai is active in as many as 35 different institutions. They have won several national and international awards, but humble as they are, they give credit to the co-workers.

Smt. Ushaben has received many awards including the award for best school of Gujarat from Gujarat Government, Best Educationalist Award from Samanvay, Woman of the Year 2000 Award from American Biographical Institute, North Carolina, USA, Professional and Business Woman Award for 2002 from International W.H.O. of Professional and Business Women, National Award from Bharat Scouts & Guides, New Delhi, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Award from International Association of Educators for World Peace.

Shri Gulabbhai also is the recipient of many awards amongst them, Best Educationalist of Gujarat from Samanvay, Best J.C. Awards, Best Citizen of India Award, Noble Science of India Award from Society of Global Unity, Delhi, Man of the Year Award for the year 2000 from American Biographical Institute, North Carolina and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Award from the International Association of Educators for World Peace.

May we learn from this couple and do even a small bit for our people and our country.