Grassroots action in rural Rajasthan: How Hadmat took education into its own hands

By Vikas Meshram  

Nestled in the Gagadtalai tehsil of Banswara district in Rajasthan, Hadmat is a predominantly tribal village. Yet, this quiet settlement has achieved something that would make even well-resourced cities pause and reflect. Without waiting for political intervention or government schemes, the villagers came together, collected contributions door to door, and built tin shed roofing for their school—giving their children a safe and dignified space to learn.

For years, several rooms of Government Higher Secondary School, Hadmat, had fallen into disrepair. Walls were cracked, rainwater seeped through the roof, and children endured extreme heat during the day. Studying under such conditions was an ordeal. The problem was visible to all—teachers, parents, and villagers alike—yet no concrete action had materialised. Government processes moved slowly, while the children continued to struggle.

The turning point came during a monthly meeting of the Gram Swaraj Samuh, formed under the guidance of Vaagdhara and the Krishi Evam Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan, Gagadtalai. When the issue of student attendance and lack of proper seating was raised, the seriousness of the situation became clear once again. This time, however, the discussion moved beyond complaints. The group resolved to install three tin sheds in the school—entirely through community effort, without waiting for external assistance.

Once the decision was made, action followed swiftly. Members of the Gram Swaraj Samuh began visiting homes, explaining the importance of the initiative. They emphasised that small contributions today would ensure a better future for their children. Gradually, awareness spread across the village.

Soon, drums were beaten to gather the entire community. Men and women, young and old—all assembled and contributed according to their capacity. What followed was a remarkable display of collective responsibility.

The most inspiring contribution came from Shri Bhuralal Ji Parmar, a resident of Hadmat, who donated ₹1 lakh towards the project. “These are our children,” he said. “If their place of learning improves, their future improves. Money can be earned again, but lost learning time can never be recovered.”

Equally moving was the gesture of Chunnilal Ji Damor from Navagaon, who contributed ₹5,001 despite not being a resident of Hadmat. “Education is not the responsibility of one village alone,” he said. “These children will serve society tomorrow. This is everyone’s work.”

Subhashchandra Ji Pargi from Patiya Galiya village also contributed ₹5,001, stating, “When a village is doing so much for its children, it becomes everyone’s duty to support them. One should not ask ‘why should I give?’ but ‘why should I not?’”

The teachers and staff of the school collectively contributed ₹15,551—demonstrating that those who shape young minds also take responsibility for their environment. Among them, Rajesh Garasia and Parmesh Ji Katija played particularly active roles.

“A teacher’s responsibility goes beyond teaching,” said Rajesh Garasia. “We must also ensure a proper learning environment. Without basic facilities, how can children focus?”

Parmesh Ji Katija echoed this sentiment: “This school is ours too. When the community stepped forward with such commitment, how could we remain behind?”

Sarpanch Walchand Punaji contributed ₹5,551, reinforcing the collective spirit. “When a community is determined, leaders must stand with it,” he said. “What Hadmat has done is a matter of pride.”

At the heart of this initiative were the villagers themselves, who collectively raised ₹1,15,795 through contributions of all sizes. Every amount—whether ₹100 or ₹1,000—was valued equally. It was not the sum, but the spirit behind it that mattered.

Guiding this entire process was Laxman Damor, community facilitator with Vaagdhara, who ensured constant dialogue, resolved concerns, and kept the momentum alive.

In total, nearly ₹2.47 lakh was raised. With this, three tin sheds were successfully installed in the school. Today, the campus stands transformed. Children now have a safe, organised space to sit and study, and learning continues uninterrupted.

The true achievement, however, lies beyond the physical structure. The tin sheds are only a symbol. What this initiative built was something far more powerful—the realisation that solutions need not come from outside. When a community takes ownership, change becomes inevitable.

Hadmat’s story is not just about one village—it is a model for many others still waiting for external help. When individuals like Bhuralal Ji contribute generously, when villagers pool their modest earnings, when teachers invest personally, and when even outsiders step forward—what emerges is not just infrastructure, but a collective vision for the future.

This is the spirit of Swaraj: self-reliance, unity, and responsibility. And perhaps, the greatest wealth any society can possess.

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Pix by the author: Under the newly installed tin roofing at Government Senior Secondary School, Hadmat, teachers stand alongside members of the Gram Swaraj Samuh and Krishi Evam Adivasi Sangathan. The images also include the completed roofing structure and a list of community donors who made the initiative possible.