In Kumbi, a small hamlet in Manipur, a gardener turned educator is helping children get access to quality education. And you can pitch in too.

Khangembam Indrakumar Singh (56), or Indrakumar Oja (‘Oja’ being the local word for teacher), joined the Kumbi Sandhong Upper Primary School in 1995 and was soon appointed acting headmaster.

Indrakumar elevated the school from its ‘lower primary’ status to an ‘upper primary’ one with a boarding facility.

Intrigued by the number of dropouts, Indrakumar would visit the homes of students to understand their circumstances.

He discovered that many of the students were slow learners and lack of guidance compelled them to lose confidence and develop a dislike for school.

Indrakumar stepped in and coaxed them to return to their studies, even organising extra classes for those who could benefit from additional coaching.

In the years that followed, Indrakumar built a hostel for children and started a Sunday classroom which teaches them to safeguard the environment, often funding these projects with his own money.

After a decade and a half of selfless pursuit, in 2013, the Manipur Government recognised Indrakumar’s service and honoured him with the State Teacher’s Award.

Then in 2018, he was awarded the National Teachers Award for his contributions to primary education.

Alongside planting over 4,000 trees in and around the campus, and educating the residents of Kumbi about the importance of waste segregation, Indrakumar and his team of students are slowly but surely ushering in change.

When asked why he is so intent on seeing this dream through, despite the hurdles it brings, Indrakumar shares, “The rewards education brings can change lives forever. It drives me to do more.”

But Indrakumar can’t do this alone. He needs your support.