CHAR CHAWANNI

CHAR CHAWANNI

It was 1972. I had returned from Canada, got married to Nirmala and together we had started a school in a remote village Kunaura. There was problem of drinking water for school kids in that barren area and we did not have money to arrange for running water. There were more pressing things to attend to. So we decided to have a dug well like most others used to have in that area. There was a custom those days that people would contribute towards such an effort either in cash or kind . Day's work was over, people offering Shramdaan (donation of labour without taking wages) had gone and I was sitting with my wife thinking about the next days programme. Then came an elderly man --- Lachhman Bajpai and gave four small coins, quarters of a rupee (chaar chawanni). He was from my village and I knew he was passing through hard times, hands to mouth. Those Char Chawanni could buy him 3 kg of wheat, enough to feed his family for one day. He donated them towards the cause that he thought was worthy. .I was moved and accepted the coins with humility.
Over the period of four decades the school has grown big, made socio-economic impact in the area and many friends have made huge contributions. Neelesh, Karan, Sukanya and their friends are making loudable efforts to make the life of school kids as comfortable as possible. Through their efforts the school has electricity,running water, computer lab, a library, play ground, games material and boundary wall. The dug well is still there, just a reminder of early efforts.
I think the sacrifice of Lachhman Bajpai and his Char Chawanni have no less importance in the making of my school than large contributions by generous wealthy friends.