Photo Bulletin August 2026

Putting this idea into action, the students of Asola Riyazghar created a working water purification model using easily available materials. Using a plastic bottle, small stones, pebbles, sand, coal, and cotton, the students built a simple yet effective water purification system.

The students then passed dirty water through the model and experienced the process of filtration firsthand. During the experiment, they understood the role of each layer. As they observed how impurities in the water were trapped at different levels, many questions arose in their minds, increasing their curiosity to find the answers.

This activity gave the students an opportunity to understand science through the experience of “learning by doing.” Along with this, it helped develop skills such as observation, experimentation, logical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and environmental awareness. When the science they had read about in books came alive through a practical experiment, the experience became even more enjoyable and meaningful for the students.

Most importantly, the students understood that solving big problems does not always require big resources. With the right thinking, a willingness to experiment, and the creative use of available materials, effective solutions can also be found. Through this experiment, the students not only developed a better understanding of science but also learned to identify problems around them and think of possible solutions.

This experiment gave us a beautiful message—“Science is not meant to be only read; it is meant to be experienced. And a problem is not meant to be merely observed; it is meant to be solved!” The initiative by the students of Asola Riyazghar became a beautiful blend of science, environment, and creativity.

Yet, the desire to get them to school and give them an opportunity to learn remained strong. At this crucial moment, Lala Bhaiya stepped forward. Until a proper vehicle could be arranged, he took the responsibility of bringing the children to school and dropping them back home every day in his milk van. And that is how the children’s journey towards education began—with a milk van.

In the beginning, the children stood at the school gates with fear and hesitation. But as they started going to school every day, their hesitation slowly turned into curiosity and confidence. Sitting in the classroom, singing songs, talking to teachers and participating in learning activities were all new experiences for them. Gradually, school stopped feeling unfamiliar and began to feel like a place where they belonged.

The change soon became visible in their everyday lives. The children started taking responsibility for their own learning. Older siblings began helping younger ones understand their lessons and teaching them at home, while also completing their own homework. Education was no longer limited to the classroom; it was slowly becoming a part of their daily lives. At the same time, parents also became more aware of the importance of sending their children to school regularly.

The strongest evidence of this change can be seen in attendance. Initially, only 9 children were attending school. Today, that number has grown to 16. Children who were once hesitant to go to school are now inspired by their peers and are beginning to walk the same path. One child’s change is becoming an inspiration for another, creating a growing chain of motivation towards education.

Looking back today, we realize that although this journey began in a milk van, the real journey happened within the children. Hesitation has turned into belonging, fear into confidence, and uncertainty into dreams for the future. The support of Lala Bhaiya, the trust of the parents, and the children’s desire to learn made this transformation possible. The milk van was not just a means of transportation; it became the first school bus on their journey towards a brighter future.

Each day brought a new experience, and while working with the children, I too was learning many new things.

During this time, I met two sweet little girls from Class 1—Janvi and Dhuli. In the beginning, they found it difficult to read and write simple Marathi words without kana-matra. Recognizing letters, joining them to form words, and reading those words required regular practice. Through games, different activities, and small opportunities to read, their learning journey slowly began to move forward.

After a few days, a beautiful moment arrived… Janvi and Dhuli began reading Marathi words on their own and even started writing them. Seeing the happiness on their faces and the confidence that said, “I can do this!” filled my heart with joy. This was not just a change in their reading ability; it was the beginning of a journey towards believing in themselves.

The happiness grew even more when Gokhe Sir from the Z.P. School appreciated their reading. He was also very happy to see the girls’ progress. That day, I once again realized—big changes always begin with small steps. A child’s effort, consistency, and the encouragement they receive all play an important role in their progress.

Today, they are reading a few words… tomorrow, they will read complete sentences, stories, and perhaps even write their own stories. This is only the beginning; the journey ahead is still much more beautiful and much bigger. Along with these small steps, their journey towards their big dreams has also begun.

The happiness on his face, his curiosity to know new things, and his eagerness to learn are always visible. There is a big difference between the Dinesh we saw in 2025 and the Dinesh we see today. Now he experiences and learns many new things, and whenever he faces a difficulty, he makes sure to ask us. When he lovingly asks, “Sir, what do you call this?”, it becomes a moment of great happiness for us. Now Dinesh even tells us what he wants to learn. There is always one thought in his mind—“Will I get to learn something new today?”

While reading, he can read two-letter and simple words. But there is a different kind of determination in his mind—“I must learn to read!” This determination can be seen in every effort he makes. And today, he was even trying to read a seventh-grade textbook! Our little, adorable Dinesh keeps looking around in the class, but at the same time, he pays very close attention to what I am teaching. I always feel that Dinesh should learn many things, experience new things, and that his curiosity should always be given a new direction.

Now Hitesh goes to school, and he has become much calmer than before. He tells me, “Sir, they hit us a lot in my school. When I used to study here with you, you never hit me. Sir, I am able to read now.” Just then, Dinesh interrupts and says, “Sir, I can read too, right? I can read as much as Kishan, can’t I?” I smile and tell him, “You can read very well, Dinesh. You are learning so much!” The happiness that appears on his face after hearing this is truly wonderful to see.

While teaching Dinesh, I like being his friend and understanding him more than simply being his teacher. Because while teaching him, I also get to learn so much from him—his curiosity, his enthusiasm, his innocence, and his constant desire to learn something new. Our Dinesh learns while playing and laughing, and while learning, he teaches us so many things too.

There may be no four walls, benches, blackboards, or a fixed classroom, but when there is a desire to learn, every place can become a classroom and every experience can become a new lesson. This is our… “School Without Walls!”

So, the first few days were a little challenging. However, gradually, as I started talking with them and making an effort to understand them, we began to build a connection.

On the Beda, Rohit, Kuldeep, and Ashish are pre-primary students, while Gopal, Jaipal, Sejal, Radha, Bhau, and Rupa are primary-level students. In the beginning, these children were not very familiar with studies. Since the school was quite far from where they lived, attending school regularly was also not possible. Therefore, it was important to create a different and simple path of learning for them.

After we started regular study sessions, their interest and participation in learning gradually began to increase. The children started studying with enthusiasm, and their confidence also began to grow as they learned. Seeing their small but meaningful progress brought happiness to their parents as well. The joy on the children’s faces and their desire to learn became a great source of motivation for me too.

After the initial challenges, I gradually developed a unique bond with each child. Through conversations, games, and daily interactions along with studies, the children became more connected with me. Now, when I teach them, I do not feel like I am only their teacher; I feel like a friend who is learning alongside them. Every small change I see in them teaches me something new as well.

This journey is still continuing. Every month, I get the opportunity to learn something new with these children, experience their changes, and build a deeper relationship with them. While teaching them, I feel that they teach me far more about life than I could ever teach them. I sincerely hope that the journey ahead will bring many more beautiful moments of learning, growth, and progress for these children.