Krupakar Sriram Chahande is from Chandrapur district, Brahmapuri Taluka in Maglinagar Kailasko. He belongs to the Kundbhi Dalit community. Krupakar was born into a family of activists. He watched his father, stopping discrimination against Dalits—there was a time where Dalits in his village were not allowed to purchase goods from shopkeers or take water from the wells. Today though, other…

Krupakar Chahande

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Krupakar Chahande grew up in Mangali Village, in Maharashtra's Chandrapur District. After spending a lifetime as a social activist bringing basic facilities like drinking water and education to his native village, Krupakar joined the IndiaUnheard team in February 2013. This is his first video on an issue particularly close to him.

The District Secondary School in Mangali has classes from the 1st to 7th grade. Vicky Donadkar is a student in the 5th grade but hasn't been able to get a quality education like the rest of his peers. The reason: he is almost blind and there is no teacher who is able to cater to his special needs.

Under the Right to Education Act it is mandatory for schools to hire special teachers to enable children with disabilities to complete their education. Support classes can be held on school grounds or in bridge classes.

In this school the special teacher comes when he feels inclined to. He usually leaves soon after he has signed his attendance register. Vicky sits in regular class but often comes home by lunch time.

"We have been given special books and instruments but haven't used them because we don't know how to. I want my son to grow up and make something of himself", says Durga Donadkar, Vicky's mother.

Krupakar grew up with a father who despite being physically challenged reached out to the entire community as a preacher. He believes that having a physical handicap need not prevent an individual from living life to the fullest and that given the right support this is possible.

"My son studies with Vicky. If he is getting an education, I see no reason why a child like Vicky should be left behind", says Krupakar.

Call to action: Please call Mr Narayana Sanat, The Block Development Officer, on 09960039610 and ask him to appoint a teacher who can cater to Vicky's needs.