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The school was a significant project for Gandhi, who called upon various individuals to teach there.
Mahatma Gandhi himself spent six months at the school.
The first basic school in India was reportedly established by Mahatma Gandhi on November 13, 1917, in East Champaran, Bihar, during his visit to the region. This historic school, which was the result of a donation from Shiv Ghulam Bakshi, a local villager who gave his house for its establishment, is located about 30 kilometers from the district headquarters. It is now struggling to maintain its identity and existence, and is in need of a transformative figure to restore its legacy. The school was a significant project for Gandhi, who called upon various individuals to teach there, including his younger son Devdas Gandhi, Baban Gokhale and his wife Avantika Bai Gokhale from Mumbai, as well as teachers from the Sabarmati Ashram, such as Chhotelal and Surendra ji. It was not just an educational institution, but also a place where Gandhi promoted self-reliance and the spirit of self-employment.
Gandhi himself spent six months at the school, using the opportunity not only to educate but also to inspire the local community to take a stand against the British, particularly in the context of the indigo farming protests. His presence infused the people with a sense of nationalism and unity in the fight for independence.
Khenalal, appointed by Gandhi as the orderly of the school, played a pivotal role in maintaining the institution. Today, his grandson, Sonalal, continues to serve the school as a night guard, symbolising the enduring connection between the school’s founding and the local community.
Sonalal told Local 18 that the well from which Gandhiji used to drink water and where he used to take bath has not been cleaned till date. Apart from this, the construction of Kasturba Gate near the pond has also not been completed till date. The spinning wheel with which Gandhiji used to spin yarn is still kept in the school. Apart from this, wooden machines, globes, clocks and other items are gathering dust in a room. Local youth Kamal Islami says that if Sonalal ji had not kept these things carefully, they would have been reduced to dust by now.
Headmaster Abdul Manan says that it is his dream to see the school return to its former glory but aid from the government is required for it. Due to lack of resources and funds, things related to Gandhiji have not been preserved properly. If the government had helped, it could have been preserved in a better way, he says.
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