Lt. Shri Rajendra Pratap Shahi Memorial: A Legacy of Vision and Compassion
Lt. Shri Rajendra Pratap Shahi was born in 1926 in a small village, Pirhani, Deoria, and later moved to Tamkuhi Road, Lakshmipur, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. He was a humble soul, deeply moved by the plight of the deprived sections of society. Farming was his primary occupation, but his heart and efforts were always dedicated to the betterment of the community. Fondly referred to as ‘Rajaudar Babu’ by the public, he served as a guiding light to many, earning their love and respect. He is survived by his dear wife, Ms. Smt. Shiv Shahi and five children of total seven.
A natural visionary, he firmly believed in the importance of quality education and the pursuit of self-improvement, and kept a firm yet lovable vigil on the kids around him who came to study those days. Tragically, his untimely departure to the heavenly abode left his dream unfulfilled, a vision that was only beginning to take root. Little did he know that the seed he planted would one day grow, nurtured and expanded by his children, who carried forward his dream of ensuring the right to education for every child.
Inspired by these deeply ingrained values, his family turned this dream into reality. In 2001, Mr. Ranbir Pratap Shahi, along with his sons and daughters, gave this vision a tangible shape.
The Foundation: Humble Beginnings
In a remote area with limited access to electricity, the foundation of the school was laid with modest resources (seen in the second image):
- A few tables, chairs, and stools.
- A loyal German Shepherd sitting in the verandah, as if standing guard over the dream and this place which he nurished along with his dear wife, Smt. Shiv Shahi.
A semi-pucca structure with rooms on the ground and first floors was constructed, making full use of the available space. Over time, the school expanded its facilities, including securing a long-awaited piece of land now used as a playground and exercise area. This development provides temporary functionality until sufficient funds are raised to further extend the infrastructure.
The school’s operations continues uninterrupted now, thanks to improved government-provided commercial electricity and the addition of an upgraded generator to fill the gap during power surge.
The Current Campus
The current school complex consists of:
- Front and Side Rooms: Classrooms and administrative areas.
- Back Rooms: Additional classrooms and storage.
- Recently Developed Toilets: Fully constructed pucca toilets for staff and students, ensuring hygiene and comfort.
- Multi-Purpose Grounds:
- A small and a large ground used for hosting school functions and programs, can be seen in the last image.
- Facilities for indoor games like badminton and table tennis.
- Spaces dedicated to personality development activities, extracurricular programs, and open conferences.
The most recent developments include the new playground area and toilets, inaugurated on July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2023, respectively—dates chosen to commemorate the school’s founding anniversary, can be seen in third and fifth image.
The Vision Forward
The school is well-ventilated with spacious areas equipped with basic amenities. It strives to provide a nurturing environment conducive to the holistic development of every child. Designed to remain user-friendly and low-maintenance, the campus aims to be largely self-sufficient once fully developed.
This journey, rooted in a legacy of compassion and visionary leadership, continues to inspire and transform lives, staying true to the dream of Lt. Shri Rajendra Pratap Shahi.
