Anil Jadhav has been through a rough patch early in life. And those painful memories have not been wiped out as yet. In fact, they have become such a part of his being, that his mission now is to ensure that nobody else has cause to nurture similar memories. And he has been successful.The Late Shri Narayanrao Jadhav (Alegaonkar) Public Trust that was formally inaugurated on September 3, 1984 for funding the education of economically backward students stands testimony to his efforts. And accords students the opportunity to pursue their dream of studying further. Currently Jadhav is working to fulfil his second goal - to set up a library-cum-study room for youngsters in a similar situation. These efforts to help students in financial need have their roots in his own childhood. Born into a family that had meagre resources, Jadhav had a tough life.To supplement his father's paltry income of Rs 16 per month, he took up work with a hair dresser right during his school years. ``Things were so bad that three of my father's friends had to chip in to pay my matriculation examination fee of Rs 15. After that, I had to immediately take up a job, which I did, as a clerk with the Central Motor Transport Spares Services Depot,'' remembers Jadhav. A series of jobs followed and he retired in January 1984 as a senior inspector from the directorate of Industries of the state of Maharasthra.The importance of formal education never diminishing, Jadhav got back to his books 12 years after completing his matriculation. Doggedly, he persisted till he triumphantly walked away with Bachelor's degrees in both the arts and commerce in 1958 and 1960 respectively. But till date, he laments, ``had I been able to complete my graduation then, my present could have been better. But that's not been so. and that is precisely why I want to ensure that this is not repeated with anybody else,'' says Jadhav, explaining the thought process behind the establishment of the trust.With whatever money he had in hand after retirement, from his gratuity and provident fund, he set up the Late Shri Narayanrao Jadhav Public Trust in memory of his father. `` I decided to ensure the education of those in financial difficulties,'' he adds. Over the years the interest from his savings and donations from various quarters fund the activities.Beginning with helping out 14 needy students, the trust has held out hope to almost 600 students so far, giving them any amount from Rs 300 to Rs 1500, to pursue their graduation and post-graduation studies. Successful completion of secondary school education is the only criterion. ``This is not a one-time prize money. Those who need it can apply over consecutive years, provided they have secured 60 per cent marks in the previous examinations.'' This one dream realised, he now wishes to get some place for such students to come and study - a library. With a site already allotted in Shukrawar Peth, things look positive. So needy students need not give up halfway. All they need is a sincere dedication towards studies.
