Karnataka - Mangalore   

His untiring efforts bore fruit

Special Correspondent

Hajappa

MANGALORE: As a man selling oranges, his heart pined for unschooled urchins at the remote Harekala in Dakshina Kannada district. The sight of these children being unable to go to school because they had to travel a long distance, made him dream of starting a school.

Forty-six-year-old Hajappa saved money from whatever little profit he earned from selling a basketful of oranges everyday. His resources were scarce, but his will power was immense.He ran from pillar to post for six years and finally, the Education Department allowed him to start a primary school at Harekala till IV standard. Not satisfied with this, Hajappa continued with his mission and succeeded in getting permission to have V and VI standards in the school. The school now has 132 students.

He has been given the first "Person of the year" Award by Kannada Prabha of The New Indian Express group. The award was presented to him at a simple function here. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

While pursuing his dream of starting a school in his village, Hajabba neglected his ailing wife. He was forced to ask his elder daughter to stop from going to the very school he started, to take care of his wife. Handing over the cheque to Hajappa, Karnataka Bank Chairman Ananthakrishna said he only wished that many more Hajabbas were born in society.

T.J.S. George, Editorial Advisor of The New Indian Express Group, who headed the jury, was present. The jury included Jnanpith Award-winner U.R. Ananthamurthy, former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Rama Jois, theatre personality Arundathi Nag, Dr. Sudarshan and writer Baraguru Ramachandrappa.

Over 400 people were considered for the award.

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