Karbi Anglong: In the western expanse of Karbi Anglong, a young luminary has emerged, kindling a beacon of hope in a region where altruistic endeavours have become an anachronism. Mohesh Ronghang, a trailblazing educator, has embarked upon a mission to revitalise the educational landscape of his native land. His odyssey is a testament to the transformative power of selflessness and vision.
Upon completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Guwahati, Mohesh felt an inexplicable sense of urgency to return to his roots. Disillusioned with the prospect of pursuing a conventional career, he was propelled by an inner conviction to make a meaningful impact in the lives of his people. “A deep sense of purpose stirred within me, propelling me to take action and make a meaningful contribution to the betterment of my community,” Mohesh recollects.
With a modest loan from his father, Mohesh laid the foundation of the Sardokpo Ronghang Memorial Academy in 2013. Named after his grandfather, the school, situated in Theso Terang Village, has grown from humble beginnings to encompass classes from nursery to Class VI. Mohesh’s unwavering commitment to excellence has led him to continually upgrade his institution, leveraging available resources to provide a holistic education.
Mohesh’s students hail from impoverished households in the surrounding areas, and he has ensured that the fees remain affordable, thereby democratising access to quality education. To achieve this, he has had to navigate numerous challenges, including securing funds to pay his teachers. “My earliest struggle was scraping together enough money to pay my teachers on time, a challenge that often led me to take out loans from generous benefactors, shouldering the added burden of interest,” Mohesh recounts, his eyes gleaming with a sense of accomplishment.
A tech-savvy individual, Mohesh has harnessed the potential of social media to chronicle the school’s journey, sharing updates on various activities and initiatives. His perseverance has yielded dividends, as his efforts have caught the attention of cultural activists, philanthropists, and educators from India and abroad, including the United Kingdom and Sweden. These benevolent individuals have contributed generously to the school, enabling Mohesh to enhance its infrastructure and expand its offerings.
Today, Mohesh provides free education to a select group of students whose parents struggle to make ends meet. He has also established a hostel to accommodate students from distant areas. Furthermore, he has forged partnerships with esteemed institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), to provide his students with access to specialised knowledge and expertise.
Mohesh’s institution has evolved into a beacon of excellence, surpassing the standards of even the most prestigious private schools in the region. His roadmap for the future is ambitious, yet grounded in a deep understanding of the needs of his students and the community. As he continues to push the boundaries of educational innovation, Mohesh remains an inspiration to all those who believe in the transformative power of education.
It is indeed ironic that while Mohesh’s achievements have garnered international recognition, the local administration remains oblivious to his contributions. Despite his efforts to secure support from the district council, he has been met with indifference. This disparity between the appreciation he has received globally and the neglect he has faced locally serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic apathy that often hinders grassroots initiatives.
Mohesh Ronghang’s story exemplifies the power of individual initiative and the impact one person can have on their community. His selfless dedication to education has inspired countless individuals, both within and outside the region. As he continues to strive for excellence, Mohesh remains a shining example of the transformative power of education and the boundless potential of the human spirit.
This story has been published as part of the AIPP-EastMojo Fellowship 2024
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