Adarsh Nivasi Shala

Up here in Dediapada, things move a bit slower than in the big cities. Adarsh Nivasi Shala is a place where the students actually live, so it’s more than just a school to us. It’s a home for a lot of people throughout the year. The Narmada district is beautiful, and we have a lot of space around the buildings, which is nice for the kids. It’s not a luxury setup by any means. The dorms are simple and the dining hall is where everyone gathers for meals. We deal with the usual problems like leaky taps or lights that flicker, but we have a handyman who stays on top of it mostly. Living and learning in the same place means there is never a quiet moment. Even after classes end, there’s always someone running in the hallway or playing outside. We grow some of our own vegetables in the back when the weather is right. It’s a very practical way of living. We don't have any fancy mission statements on the walls. We just make sure there is food on the table and lessons in the classroom. The staff lives close by too, so it feels like a big family most of the time. It’s a bit isolated being in Dediapada, but that’s what makes the community here so tight. We just take it one day at a time, making sure the kids are safe and learning.