Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Madhya Pradesh Teachers Turn Schools, Communities Into Success Stories
Five teachers and mentors in Madhya Pradesh are helping children and communities in different ways.
Natwar Patidar brought many children back to a government school and greatly increased its enrollment.
Parents and students even protested when officials tried to transfer him.
Rakesh Sharma uses songs, games, dance and acting to make lessons easier to understand.
Ravindra Badole encourages learning with questions, prizes and help for students who need school supplies.
Shyam Singh Chundawat, a retired teacher, has planted thousands of trees and gives away young plants.
Prabhu Mulchandani teaches swimming for free and has helped small-town children compete at major events.
Their stories show that teachers can help students both inside and outside the classroom.
Natwar Patidar increased enrollment at Government Sandipani School, Segaon, from 54 to 279 students, with attendance above 90%.
Rakesh Sharma’s play-based teaching and pandemic outreach earned him selection for the President’s Award by district authorities.
Ravindra Badole motivates students with quizzes, prizes and personal support for families unable to afford school needs.
Retired teacher Shyam Singh Chundawat has planted more than 20,000 trees and distributed free saplings and environmental posters.
Prabhu Mulchandani’s free swimming coaching has helped Neemuch athletes win medals and represent India internationally.
- Who
- Teachers and mentors Natwar Patidar, Rakesh Sharma, Ravindra Badole, Shyam Singh Chundawat and Prabhu Mulchandani.
- What
- They have improved government-school participation, supported disadvantaged students, promoted environmental conservation and trained successful swimmers.
- When
- The achievements span from Natwar Patidar’s start in 1999 to Teacher’s Day 2026; Mulchandani began coaching about 18 years ago and Chundawat’s environmental work spans about 42 years.
- Where
- Various communities in Madhya Pradesh, including Khargone, Segaon, Kasrawad, Mandsaur and Neemuch.
- Why
- They worked to expand educational opportunities, restore confidence in government schools, help disadvantaged children, protect the environment and develop athletic talent.
- Natwar Patidar’s school
- Enrollment at Government Sandipani School, Segaon, rose from 54 to 279, while attendance remains above 90%.
- Support for EMRS selection
- Patidar’s free coaching helped eight village children gain selection to EMRS schools, including a district-topping girl.
- Transfer protest
- In January 2026, 200 students and more than 100 parents walked 30 kilometres to the Khargone collector’s office; Patidar’s transfer order was cancelled.
- Rakesh Sharma’s recognition
- The district administration selected Sharma for the President’s Award, and the state government took up the recommendation on priority.
- Student assistance
- Ravindra Badole gives prizes to high-performing students and personally pays tuition fees or buys uniforms and books for some poor students.
- Environmental work
- Shyam Singh Chundawat has planted more than 20,000 trees, with around 6,000 still standing, and distributed more than one lakh posters and postcards.
- Swimming achievements
- Prabhu Mulchandani’s Swimfly Sports Club has sent Neemuch swimmers to state, national and international competitions, including events in Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and Japan.