In the heart of Deonar village, where educational resources are scarce and students face countless challenges, there shines a beacon of hope, Mr. Vilas Dabde. For decades, he has dedicated his life to teaching in a Marathi medium school at Kumud Vidyamandir, and his journey exemplifies the transformative power of education under the iRISE project at IISER Pune.

Vilas Dabde's story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to his students. He embarked on his teaching career with a deep sense of purpose, driven by a desire to uplift the lives of children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. He understood that these young minds lacked the resources and conducive learning environments that many take for granted. Some were forced to work alongside their parents to support their families, leaving them with little time or energy for formal education.

In the face of these daunting challenges, Vilas Dabde chose a path less traveled – an action-based curriculum that would ignite a passion for learning in his students. He believed that to truly make a difference, he had to make learning come alive in the classroom.

Walking into Vilas Dabde's classroom is like stepping into a world of wonder. His walls are adorned with a colorful array of charts and posters, and the atmosphere is vibrant with curiosity and enthusiasm. Whether teaching science or mathematics, Vilas rarely relies on textbooks alone. Instead, he engages his students through hands-on experiments and interactive learning experiences.

In his science classes, abstract concepts like force and energy are brought to life through tangible models. His students explore the intricacies of geometry by crafting origami clocks. The result? Regular attendance, heightened interest in studies, and a marked improvement in school results. The classroom at Kumud Vidyamandir has become a hub of creativity and exploration, where students not only grasp complex concepts but also take pride in showcasing their scientific models.

Vilas Dabde's dedication doesn't stop at the classroom door. He believes that effective lesson preparation is the cornerstone of successful teaching. To ensure his students truly understand the concepts, he first evaluates himself. He ponders over how to explain these concepts in the simplest way possible. He even takes the time to assess his students' preconceptions before diving into a lesson, tailoring his approach to their needs. In a world inundated with YouTube tutorials and ready-made lesson plans, Vilas Dabde's commitment to meticulous preparation sets him apart as a true educator.

Assessment, too, is a crucial aspect of an action-based curriculum. Vilas Dabde understands that evaluation should be as dynamic and engaging as the teaching itself. His approach to assessment is action-based, creating a lively classroom environment. This approach not only gauges academic progress but also reveals the understanding of shy students who may struggle to express themselves verbally. It's a testament to his holistic approach to education.

The iRISE program at IISER Pune has played a pivotal role in shaping Vilas Dabde's teaching journey. Under this program, he has adopted innovative methods of action-based evaluation, including role-play, concept maps, and charts. These tools, often overlooked by educators, have yielded remarkable results. Vilas recognizes that they help unveil the hidden potential of reserved students who find it difficult to voice their thoughts in a traditional classroom setting.

What distinguishes the iRISE program is the guidance and mentorship provided by recognized experts. Vilas Dabde notes that while he had been using session plans and experiments from IISER previously, the program's guidance has been a game-changer. It has amplified the impact of his teaching and allowed him to reach new heights of effectiveness in the classroom.

For Vilas Dabde, teaching is not just a profession; it is a sacred duty. He firmly believes that the school is a temple, the students are its gods, and educators are the priests. This philosophy drives his unwavering dedication to his students. The true reward for him lies in instilling a thirst for knowledge in his pupils and nurturing their aspirations for higher education.

One of Vilas Dabde's proudest moments was witnessing a young boy, who initially came to his night school, passed his school examinations and continued his education without interruption. This young boy, once relegated to running a canteen in a bank, now holds a respectable position as a bank employee. It is stories like these that exemplify the life-changing impact of dedicated educators like Vilas Dabde.

In a world often preoccupied with academic achievements and test scores, Vilas Dabde's story reminds us of the immeasurable value of fostering a love for learning. His tireless efforts have not only transformed the lives of countless students but have also inspired them to pursue higher education and brighter futures.

In conclusion, Vilas Dabde's journey as an educator at Kumud Vidyamandir stands as a testament to the power of innovative teaching methods, unwavering commitment, and the transformative impact of the iRISE project at IISER Pune. His dedication to empowering underprivileged students has not only enriched their lives but has also set them on a path to success and self-discovery. Vilas Dabde's story is an inspiring example of how education can break the cycle of poverty and provide a beacon of hope for the future.

Click Here to view his journey in Marathi

Click Here to view his journey in English