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Avinash Nakat, an ordinary man belonging to the Tandli Buzurg village in Akola, Maharashtra, took everyone by surprise when he decided to honour his wife’s memory in an extraordinary way. When his wife, Rupali, breathed her last on February 5th,2016, Avinash was of a firm mind to make his wife’s memory immortal, thereby deciding to digitalize his childhood Zilla Parishad school with the money that would otherwise have been used for his wife’s rituals.
Two days prior to her demise, Rupali was diagnosed with acute leukemia; and even after sincere efforts of Avinash, Rupali died as a result of a haemorrhage. Avinash, though widely appreciated in his village due to his dedicated work towards social causes, was not met with appreciation for his eccentric decision. The lack of support from the villagers did not, however, dampen his spirits. Keeping his wife’s suggestion of doing something noble for his village, along with an innate respect and affinity towards his childhood school, Avinash set on the path of digitalizing the Zilla Parishad school.
The school had been falling short on the number of students, due to poor conditions. Avinash did not spend any time in grieving for his beloved wife’s death, and on February 22nd, the Digital School was inaugurated at Tandli. The remodelling of the school included the painting of the school walls, installation of computers, projectors, white boards, fans and water purifiers, flooring and carpet fitting – also leaving some amount for other necessities-all within the budget of 1.5 lakhs which was set aside for the rituals.
Avinash, though a believer of God, is of the firm opinion that traditions must not be followed blindly. Though already famous for his NGO Yuvarashtra and his noble contributions towards the fight for the rights of farmers, earned a place in every heart by the tribute he gave to his wife’s memories; and by serving as an eye-opener for all those, who are unable to demarcate between belief in God, and belief in empty rituals.
The Logical Indian applauds Avinash. He has not only dared to reject norms that our society has followed since times immemorial , but also emerged victorious and paved a way for a brighter future of the lives he has touched .
