Orphaned and 10th-fail, Vinayak Deokar now educates 525 underprivileged children

Full Story

Early years through hardship

Vinayak Deokar was born into a world of hardship. Orphaned at just three months old, he was adopted by an elderly couple who worked tirelessly in a stone quarry. The couple had little to offer, but they provided Vinayak with love and care. Life, however, would not remain stable for long.

“When I lost both my adoptive parents by the age of 16, my world was shattered,” Vinayak narrates to ImpactStories.in. His father passed away due to old age, and his mother lost her battle with cancer. "It was devastating, but I had no time to grieve. I had to find ways to survive."

In his teenage years, Vinayak took up various low-paying jobs to support himself. He sold lottery tickets in the local market and worked as a waiter in a hotel. Despite these hardships, Vinayak completed his education up to the 10th grade. “It was tough," he recalls, "but I couldn’t let my circumstances dictate my future."

The weight of responsibility: Early marriage and fatherhood

Vinayak’s challenges didn’t end with the loss of his parents. At the age of 16, he got married, and by the time he turned 21, he was already the father of three children—two sons and one daughter. “It was overwhelming,” he shares. “I had to grow up fast. Supporting my family while struggling with my own survival was incredibly tough.”

Despite the heavy responsibilities of early marriage and fatherhood, Vinayak remained focused on rising above his circumstances. He worked various odd jobs, from selling lottery tickets to waiting tables, all while providing for his young family. His determination not only helped him survive but also fueled his desire to create a better future for others. Today, Vinayak’s children have grown up to pursue successful careers, and he continues to focus on his mission of educating underprivileged children.

A life-altering diagnosis: The turning point

At the age of 27, Vinayak’s life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. “The doctor told me that one of my heart valves wasn’t functioning properly, and I needed surgery,” he shares. The surgery, however, came with a hefty price tag of ₹1.75 lakh, an amount Vinayak simply didn’t have.

“Faced with the choice of battling my own health or doing something bigger for society, I decided to dedicate my life to helping others,” Vinayak says with determination. His decision to forgo surgery set him on a completely new path—one where service to others became his driving force.

The first step in his journey was raising funds for a young boy named Tushar, who suffered from a severe heart condition. "Tushar needed ₹1.2 lakh for surgery, and his mother came to me seeking help," Vinayak recounts. Even while grappling with his own health issues, he decided to raise money for Tushar. In three months, Vinayak collected ₹1.22 lakh through small donations from local communities, and the boy successfully underwent surgery. “That moment changed my life forever,” he says with a smile.

Inspired by this experience, Vinayak realized the potential to help many more people facing similar struggles. On January 18, 2002, he founded Jeevan Mitra Pratishthan Charitable Trust to provide financial support to needy cardiac, cancer, and renal patients. The trust was inaugurated at the hands of Hon. Shri Anna Hazare and Hon. Shri Balasaheb Bharde (a renowned Gandhian), in the presence of Hon. Jackie Shroff and Hon. Dr. K. B. Grant.

Since its inception, Jeevan Mitra Pratishthan has supported more than 1,500 patients, providing them with critical financial aid for life-saving surgeries and treatments. “This was my way of giving back,” Vinayak tells ImpactStories.in. "Helping Tushar made me realize that there are so many people in need of support, and I wanted to make a bigger impact."

The birth of Mahatma Gandhi School

After witnessing the impact he could have on others, Vinayak realized the transformative power of social work. His journey took a pivotal turn when Dr. Diksha Barve, a well-wisher, gifted him a copy of Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth. Deeply moved by Gandhi’s values of service, non-violence, and education, Vinayak felt a renewed sense of purpose. “It changed the way I saw my mission in life,” he tells ImpactStories.in. This inspiration fueled his decision to start a school that would provide what he never had—a quality education, free of cost, for underprivileged children.

On June 14, 2014, Mahatma Gandhi School was born, becoming Maharashtra’s first and only free English-medium school for disadvantaged children. The school was inaugurated by Hon. Dr. Vikas Baba Amte and aimed to uplift the children of widows, divorcees, prisoners, ailing parents, and sex workers. Located in Pune’s slum areas, the school started with just a handful of students but grew quickly as its mission spread.

“We started from scratch, with no government support,” Vinayak explains. “Everything—books, uniforms, shoes, stationery, transportation, midday meals—was provided for free, entirely funded by donations.”

Over the years, Mahatma Gandhi School has grown to educate 525 children from various marginalized communities. "We believe that every child, no matter their background, deserves the opportunity to dream and achieve those dreams," Vinayak says proudly.

Understanding the true value of Education

As Mahatma Gandhi School grew, Vinayak reflected on the way people often view education purely in terms of financial outcomes. "People often see education as an investment for monetary returns—like placement packages or ROI—without recognizing its true value in building character,” Vinayak says.

“People often see education as an investment for monetary returns—like placement packages or ROI—without recognizing its true value in building character.” - Vinayak Doekar

His vision for Mahatma Gandhi School wasn’t just about academics, but about shaping well-rounded individuals. “We assess the value of education the same way we assess the value of land or the stock market,” Vinayak says. “But we rarely think about the improvement of character and values.”

A school built on community support

The success of Mahatma Gandhi School rests on the shoulders of community donations and local support. “When I started, I went door to door, collecting funds,” Vinayak recalls. “People would give ₹5, ₹11, or sometimes ₹51. The highest donation I received in those days was ₹51.”

Vinayak's personal story and genuine dedication attracted attention from some notable figures. In 2014, Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff came to Pune for the school’s inauguration, lending his support to the cause. “I had no contacts or connections in Mumbai,” Vinayak shares. “I simply approached Jackie Shroff’s residence, and to my surprise, he agreed to attend. His presence at our opening ceremony was a huge moment for us.”

Challenges along the way

While Mahatma Gandhi School has grown, it has not been without challenges. “Our biggest struggle is sustaining monthly expenses,” Vinayak says. “We need ₹18-20 lakh per month to cover operational costs, including paying our 35-member teaching and support staff.”

The school operates on 4,000 square feet of land, but space is limited. “We don’t have a playground for the children, which is something we desperately need,” Vinayak adds. "Additionally, we aim to hire more qualified teachers, but paying them fair salaries is a challenge without stable funding."

The absence of consistent government support means that the school relies heavily on donations from individuals. “We need people who believe in our mission to come forward and sponsor students or help with operational costs,” Vinayak urges.

Looking ahead: Dreams of expansion

Vinayak’s vision for Mahatma Gandhi School doesn’t stop at primary education. “Right now, we educate children up to the 9th standard, and next year will be our first 10th-grade graduating batch,” he shares excitedly. “But what happens after 10th? College education is essential, and it’s expensive.”

Vinayak dreams of expanding the school to provide college education, ensuring that his students don't fall through the cracks after completing secondary school. “If we stop at the 10th grade, many of these kids will be forced into low-paying jobs, like becoming plumbers or electricians. While those are respectable jobs, I want these children to have the opportunity to become doctors, engineers, or whatever they aspire to be.”

The power of one: Vinayak’s personal sacrifices

Vinayak's journey is not just about providing education; it’s about embodying the change he wants to see in society. "I’ve sacrificed a lot, but it’s all worth it when I see these kids thrive," he says. Over the years, Vinayak has turned down numerous opportunities for personal financial gain. “I don’t believe in accumulating wealth," he shares with ImpactStories.in. "My only asset is this school and the future of these children."

Vinayak’s personal battle with his heart condition continues, but he remains undeterred. "It’s been over two decades since my diagnosis, and I haven’t had surgery," he says, attributing his survival to the blessings of the community and the joy of his work. “I don’t take any medication, but every time a child succeeds, it feels like I’ve been given more time.”

Building futures through education

Vinayak’s journey is one of perseverance, determination, and a deep commitment to changing lives. From being orphaned as a child to now educating hundreds of disadvantaged children, his path demonstrates the lasting impact that one individual’s vision can create.

Today, Mahatma Gandhi School offers essential education and opportunities to 525 children, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty. The road ahead comes with its own set of challenges—securing sustainable funding, expanding facilities, and improving infrastructure. Yet, for Vinayak, these obstacles are part of his lifelong mission to ensure every child has the chance to build a brighter future.

“I want people to remember me not for what I achieved, but for what these children will achieve,” he says.

Summary

Vinayak Deokar’s journey from being an orphaned child in Pune’s slums to founding Mahatma Gandhi School is a remarkable story of perseverance and service. With unwavering dedication and personal sacrifice, Vinayak has built a school that serves 525 underprivileged children, providing them with free education, meals, and hope for a brighter future. Though the road ahead is filled with challenges—sustaining funding, expanding facilities, and securing land—Vinayak remains focused on his mission to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to dream big and succeed.