Hajabba - Our Akshara Santa

A very inspiring story of a humble fruit vendor in rural Karnataka which moved me so much, that I couldn't stop myself from penning about this superhuman. If you want to make a difference in others life - age, time, place, money nothing matters. A strong willingness in helping others is the key to have a remarkable life. This is a story of an ordinary Orange fruit vendor who made an extraordinary contribution to society, despite his own relatively constrained circumstances. This is a story of Harekala Hajabba born on 17th October 1952 in Tumkur, Karnataka. Currently living in the Mangaluru district of Karnataka. 

Harekala Hajabba sold Oranges for the past 10 years and used to get Rs.75 from selling fruits and provided with a family of 5 members. One day, when he was selling oranges, a few foreign tourists asked him the price of the fruit in English. The man couldn't understand their question. This is when he decided to set up a school for children from families like his, using his savings. He saved money from his vendor business to build a school in his village called "Newpadapu" so that the children in his village could be educated. Hajabba himself had no access to education. But he decided not to let children go through the suffering that he had. He tirelessly fought to build a school, which has grown with government support and donations from private individuals is known as " Hajabba School". He is affectionately known as ' Akshara Santa" ( Letter-Saint). Today, the school has 175 students with classes up to the 10th standard. Hajabba's next dream is to build a Pre-University college in his village. 

Inspired by Hajabba, many social activists and writers have published a book on Hajabba's life, titled - "Harekala Hajabbara Jeevana Charitre. (The life story of Harekala Hajabba). The life history of Hajabba has been included in the syllabus of Mangalore University. Also, the BBC has published an article on Hajabba with the tilled called " Unlettered fruit-seller's'' in the Indian education dream. Hajabba was also conferred with the Real Heroes award by CNN IBN and Reliance Foundation. Reading all this left me so inspired that willingness to help others and having a vision is very important in life. From having nothing Hajabba raised funds with his fruits business and contributed to society. 

In the year 2000, Harekala Hajabba invested all his life's savings to build his dream school in his village. The vision of his dreams took wings and his noble deed was recognised in 2020 when the government of India named him as one of the recipients of India's fourth-highest civilian award - Padma Shri award, for creating a revolution in the field of education by opening a school in his village. This award event could not be held last year due to the Covid pandemic. Which took place this year on 8th November 2021 in Rashtrapati Bhavan. I was so touched seeing Harekala Hajabba walking barefooted wearing a white shirt and a white dhoti walking with humility towards the dais looked unruffled by the occasion, to receive the honour from President Shri Ram Nath Kovind. So humble, innocent, down to earth human, with an ocean full of dreams in his eyes. The whole county saluted this 69- year old man.

Upon returning to his village, Hajabba was moved and overwhelmed to see hundreds of people gathered at the Mangaluru International Airport to welcome him. As soon as he walked towards the lobby, his fans surrounded him and facilitated him with bouquets and shawls amid cheering and clapping. It was a feast to my eyes to witness the victory of Mr Hajabba. 

While penning down this article, my 7-year-old son was beside me and watching my happiness reading it. He asked me to narrate what I have written. When he heard the story he was spellbound, and asked me how in Rs. 75 he saved money to build a school. And after a while, he told me Mumma even we should do something to the society. I was moved by his gesture and for his thoughtful mind. 

I as a parent always try to inculcate certain values which deeply influence my kid behaviour and his attitudes which should reflect in his decisions and relationships from a tender age. I talk explicitly about values and tell him why it is important to him to follow them. Because for a value to be truly own, they must act on it and it should reflect in their behaviour. Not just verbally accept it or think they should follow it.

A true influencer, a hero who made us proud. Poor by money, rich by heart. Our very own Mr Harekala Hajabba, we salute you.