When mathematics teacher Natwar Patidar walked back into Government Sandipani Primary School in Segaon, the scene turned deeply emotional. Children who were eating their midday meals left their plates and ran to hug him, a moment Patidar described as “beyond imagination”.
Patidar had earlier been transferred from the school but was reinstated after more than 200 students and their parents marched nearly 35 km to the Khargone district headquarters on January 28, demanding his return. Following the protest, the district administration reviewed the decision and cancelled the transfer order, allowing him to rejoin the school on Thursday.
Protest that surprised even the teacher
Patidar said he was overwhelmed by the spontaneous show of support. “The decision by students and parents to march to meet the collector was completely unexpected,” he said, adding that he had already joined his new posting at Dasanwal in compliance with the government’s attachment order before the reversal.
Beyond textbooks: teaching with commitment
During his tenure at Sandipani School, Patidar went beyond routine classroom teaching. He conducted special motivational classes for academically weaker students and prepared children for admission to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, a prestigious central government school system.
He also held free additional classes at his home every evening after school hours. To build trust among parents, Patidar enrolled children from his own family in the government school and actively promoted the institution through social media.
Enrolment surge reflects impact
The impact of his efforts is visible in enrolment figures. Student strength rose from just 54 in the 2023–24 academic year to 218, then climbed to 230 in 2024–25, and reached 246 in the current 2025–26 session — a 355% increase overall.
Patidar said the goal is to cross 300 students in the next academic year, with outreach efforts continuing through coordination with nearby Anganwadi centres.
Education officials and parents say the episode highlights how dedication and emotional connection can transform government schools and inspire communities to rally behind committed teachers.