Jalgaon: Schoolgirls Continue 32-Year Tradition Of Sending Handmade Rakhis To Border Soldiers

In the small town of Dharangaon, Jalgaon district, a long-standing tradition has been upheld by the girl students of Indira Gandhi Secondary and Higher Secondary School. For the past 32 years, these young students have been making handmade rakhis using their own savings to express their gratitude towards soldiers stationed at the border. This year, they sent 1,500 Tiranga rakhis to Nashik Cantonment, which are subsequently delivered to the border.

The idea for this heartwarming initiative was conceived by Rajendra Padol, the school’s former supervisor, who was inspired by a soldier’s statement that "every day is the same for us soldiers at the border; there are no festivals or holidays." Padol shared this idea with Class 10 girl students, who enthusiastically agreed to participate. They pooled money received during special occasions like Bhai Dooj to buy materials like wool, silk threads, and decorative items for making the rakhis.

The school’s art teachers then trained the students in the craft of creating these rakhis, and for a month leading up to Raksha Bandhan, the students arrived at school an hour early to work on them. Their class teachers also encouraged and supported them throughout the process. Although Padol has since retired, he remains actively involved in the initiative, driven by the same sense of gratitude.

The students' parents also contribute to the success of this initiative. Nashik: Onion Express Delayed By 42 Hours Amid Quality Protest, Leaves With 340-Tonne Shortfall This year, 1,500 tricolour rakhis were dispatched from Nashik to the border, where they are received with joy by the soldiers stationed there. The school celebrates whenever news arrives that the rakhis have reached the soldiers from Nashik.

The students' faces light up with happiness upon receiving confirmation, while Headmistress Surekha Patil takes satisfaction in knowing that her initiative has touched the lives of soldiers far away.

Deputy Headmaster AS Patil, Supervisor BP Patil, and class teachers RU Patil and AS Mahajan work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of this touching tradition. Through their efforts, the bond between these young students and the soldiers at the border is strengthened, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their sacrifices.