Bengal village school writes to Sachin, receives Rs 76 lakh for facilities

Teachers and students of Swarnamoyee Sasmal Sikhsa Niketan had earlier requested Sachin Tendulkar in a letter to help them improve the facilities. But, they were in a for a sweet surprise earlier this year when the legend responded with an allocation of more than 70 lakhs from the MPLAD fund, reported Hindustan Times. The library, a laboratory and a common room for girls is in advanced stages of construction, the paper also reported.

“The realisation hasn’t yet sunk in. We have no words to express our gratitude,” headmaster of the school, Uttamkumar Mohanty said.

The school now plans to invite Sachin for the unveiling ceremony once the construction is complete.

“We will write to the MP to be present with us when we unveil the new infrastructure,” said Mohanty, reported HT.

The school, about 99 strong now, had been hurting from lack of funds before the school's teachers decided to take things into their hands. After receiving a mute response from the local Loksabha MP, the staff figured out that Rajya Sabha MPs do not have territorial restrictions. They then wrote to Sachin in early 2014 explaining their plans and the lack of funds. The Rajya Sabha MP then responded with a reply stating that the funds will be released soon, much to their surprise.

“I wish to inform you that I have recommended to the honourable district collector Bandra, Mumbai, that funds be released to you for the above project. I understand that the honourable district collector of Bandra has further processed my recommendation, and has provided necessary details to the honourable collector exercising jurisdiction in your area,” the letter addressed to Mohanty read, reported HT.