PERNEM
A Russian child is being widely praised for attending Marathi classes at a school in Ajgaon-Sindhudurg, across the Pernem border.
The boy’s ability to read and write in Marathi has drawn attention in Goa and Maharashtra, as social organisations from both States are visiting the school to meet Miron Lucase Locoviz and to test his skills in the Marathi language.
Two such organisations, Pernem Navchetana Yuvak Sangh and Shahu Phule Ambedkar Pratisthan along with some enthusiastic citizens and media visited the school and were amazed to see the boy reading and writing in Marathi.
Pernem Navchetana Yuvak Sangh President Krishna Palayekar and Shahu Phule Ambedkar Pratisthan President Mahadev Gavandi along with their volunteers visited the school and met the boy in the presence of headmistress Mamta Jadhav, Dattaguru Kambli, Nigoji Kokitkar, Rupali Naik. Both the social organisations feted the boy for his efforts to learn Marathi.
When asked if he is being treated as a special student in the school, the boy replied that he is not a special student and that, all other students are also special.
“I am learning the language, culture, and traditions of the place where we are currently living. This learning will be helpful for me in a long way and make me a better person. I enjoy learning Marathi. I don’t have any close friends in the school, but all these girls and boys are my friends,” said Miron.
Miron’s parents are into business in Russia and the family could not return to Russia due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. So, they decided to complete the formalities and are living in India. While doing so, they decided to teach their son the language of the place they live.
School Headmistress Mamta Jadhav stated that it is mandatory to admit any child, whether Indian or foreign.
“Since the principle of our school is to ensure that no child is deprived of education, we admitted the boy. He is learning through Marathi. His mother tongue is Russian and both English and Marathi languages are foreign to him,” said Jadhav.
“It has been difficult for teachers to teach him in Marathi or explain in English. Despite this, teachers in our school are imparting knowledge to the boy and he is learning enthusiastically.”
“The school runs with donations from the public. Many donors have helped the school to grow. We use the public funds for renovation,” said the headmistress.
