Buxar: Financial hardship forced 49-year-old Brijmohan Singh, popularly known as Guddu Singh, to discontinue his education after Intermediate. Rather than allowing poverty to define his future, the resident of Chaugain village turned his unfulfilled dream into a lifelong mission—to ensure that children from disadvantaged families do not have to abandon their education.Since 2014, Guddu has been providing free coaching in mathematics and English to students across Chaugain block. Most of those attending his classes are children of landless workers, marginal farmers and daily-wagers who cannot afford private tuition.Every morning, he teaches mathematics for an hour, followed by a one-hour English class after 4pm. At present, 154 students from Classes III to X regularly attend his coaching centre, while a few Class XII students also receive guidance. He also conducts free online classes for students.To encourage academic excellence, Guddu has been organising free monthly competitive tests since 2014.His efforts have begun to bear fruit. Two of his former girl students were recently selected as Bihar Police constables, while another secured a govt job through the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). As a gesture of gratitude, they contributed funds to improve the coaching centre. Guddu used the money to purchase chairs, tables and learning materials for his students.“A good education should build character as much as knowledge. Success has value only when it is guided by honesty, discipline and compassion,” Guddu said.Beyond academics, he actively motivates boys and girls from dalit and other socially disadvantaged communities to enrol in govt schools and continue their education. His lessons also emphasise respect for parents and teachers, the values enshrined in the Constitution, India’s cultural heritage and a sense of social responsibility.Rakesh Kumar, a Class IX student, said, “Before joining Guddu Sir’s classes, I was afraid of mathematics and English. My parents could not afford private tuition. Now I participate confidently in school competitions and dream of becoming a police officer.”Soni Kumari, a Class X student, says, “I once thought I would have to leave school. Sir convinced me that education could change my life. His monthly tests gave me confidence, and now I want to become a teacher.”Amit Paswan, a Class VIII student, said, “Guddu Sir’s free classes have given us hope and confidence.”“My education ended early,” Guddu said with a smile. “But if even one child fulfils the dream I could not, I will consider my journey successful.”
