Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi 

Udupi, Mar 8: Women play a vital role in society and serve from birth till death as daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and what not. Yes, here we are introducing an outstanding woman, who is engaged in teaching dance, music, karate and yoga skills with no expectations in return.

She is the Vidya Saraswathi for the children of slum area of Beedinagudde near here, imparting free tuition since a decade with no expectations, training them for sports and involving them in creative activities. This is a very rare example, we get to see in the society, where an affluent person helps the downtrodden. This exemplary woman lives in Manipal.

Yes, we are talking about Roopa Ballal, wife of Nagaraj Ballal, a businessman. She is basically from Bengaluru and a yoga therapist also. Since 10 years, she has been teaching 30 children from the slum area. In the morning, she keeps herself busy in yoga clinic and teaches the children in the evening. If one visits her house, he or she can see Dr Roopa busy in teaching the children either in the compound or on the rooftop of her house.

In addition to this, Roopa exercises discipline, simplicity, culture and loving nature as well. Roopa Ballal is a perfect example for women empowerment with multiple shades of talents.

Roopa Ballal treats children as mother with love and affection. She becomes a doctor, when those children fall ill. She rushes them to the doctor in her car. Soon after the school gets over, children wait for her to take them to the tuition class, where they will get all sorts of education to shape their future.

Roopa says that her husband Nagaraj, son Dr Arjun Ballal and daughter Dr Priyanka Ballal are also contributing for the children's education. They are also show love and care towards these poor children.

There is a spacious room on the rooftop of her house, where Roopa gives tuition in English, Maths and Science. Students namely Hemalatha Shetty, Chandrakala and Shaila Kiran also volunteer in teaching these kids along with her.

Now Roopa Ballal's house has become another home for the slum children. From primary to high school, students are getting education with lots of other extracurricular activities. Parents of these children are very supportive and encourage their kids to go to the house of Roopa. These deprived children are from other districts of Karnataka state. They do not go to their hometown whether it is vacation or any other long holiday. They get everything like food, dress, toys, entertainment values etc in Dr Roopa’s house. Even on Sundays, they will rush to her home to learn new things.

Speaking to Daijiworld.com, Roopa Ballal said “I love children from childhood. I like their innocence and that is what attracts me towards them. I love to be with kids and be like them. I do not need any other satisfaction in this world than their love. That has inspired me to provide them education. I believe that, a good nation can be built by civilized children and I continue my service in that path.”

“All women have strength, but they do not recognize their potential. I would like to make them understand the true sense education,” added Roopa.

Roopa further said, “On the occasion of International Women's Day, my message to all women is that they should think it is their duty to educate, love and care at least a few unprivileged children until they are ready to face the world. The result is so rewarding. Without the support of my family, I would not have been able to achieve this much. Today I am getting appreciation and support from the public. That is the biggest reward for me. I do not expect anything more than this. I feel so proud to be woman.”

There are children studying in Anand Theerta English Medium School, who reside in the hostel. Roopa got three girls admitted to Pajaka residential school in 2016 and they appeared for the CBSE SSLC examination of 2019.

Roopa is the first person, who conducted Swachh Bharath Programme at Indrali Temple with the help of 14 kids. She got a young man named Basavaraj admitted to B Com in the Alva’s College. Another guy is a national level steeple chase runner. He has been selected for an international race.

The youngest boy in Dr Roopa’s tuition class completed the 3 km Manipal marathon, which was held recently. She gives training in karate and formed a karate team for making them independent and strong.

Recalling an incident Roopa said, “Kaveri, a very intelligent and obedient girl, had not washed her hair since three weeks. I felt pity on her and I immediately gave her a nice hot bath, wiped her , powdered her body, gave her a new dress and asked her to pray and also gave her a glass of hot milk. You should have seen her happiness and the priceless smile she sported on her face. She just hugged me tightly. It was an amazing feeling.”

“All children have enough potential, but they need suitable platform to explore the same. They need respect and attention. This will add to their personality development. I have some plan for spending vacation by providing English coaching class, gardening and many more. So far, I am serving with support of family and public. I never asked money or donation from anybody,” says proud Roopa.

Roopa is also a blood donor and has donated blood 32 times for the needy during emergency. She has dedicated her time for serving the poor children for their better future.