Harekala Hajabba’s Generous Donation Helps Build School Playground
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN)
Mangalore, Nov 7: A playground constructed at New Padpu School near Harekala, with money awarded to Harekala Hajabba, fruit seller and philanthropist, was inaugurated on Friday November 6 by Member of Parliament (MP) Nalin Kumar Kateel.
The playground was constructed by Hajabba with money awarded to him by CNBC-TV 18 (CNN-IBN).
Hajabba had received Rs 5 lac as part of their ‘Real Heroes’ award and was felicitated by CNBC-TV 18 for his achievement in constructing a school despite being illiterate and working as a fruit-seller. The playground cost Rs 7 lac.
Hajabba, a recipient of several awards, has always donated the money he has received. He is also a recipient of ‘Kannada Prabha Award’, which consisted of Rs 1 lac. He is now called ‘Akshara Santha’ (Saint of Letters).
The school started by Hajabba has now grown into a high school where nearly 400 students of the area study.
Hajabba sells oranges and only earns a maximum of Rs 60-70 per day. He said that he now has many similar dreams but money is required for these.
“I am hopeful that these dreams will come true with the help of philanthropists and the government”, he said.
Hajabba said that it was his dream to construct a playground for the high school.
“The award money helped me purchase land and take up the work. Several philanthropists helped by donating for this work”, he added.
Hajabba added that he is using his award money for developmental activities at the school.
Zilla panchayat president Santhosh Kumar Bhandary, MLA U T Khader, zilla panchayat chief executive officer Shivashankar, and Jaycees national trainer Manjunath were present.