The Watchman Who Teaches Us the True Value of Education

In the quiet corners of a busy school campus stands Ragunath Shinde, a 48 year old man whose story is far more powerful than the uniform he wears. Behind the kind smile and patient nature of the school watchman lies a journey shaped by hardship, sacrifice, and an unshakeable belief in the power of education. He has been working in this field for the past 5 years after juggling tons of jobs.

A Childhood Marked by Responsibility

From the young age of 13, while most children were busy with textbooks and games, he stepped into the world of work.

Between 7th to 10th grade, he juggled multiple jobs, not out of choice, but necessity.

He painted houses.

He sold chana papad as a street vendor.

He worked at grocery stores.

He took up any job he could find to help his struggling family.

Growing up in a home that battled extreme poverty, his childhood was never about dreams, it was about survival.

“I started working in 7th grade. By the time I reached 10th, I had done so much work that my interest in studies slowly slipped away,” he recalls quietly.

Today, he works in Maharashtra, living alone, while his entire life - his wife, his two children, and his mother remain in Assam.

A Father Who Dreams Bigger for His Children

Despite the distance and the hardships, his love for his family is the strongest part of his story.

He talks about his two kids with warmth, pride, and hope. He wants them to have the life he couldn’t have, to chase the dreams he couldn’t chase, and to study without the weight of financial struggle.

“I want my children to study well. To become someone. I don’t want them to face what I faced,” he says with a smile filled with both longing and determination.

His wife and mother continue managing the home in Assam while he sends his earnings back to support them. Every day he works, he works for them. When asked about his favourite moments he says about how his kids call him everyday, showing gratitude towards him.

A Powerful Message to Students

When asked what message he wants to give to students, his response was filled with honesty, experience, and quiet pain:

“Make the best use of education. I didn’t, and today I am here. Being a watchman is not a bad duty, but it is difficult to survive. I want every child to pursue education and become the person they dream of.”

His words come not from regret, but from wisdom from someone who knows how precious education really is. 

A Learner Who Never Stopped Learning

What makes him extraordinary is that even after years away from school, he never stopped learning. He continues to study English through the Seeko app, practicing daily to improve himself.

“Learning should never stop, no matter what age,” he says with a humble smile .

His dedication is a living lesson to every student who takes education for granted.

More Than a Watchman

He is proof that heroes don’t always stand on stages or in spotlights. Sometimes, they quietly guard school gates, carrying stories heavy with sacrifice, love, and resilience.

He is a reminder:

That education is a privilege.That opportunities should never be wasted. And that even in the toughest circumstances, the spirit to grow can survive.

 “I don’t want any child to leave their dreams the way I had to leave mine.” 

These words stuck with me. We take education so much for granted complaining each day about how hard it is, forgetting that it is a privilege and honour to receive education which many don't get. His story is full of sacrifices he made in order to protect his family and today he is protecting all the children around him too. He is an example of determination and courage, teaching us more than a textbook.

Written by Yashfin Basale, Grade 11, Arihant College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Pune

Yashfin wrote this article as a participant of the Media-Makers Fellowship's Nov'25 cohort.