The Educated Farmer
Vilasrao was the son of a farmer, Bhimrao in a village in Marathwada district. Bhimrao was first a landless laborer. Both he and his wife Hansabal worked in the fields of Bhikku sheth. They worked hard and sincerely, but Bhikku Sheth never had a word of appreciation for them. On the contrary, he would refuse to give them even their salary, sometimes. They were very unhappy, but both of them were bold and courageous. So they decided to fight for justice. They were also aware of the various welfare schemes for landless farmers.
They contacted the Agricultural Institute. They got some fertile land to cultivate and also all the necessary equipments and seeds. Under the guidance of the staff members of the agricultural Institute, they worked hard and got a good harvest and a good income. They decided to give Vilas a decent education. They sent him to school. After he completed his elementary education, the School Principal recommended him for admission in a central school, as Vilas was a hardwiring and intelligent student. Vilas worked diligently and completed his school and college education. During his school and college days, he used to come home for the vacation. Whenever he came home, he observed how hard his parents worked. As he grew up, he started understanding the problems of the farmers and the village. He had learnt about Mahatma Gandhi, Acharya Vinoba Bhave, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. He was inspired to work for the upliftment of the village.
He joined the Agricultural Institute. He was sent by the Institute to foreign countires to study and learn innovative practices in Agriculture and about agro-based Industies. He returned to the village with all the expertise in agriculture and other related industries. His parents were very happy and gave him the entire responsibility of the fields, though they continued to do whatever they could.
One day, Vilasrao was relaxing in the compound of this house. At that time, the chief worker in his fields came to discuss some problems with him. Vilasrao cordially welcomed him and listened to what he had to say. Then he told him, “Tomorrow I shall come to the fields, work with you all and tell you what is to be done.” The laborer was surprised. He said: “You are so educated, how will you work with us in the field?” Vilasrao replied: “What is the harm in coming and working with you? I have learnt so many new things, what is the use of learning so many new techniques, if I don’t use them for the development of the village. There is a divine pleasure in working in the fields, with you all.” Vilasrao accompanied the workmen and worked with them, guiding them in every aspect of the work.
He discussed all the problems with the farmers and helped in tackling them. He took pains to see that rural technology was used for economic growth of the village. The village people were see very proud of him as they benefited by the rural development schemes. All the people worked hard for the development of the village. Children of the village were given good education and agricultural training. Youths were actively engaged in village industries. Women were given opportunities to participate in the village development schemes. As the entire village participated in the administration and development of the village, there was co-operation and co-ordiunation and no exploitation. All realized that labour and sincere efforts lead to progress and development. The entire village was thankful to Bhimrao, Hansabai and Vilasrao.
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