Dattu Agarwal’s Inspiring Journey: Founder of Matoshree Ambubai Residential School for Blind Girls
Dattu Agarwal, who lost his sight at the tender age of three, has dedicated his life to making a difference. His vision impairment didn’t deter him; instead, it became the driving force behind his remarkable journey. Now 66 years old, Dattu Agarwal has created a haven for 75 visually impaired girls through the Matoshree Ambubai Residential School for Blind Girls, located in Kalaburagi, Karnataka.
Dattu’s story is one of selflessness and determination. Despite facing the daily challenges of living with visual impairment, he felt a deep sense of responsibility to those who shared his struggle. He couldn’t ignore the inequality of opportunities that existed for visually impaired individuals, and this realization motivated him to take action.
At his boarding school, these 75 girls receive not only a quality education but also essential amenities like clothing and shelter. Dattu’s goal is to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to lead independent lives, breaking free from the stigma that often surrounds disabled girls in many parts of India.
Dattu’s own journey began in Kalaburagi, where a bout of pneumonia led to his loss of vision. His parents were determined to make him self-sufficient, sending him to a blind school for boys at the age of eight. His educational journey continued, culminating in the study of political sciences at Gulbarga University. In 1985, he embarked on a career as a political science teacher, which spanned more than three decades.
Despite his personal successes, Dattu was keenly aware of the prejudices society harbored against visually impaired individuals. Comments like “What will he do now?” and “He is disabled and will be a burden” were all too common, causing not only physical but also mental challenges. Determined to combat such biases, he aspired to create a world free from such prejudice.
Dattu’s mission to create a brighter future for visually impaired girls took shape in 1990 when he founded the Hyderabad Karnataka Disabled Society and established a residential school for visually impaired girls. The girls under his care, hailing from underprivileged backgrounds, are affectionately nurtured at the Matoshree Ambubai Residential School, named in honor of his mother, his greatest inspiration.
Initially, Dattu faced resistance from parents who feared for their daughters’ safety, especially in underprivileged communities. However, his dedication and outreach efforts changed the narrative, and families began approaching the school directly.
The school not only imparts standard curriculum education but also offers training in sports and music, providing the girls with a broader range of skills and passions for life beyond the school’s walls.
Among the many hopeful students is Idhma, aspiring to become a lawyer. Muskan, a Class 5 student, shared her journey from a village with no prior education, emphasizing the school’s welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
Sangeeta D Thakur, the headmistress of the school, recognizes the vital role such institutions play in Karnataka, where educational opportunities for girls are limited. She highlights the immense potential and creativity within the girls, citing the success stories of seven graduating batches who secured places in reputable colleges.
Reflecting on his journey, Dattu attributes it to fate, believing that his childhood circumstances shaped his path. However, with the school’s increasing demand, Dattu faces challenges, including overcrowding and insufficient funding. A new building is underway, and the institution is actively seeking additional sources of financial support as Dattu steps into retirement.
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