Dhamma Dipa School - Site Visit Report

Dhamma Dipa School is a Residential School (C.B.S.E., Eng. Medium) inaugurated by Mr. Ryuzo Kikuchi, Consul General of Japan (Calcutta) on 25th May 2002. It started with 50 students (30 boys & 20 girls) in its first academic year (2002-03). Admission is open for all but they give first priority to S.T. children. 85 students have been taken in the second academic year (2003-04) out of which 4 (four) belong to O.B.C. and 1 (one) general category.

The School is run by BAHUJANA HITAYA EDUCATION TRUST (BHET) at Manu Bankul, Sabroom, South Tripura, INDIA. BHET is a Non-profit Public Charitable Association established on 15th June 1998 and registered under Indian Trust Act, 1882 and Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976.  It is also registered under Society Registration Act, 1860.  This Charitable Body (BHET) lays special emphasis on girls’ education and promotion of tribal culture. Efforts are also being made to improve socio-economic status of tribal women by providing training in various vocational courses. In brief, BHET is working towards socio-economic upliftment of poor tribals and other backward communities through education.

Dhamma Dipa School is situated at Manu Bankul. Manu Bankul is a small village under Sabroom Sub-Division and Rupaichhari R.D. Block in South Tripura District. Manu Bankul is 135 K. M. from Agartala, the capital town of Tripura.  It takes 50 minutes from Calcutta to Agartala by Air and Manu Bankul is 3 hours drive from Agartala.

Objectives:

Bahujana Hitaya Education Trust has the following objectives:

a)       To cater value-based quality education to the underprivileged children of poor tribal and other backward communities

b)       To train students in character building and spiritual development (meditation).

c)       To support poor tribal students for higher education.

d)       To train tribal women in vocational courses (weaving, tailoring, handicraft etc.)

It is good to see that parents do not require education awareness. They are very much eager to admit their children into a good school and Dhamma Dipa is the best to them. The parents entrust their children to Dr. Ven. Dhammapiya, the sole impetus of all the activities. Dr. Ven. Dhammapiya very good hold and influence on the community as well as with the local politicians, BDO, Health Organisations, Other Govt. Officials, Police, DM. Also he has a very good relation with other organization like Ramkrishna Mission, Tripura.


Mog Community

Mogs (Mags or Maghs) are the followers of Theravada Buddhism. Mogs are also known as Marma in Bangladesh.  As according to legend Mogs are the descendents of royal linage of Magadha. They have descended from the kings of Arakan (Myanmar) who migrated from Magadha, the modern south Bihar. In the 10th century A.D., due to political disturbances and religious oppression, large population of royal families of Magadha fled to the north eastern part of India surrounded by thick jungles, rivers and series of mountain ranges. After settling down there for some time, they gradually shifted to Arakan, now in Myanmar (Burma).

With the progress of time they established independent kingdom in Arakan and  came to be known as Arakanese or Rakhainsa. In 1599 A.D. Arakan was attacked by  Burmese Kings and the Arakanese (Mogs or Marmas) fled to Chittagong Hill Tracts and settled down there. From Chittagong Hill Tracts, they slowly entered Tripura State in 17th century A.D.  Mogs are found in Tripura as minority community. Mogs have their own language, script and rich culture but slowly losing its identity and getting eclipsed by the dominant culture of the majority community in the State. Like many cultures of the bygone days, Mog culture may soon disappear if it is not preserved with special care.

In the locality I found a govt. school. It looks like ruins. To the community, the Dhamma Dipa residential school is a safe custody for their children to have better care and education and it is a requirement for all students to be in the residential school. None of the students are allowed to stay at home. The children still connected to their families and are they able to be part of their community. Parents are allowed to meet their children on Sundays and also children have scheduled holidays. Dr. Ven. Dhammapiya and all the other stuffs of Dhamma Dipa residential school are very much committed. In the school they provide total guidance to the children following a daily activity schedule.

Daily Activities

  • 5:00 A.M. - Wake up bell
  • 6:00 A.M. - Morning prayer & meditation
  • 6:30 A.M. - Breakfast
  • 8:00 A.M. - Class starts
  • 10:50 A.M. - Morning session gets over
  • (10:50 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.) - Lunch break & rest
  • 2:00 P.M. - Afternoon session (class) starts
  • 4:00 P.M. - Class gets over
  • 4:30 P.M. - Tiffin
  • 4:45 P.M. - Games
  • 6:00 P.M. - Evening prayer & meditation
  • 6:30 P.M. - Self study (tuition)
  • 7:30 P.M. - Dinner
  • 8:00 P.M. - T. V. Programme
  • 9:00 P.M. - Lights off (Good night bell)

Future Plan of Dr. Ven. Dhammapiya:

  • Upgrading Dhamma Dipa School up to H. S. (10 + 2) & Degree College.
  • Developing herbal medicinal garden and setting up a research laboratory to carry out research on medicinal herbs and preserving traditional knowledge on herbal medicine.
  • Organising skill-oriented training programmes for rural women and unemployed youths.
  • Making documentary film or tele-films from famous tribal folk tales to preserve and promote tribal culture.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Sl. No.

Particular

Period

Remarks

1

Academic Session

April to March

 

2

Admission Form available

15th November to 15th December

 

3

Last Date for submission of filled in Admission Form

20th December

No Form accepted after last date

4

Admission Test (written & oral)

26th December

 

5

Seat available

 

Office makes the decision

6

Result of Admission Test

1st January

 

7

No. of students

135 (Academic Year 2003-04)

 

8

Class

Up to class -III

Each year one class will be upgraded up to H. S. (10+2)

9

Approval

Recognised by the Dept. of School Education, Govt. of Tripura.

 

10

Syllabus followed

C.B.S.E. (Central Board of Secondary Education)

 

11

Stipend

 

Dept. of Tribal Welfare provides stipend for 130 S.T. boarders @ Rs. 15/- per day per student





Visitors Remarks at Dhamma Dipa School,
Manu Bankul, Sabroom, Tripura (S),
INDIA

Sl

No.

Name & Designation

Date

Remarks

1

2

3

4

 

1

V. Thulsidas, Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Tripura

13th June 2002

One is always inspired, when one sees a noble thought blossoming into a noble institution. I am deeply inspired by the thought behind this institution and wish for all success.

2

Rakesh Ranjan, District Magistrate & Collector, South Tripura, Udaipur

13th June 2002

Development of human resources is the most important and relevant issue for the development of any area. BHET has taken a very good and impressive initiative and set an example for others. If such private initiatives come up in the other areas, I’ve no doubt that face of this entire region would change.

3

B. Singha, Commissioner, Tribal Welfare, Govt. of Tripura

4th July 2002

I was delighted to see the young children dressed in fresh garments, in a nice environment. I believe this N.G.O. shall run this school in an excellent way. All the very best wishes for its success in future.

4

Dr. Manash Dev, TCS, District Tribal Welfare Officer (S), Udaipur, South Tripura, Pin.- 799120

4th July 2002

It is my pleasure to put my self in such a disciplined atmosphere. I shall extend all facility within my capacity to this school.

5

G.G. Das, Deputy Director of Education, South District Zone, Udaipur (S) Tripura

19 July 2002

I am very much pleased to visit the Dhamma Dipa School. I wish its success in future. I also convey my gratitude to the students, teachers & others.

6

Jitendra Debnath, Sub-Inspector of police, Subroom Police Station

10th November 02

Visited this Dhamma Dipa School for an enquiry about registration. It seems very fine, I am very much pleased. Consulted with the staff whose behaviour is also found fine. This type of school is essential for development of poor children.

7

S. Sailo, Secretary to the Government of Tripura

10th  December 02

Visited the school on 10-12-2002 at 8.30 A.M. on the institution of Dhammapiya. The students performed various dances in a satisfying land though the school has come up very recently. The school appears to have done a commendable job. A very good wish for the days to come.

8

Swami Devapriyananda, Ramkrishna Mission, P.O. Vivek Nagar, Amtali, Tripura (W)

Pin. 799130

1st January 03

A humble start indeed, surely it will bloom in near future. We wish the grand success of the effort taken here.

9

M. Nagaraju, IAS, District Magistrate & Collector, South Tripura

1st January 03

I am happy and proud again to visit the place. I still remember the humble way, we have laid foundation to this school in 2001. This is a good beginning.

I hope to see this institution as one of the best centers of excellence in education as well as values.

10

V Krishna Kumar, Chief General Manager, Telecom BSNL, North-East Telecom Circle, Dimapur/Shilong

 

It gives me a great pleasure to visit the Dhamma Dipa School at Manu Bankul. I have very much impressed by the performance of the tiny tots. They danced very nicely and made us very happy.

I wish the school a very high success in maturing a big venture. Wish the school all the best.

11

Anil Sarkar, Education Minister, Govt. of Tripura

24th April 03

Hope Dhamma Dipa School will come up and grow with great visions of Samya Maitri and Saubhratrittwa for all.

12

Devananda Reang, Block Development Officer, Ruoaichari R.D. Block, Tripura (S)

2nd July 2003

It is a home away home. Wishing that the vision of the institution takes wings to shape the future citizens of our great country.

13

Inspection Team: Dr. D.C. Das, Asst. Director, Agriculture (TW), S Chakraborty, Sup. (STW),  with  Sujit Patary, Jr. Engineer (TW), Office of the District Magistrate & Collector, South Tripura.

18th July 03

Visited relating to physical enquiry of the institute to ill up a for of Central Govt. Form No. 9. For sanction of fund for development of infrastructure of the institute.

Physically found all facilities available except infrastructure to accommodate class rooms for the students, rooms for Hostel facility of 130 boarders. Only one permanent building constructed with BADP fund 2002-03 to accommodate 50-55 boarders. Water for all proper facilities & electricity available, proper sanitation with water tanks, sanitary latrines.

Students physically found present 121 Nos. out of 130 with boys and girls.

Need construction of 1. Classroom building 2. Hostel building 3. Dinning hall-cum-kitchen for 130 boarders, 4. Office building & store room.

The School/Hostel Management Committee have been maintaining both the school and hostel very nicely. Need Govt. financial assistance for above constructions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Salary required for teaching and non-teaching staff of Dhamma Dipa School, at Manu Bankul, South Tripura, INDIA.

 

Sl No.

Particulars

No. of staff

Required salary per month

Required Salary per annum

 

1

 

2

 

3

 

4

 

5

 

6

 

7

 

8

 

9

 

Principal

 

Teachers

 

Matrons

 

Cooks

 

Cleaner

 

Watchman

 

Clerk

 

Driver

 

Pharmacist (Required)

 

1

 

6

 

6

 

4

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

 

Rs. 4000/-

 

Rs. 21,000/- @ Rs. 3,500/- per head

 

Rs. 9,000/- @ Rs. 1500/- per head

 

Rs. 6,000/- @ Rs. 1,500/- per head

 

Rs. 1000/-

 

Rs. 1500/-

 

Rs. 2,500/-

 

Rs. 2,500/-

 

Rs. 2,000/-

 

Rs. 48,000/-

 

Rs. 2,52,000/-

 

Rs. 1,08,000/-

 

Rs. 72,000/-

 

Rs. 12,000/-

 

Rs. 18,000/-

 

Rs. 30,000/-

 

Rs. 30,000/-

 

Rs. 24,000/-

                                                                                                            Total:        Rs. 5,94,000/-

 

(Rupees five lakhs & ninety four thousand only)

 




Other Requirements At  Dhamma Dipa School

 

 

Sl

No.

Items

Particulars

Required amount per annum

 

1

 

 

2

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

Maintenance

 

 

Educational equipments

 

 

Furniture

 

 

 

Books & school uniform

 

 

 

Medical

 

Furniture, electrical appliances, building, vehicle etc.

 

 

Computers 5 Nos., Blackboard etc.

 

 

Benches, Chairs, Tables, Cots, Computer tables (5 Nos.), Almirah, Book shelves for library

 

Dress, shoes, socks, books (KG-I to Class -IV), tie, bags, blankets, mosquito nets, pillow, bed sheets, mattress etc.

 

Medical cost for students, teaching and non-teaching staff

 

Rs. 60,000/-

 

 

 

Rs. 1,75,000/-

 

 

Rs. 3,00,000/-

 

 

 

Rs. 2,50,000/-

 

 

 

 

Rs. 20,000/-

 

                                                                                                                        Total: Rs. 8,05,000/-

 

(Rupees eight lakhs & five thousand only)

 

CONSTRUCTION

Most of the rooms are built with straw roof and bamboo wall (temporary structures). So far only one concrete building (permanent structure) has been built which is used as hostel. They have drawn a comprehensive Master Plan to develop the school project into a full-fledged Residential School and a Degree College in next 10 years. The Total estimated cost for construction of buildings is Rs. 3,29,57,000/-. Abstract of cost estimate is given below. Construction can be taken up in phases and complete in 4 years. Construction of the permanent buildings is the immediate requirement. In this part of the country, due to heavy and long duration of rainfall, maintenance of the temporary construction becomes costly.

Abstract of Construction Cost Estimate

Sl No.

Particulars

Amount (Rs.)

1

School building (classrooms, office rooms, Lab. etc.)       

42,56,000/-

2

Hostel (200 seated) 2Nos.         

 87,42,000/-

3

Dinning Hall and Kitchen            

 6, 88,000/-

4

Library                                                 

35,00,000/-

5

Multipurpose Hall and Auditorium           

55,61,000/-

6

Guest House                                        

25,00,000/-

7

Staff Quarter (2 Nos.)                

52,00,000/-

8

Dispensary (Health Center)                    

5,10,000/-

9

Boundary wall 

20,00,000/-

                                                            Total:         Rs. 3,29,57,000/-

(In word: Rupees Three crores twenty nine lakhs and fifty seven thousand only)


Total Estimated Cost (Recurring & Non-recurring)

Sl No.

Item

Particulars

Amount

Amount per annum

 

1

 

 

2

 

 

3

 

Construction

 

 

Salary

 

 

Other Requirements

 

Non-recurring

 

 

Recurring

 

 

Recurring

 

Rs. 3,29,57,000/-

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

--

 

 

Rs. 5,94,000/-

 

 

Rs. 8,05,000/-