Khandwa decides to keep schools open after boy writes to Modi

A 13-year-old school boy’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi forced Khandwa administration to withdraw its decision to keep schools closed on Tuesday.

A 13-year-old school boy’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi forced Khandwa administration to withdraw its decision to keep schools closed on Tuesday.

Devansh Jain studies at Vidhyakunj International School. (HT photo)

‘Why should my school remain closed if you are holding a rally?’ Devansh Jain, a Class VIII student of Vidhyakunj International School, wrote to Modi ahead of his August 9 visit.

The Prime Minister will address a public meeting at Bhavra in Alirajpur district, the birthplace of freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad, to mark 70 years of Independence and 74 years of Quit India Movement.

Though Khanwa administration revisited its order, schools will remain closed in some districts of western Madhya Pradesh on the orders of the district collectors. “In view of heavy rainfall alert for tomorrow (August 9) in Indore district by meteorological department and requirement of school buses for a programme, all aaganwadis, government and private schools shall remain closed,” says an order released by the Indore district collector.

On Monday afternoon, the Khandwa district administration withdrew its order and also sent mail to the school informing about the change in plan. “In accordance with the latest directive issued by the administration, we will keep the school open,” Vidhyakunj International School director Jai Nagda said.

The Class VIII students told HT that he thought about writing the letter, after his class teacher said the school would be closed due to Modi’s rally. “When I came home and talked to my mother, she told me that nothing could be done and the only thing I could do was write to the PM,” the boy said.