Constitution Month Special: In UP, This Former Cop is Instilling Constitutional Values in Children

Lucknow- Ravi Yadav, based in Janpur, Lucknow, is an ex-cop of UP Police and a proponent of the Constitution, doing his part to sensitize children about constitutional values through Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Shikshan Sansthan. The initiative began a year ago when Ravi noticed children aimlessly wandering after school. A ground report revealed that students in classes 7th and 8th were not aware of ABCD and Hindi alphabets. Motivated to make a difference, Ravi decided to support their school knowledge with coaching.

He shares that students are taught the regular syllabus on weekdays, and on weekends, they learn about Bahujan idols, their struggles, and Bahujan History and culture, including that of the Indus Valley civilization. The Sansthan runs classes in 32 villages, with volunteers imparting education at premises offered by willing individuals.

Speaking about his inspiration, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Ravi says, "Had it not been for the Constitution, the Yadav community would not have gotten its rights. Without Dr. Ambedkar, we would not have such a rich constitution, guaranteeing rights. We won't get real education until we start our own schools and colleges."

Younger children are taught basic constitutional aspects, such as how the country is run by the constitution, the members in the drafting committee, and the time it took to prepare the constitution. Older students in class 10th and 12th are taught procedural laws like CRPC, IPC, etc., to ensure they do not fall foul of the authorities. The institute also provides physical training, an imperative element in shaping a person's personality.

Yadav, who runs social media accounts under the name "Sipahi Ravi Yadav Ambedkarwadi," is a former constable of UP Police, dismissed by the government on disciplinary charges. He explains, "I was removed from duty for raising the voice for the rights of policemen and against their exploitation," refusing to elaborate further as the matter is sub-judice.

He criticizes private schools, stating that 99% of them are solely focused on business and not on educating students. Ravi believes that true education can only be achieved by establishing their own schools and colleges.

In his YouTube videos, Ravi addresses discrimination faced by marginalized groups, highlighting historical deprivations and atrocities. When asked if it is too early for children to learn about these issues, he argues, "Children don't understand Ramayana, Mahabharata, but when they see or read about these things, it gets instilled in their minds. Therefore, I think children should be sensitized about society in their formative years to set the tone for a subliminal impact."

He does not charge any fees from students, relying instead on voluntary donations from parents ranging from Rs 10 to 15 or more. Despite being currently dependent on farming for a living, Ravi, whose name means "sun" in Hindi, remains hopeful about reinstatement in the UP Police as his case proceeds in court. As we celebrate Constitution Day on the 26th, we can hope that Ravi brightens up the rural landscape with constitutional values.

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