Surat Teacher Becomes Brother to 3,000 Girls Through Free Education

SURAT: For thousands of women across Gujarat, Raksha Bandhan is no longer just a festival marked by a single day of affection. For Surat teacher Naresh Mehta, it has become a 12-year bond of education, care and service. Without having a biological sister, Mehta has become a brother to more than 3,000 girls and women by helping them return to education.

Mehta, originally from Barbatana village in Rajula, Amreli, has been working in education since 2002. After completing his schooling in Mahuva and PTC training in Songadh, he joined Surat Municipal Corporation as a primary teacher and served at School No. 271 in Haridham Society for 15 years.

His mission began in 2015 when he started teaching girls who had dropped out of school because of financial difficulties. Many were working in saree cutting, lace and thread-related jobs. Mehta began visiting their homes and teaching them at convenient times. He also provided books and other study material free of cost.

The initiative expanded across Gujarat during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Using newspapers, social media and a helpline, Mehta connected with girls in villages and cities and shifted much of his teaching online.

“I have three brothers in my family but no real sister. I decided to accept these daughters as my own sisters and help them complete the education they had been forced to leave,” Mehta said.

Over the years, more than 3,000 sisters and daughters have benefited from his initiative. Some have completed Class 10 and 12, while others have pursued college education and prepared for government examinations.

Several beneficiaries have also secured jobs in companies, hospitals, banks, schools and Anganwadis, helping them become financially independent.

Mehta also teaches students about social issues, including cyber fraud, alongside academic subjects.

The Raksha Bandhan tradition began for him in 2012 when a girl without a brother tied him a Rakhi. That girl has since completed MBBS and is now doing an internship.

This year, 321 girls preparing for their March 2027 board examinations tied Rakhis to Mehta. The celebration, now held annually, brought together students from Kapodra, Kamrej, Katargam, Adajan, Punagam and Seemada.

For women who left school years ago because of economic, social or family circumstances, online education has offered another chance. Some are even preparing directly for Class 10 after studying only up to Class 5.

Mehta’s story shows that sometimes the strongest form of protection is not financial support, but giving someone the education and confidence to build her own future.