Mangalore, November 6: Nalin Kumar Kateel , Member of Parliament inaugurated the newly constructed playground at New Padpu School near Harekala. It may be recalled that Harekala Hajabba, fruit seller and philanthropist had received ‘Real Heroes’ award from CNBC-TV 18 (CNN-IBN) for his outstanding contribution to the society by constructing a village school with his meager earning. The playground was constructed with the money awarded to him. The playground was constructed at a cost of Rs.7 lakh.
Hajabba had received Rs 5 lakh as part of their ‘Real Heroes’ award. He is also a recipient of ‘Kannada Prabha Award’, which consisted of Rs 1 lac. He is now called ‘Akshara Santha’. Hajabba is a recipient of several awards.
Hajabba had started the school with his daily earnings from selling fruits. The school has grown into a high school where nearly 400 students of the area study.
“The award money helped me to purchase land and take up the work. Several philanthropists helped me to realise my dream, he said.
MLA U T Khader, Zilla panchayat president Santhosh Kumar Bhandary, zilla panchayat chief executive officer Shivashankar and Jaycees national trainer Manjunath were present.