In the bustling streets of Mangalore, amidst the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh oranges, there stands a man whose humble beginnings belie the magnitude of his impact. Harekala Hajabba, a fruit vendor by trade, has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration through his unwavering dedication to education and social change.

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Born into poverty and deprived of formal education himself, Hajabba knows firsthand the struggles and hardships of life without learning. Forced into labor at a tender age, he toiled in fields and factories, rolling beedis to make ends meet. Yet, amidst adversity, his spirit remained unbroken, fueled by a burning desire to break the cycle of ignorance and poverty plaguing his village.

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With sheer determination and a heart brimming with compassion, Hajabba embarked on a remarkable journey to provide education to the children of his community. Saving every penny from his meager earnings, he set out to realize his vision of a school that would ignite the flames of knowledge and opportunity for generations to come.

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In 1999, Hajabba's dream took shape as he established a small school attached to a mosque, a modest yet significant step towards his grand ambition. Undeterred by challenges and setbacks, he continued to persevere, tirelessly advocating for the education of his village youth.

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In 2004, Hajabba's unwavering resolve bore fruit as he acquired a small plot of land with his savings, laying the foundation for what would become the 'Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Higher Primary School.' Despite facing rejection and ridicule from bureaucrats and politicians in his quest for funding, Hajabba remained steadfast, relying on the generosity of his community and the strength of his own perseverance.

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Today, the school stands as a testament to Hajabba's indomitable spirit, providing education and hope to over 150 students. What began as a humble primary school has blossomed into a secondary institution, spanning more than an acre of land and serving as a beacon of hope for the entire community.

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Hajabba's selfless dedication has not gone unnoticed. He has been honored by prestigious organizations such as the Reliance Foundation and CNN IBN for his extraordinary contributions to education and social welfare. In 2021, the Indian Government bestowed upon him the esteemed Padma Shri award, recognizing his exemplary service to humanity.

But perhaps the greatest testament to Hajabba's legacy lies in the hearts and minds of the people he has touched. Affectionately known as "Akshara Santa" - The Saint of Education - by those who admire his selfless dedication, Hajabba's name has become synonymous with hope, resilience, and the transformative power of education.

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Yet, amidst the accolades and recognition, Hajabba remains a humble and unassuming figure, embodying the true essence of philanthropy and altruism. His vision extends beyond the confines of his village, as he now sets his sights on establishing a college to further empower the youth of his community.

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The story of Harekala Hajabba serves as a powerful reminder that greatness knows no bounds, and that even the humblest of beginnings can pave the way for extraordinary achievements. Through his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to education, Hajabba has not only transformed the lives of countless individuals but has also ignited a spark of hope that illuminates the path towards a brighter future for all.