Ballari: As Rajamma steps into the schoolyard, pupils’ faces light up with joy. Their loud claps, accompanied by celebratory chants from those present, liven up the school compound.Rajamma, a 63-year-old Jogati (meaning God’s servant), is a dedicated donor who has provided uniforms, notebooks, pens, and pencils to pupils of Suggenahalli govt primary school in Kampli taluk of Ballari district. Living a solitary life, Rajamma manages her daily expenses from her modest ‘earnings’ through seeking alms — dedicating the lion’s share to charity. With the start of every new academic year, she allocates her savings to meet the basic needs of disadvantaged school children. Last year, she had donated Rs 40,000 to the govt primary school in Sharda Nagar, near Suggenahalli. This year, her contributions have increased to Rs 65,000 for the Suggenahalli school. “Everything I earned came from alms. After using up what I need for my daily life, I give the rest to children,” she said, humbly playing down any element of ‘greatness’ in her philanthropic acts. “Children receive with joy whatever I give them. That joy is enough for me. As long as I live, I will continue to spend whatever I can on them,” she added. Despite her Good Samaritan act, some have questioned the source of her funds. Unfazed by such criticism, a resolute Rajamma says: “Let people say whatever they want. I will do whatever makes me feel at ease.”Rajamma had a debilitating illness in her childhood, which forced her parents, who were daily-wage labourers, to spend a lot on her treatment. They even sold off their agricultural land to make ends meet. “My parents were unable to pay for my education. That is why I’m now helping the underprivileged, enabling them to pursue their studies,” she explains. At 13, Rajamma was accorded Jogati Diksha, following advice from an astrologer who suggested that a goddess could cure her illness. It appears her great-grandfather was also a Jogati. Her family continued with the tradition with Rajamma, whose altruism has drawn the attention of chief minister Siddaramaiah, who sent her a letter of appreciation. Teachers from various schools have reached out to Rajamma, seeking her assistance for their students. The limelight that Rajamma has earned, though, has done little to improve her lot. She still resides in a shed. Daily, she stands by the roadside, seeking alms from street vendors. “I get Rs 250 to Rs 300 a day. That’s enough for me,” she said with a smile.
