Anushka Sharma praises Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba for his contribution to the society

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Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma highly praised the efforts of Padma Shri winner social worker Harekala Hajabba. The 68-year-old fruit seller was awarded with the honour by President of India Ram Nath Kovind on Monday, for building a school in his village with his hard earned money.

On Tuesday, the actress took to her Instagram story to share a post that showcases Hajabba receiving the award, recognizing his contribution to the society. Hajabba is an orange vendor in Mangaluru, and being born in a poor family he could not afford to go long distance for education. Having no schools in his village he was always concerned of children like him who had no access to education.

Although he sold oranges to provide for his family, he saved a little from that in order to build a school in his locality.

Instagram/anushka

However, the thought of bringing a source of education to his village did not come to him until an incident occurred that changed his life. One day, two foreigners asked him, in English, the cost of the oranges. But not being able to understand them Hajabba realized the importance of formal education. That is when the fruit seller vowed that kids of his village will receive the education he never got.

He started saving a part of his income to build the school in his village. After years of his planning and hard work, Hajabba dream finally came true in 2000, as he started educating around 20 students in a building attached to a mosque. He requested celebrities, politicians and businessmen. His efforts were then highlighted by the local media which got him a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh. Finally, he was able to build a school on 1.5 acres of land with the prize money, and provide education to more than 100 underprivileged students, studying from Classes 1 to 10.

Anushka Sharma herself is an animal right activist and has raised her voice for the cause on various occasions. The actress, along with her husband- cricketer Virat Kohli, run an animal shelter in Mumbai. The couple also helped Covid-19 victims by raising funds for them. They often contribute funds for charity.

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