Ravindra Anand Sapkale
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| Ravindra Anand Sapkale in 2025 | |
| Born | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | B.A, M.A, B.Ed, DSM (Diploma in school management) |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Assistant Teacher, Writer, Master Trainer |
| Years active | 2015 – present |
| Known for | Teaching underprivileged children, Author of Chalk and Dreams |
| Notable works | Chalk and Dreams, Educational publications, Academic articles |
| Awards | See below |
| Spouse(s) | N/A |
| Parents | N/A |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Website | See below |
Ravindra Anand Sapkale is an innovative educator, author, and mentor who has dedicated his life to redefining the meaning of education.His vision extends beyond textbooks and tests, emphasizing the development of students' self-confidence, creativity, and values. Ravindra, who is well-known for his distinctive teaching style and inspirational approach, has motivated innumerable young people to pursue their goals with perseverance and discipline. He keeps bridging the gap between traditional learning and contemporary life skills through his writings, experiences in the classroom, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
Early Life & Education
Ravindra was born on August 9th in Mumbai into a modest Hindu family, and his life story has always been intertwined with the city's soil. In addition to being a city of dreams, Mumbai is also a paradoxical place. Sprawling slums where families struggle every day to meet their basic needs coexist with skyscrapers and opulent apartments. Ravindra discovered his calling in this contrast, not in pursuing material comforts but in using education to change people's lives.
With a solid academic background consisting of a B.A, M.A, B.Ed, DSM (Diploma in school management), Ravindra could have made a comfortable life choice. Nevertheless, he accepted teaching as a career, which he views as a sacred calling.Having worked with impoverished children for almost 20 years, he has transformed from a teacher into a beacon of hope for hundreds of students. His journey is a tale of fortitude, faith, and most importantly, a passion for learning and people.
Career
Ravindra Anand Sapkale’s professional journey is deeply rooted in Vatsalabai Dattatray Charitable Trust's Dnyanprakash Vidyalaya, Ghatkopar, Mumbai (400084), where he serves as an Assistant Teacher, Writer, and Master Trainer. The school, though modest in size, holds immense respect in the community and primarily caters to children from slum areas. Most of these children come from families of daily wage laborers, hawkers, domestic workers, and small-scale artisans. For such families, balancing the immediate need for survival with the hope of education is never easy.
Yet, when these children step into the classrooms of Dnyanprakash Vidyalaya, they bring with them eyes full of curiosity, determination, and resilience. Ravindra often says that while they may not have branded uniforms, digital gadgets, or even proper desks at home, they carry something far more powerful—a hunger for knowledge. This very hunger inspires him to give his best every single day.
He lovingly describes his students as “dreamers with bare feet.” They may walk into school from the dusty lanes of slums, but within them lies the strength to soar high. As a teacher, Ravindra sees his role as nurturing these wings and ensuring that poverty never cages their imagination.
His journey of service is supported by many pillars. Ravindra always expresses deep gratitude to Hon. Mr. Sawant Saheb, the Chairman of the school, whose guidance and vision have been instrumental in the school’s progress. For Ravindra, Sawant Saheb is more than an administrator—he is a mentor who constantly encourages teachers to innovate and go beyond conventional methods for the betterment of students.
Equally vital are the contributions of Principal Mrs. Tekade, Mrs. Gorule, fellow teachers, non-teaching staff, and the parents, who, despite hardships, continue to place their trust in education. Their collective dedication has built an environment where children feel valued, supported, and empowered. Ravindra considers himself fortunate to be part of such a mission-driven team, where every individual shares one goal: uplifting children from slums and giving them the dignity of knowledge.
Notable Works
One of the key milestones in Ravindra’s journey is the publication of his book “Chalk and Dreams”, which beautifully portrays the student-teacher bond and highlights the deeper purpose of education beyond academics.The book highlights his philosophy of fostering character, values, and self-confidence in students by reflecting humorous, challenging, and inspirational moments from classroom life. In addition, a number of educational publications have published his perceptive articles on creative teaching methods, solidifying his position as a teacher who views education as a lifelong process rather than merely a means of passing tests.
He has made several significant academic and research-based contributions. Among these, works such as “Bharat Ratna Awardees: Great Personalities” and “Indira Gandhi: The Iron Lady” are notable. In addition, he presented in-depth research on “National Education Policy 2020 – Diverse Discourses.” His work has also been published in Multidisciplinary Research in Arts, Science and Commerce (Volume 5, 6, 7). Furthermore, he has contributed over 80 academic articles in various books related to different regions of India. By presenting research papers at both national and international levels, he has established a distinguished identity in the academic world.
Achievements and Recognition
In the field of education, he has won numerous national and international honors. He is a genuine inspiration because of these accolades, which acknowledge his diligence, commitment, and creative contributions to education.
Awards
Some of his major awards and honors include:
- Honorary Doctorate Award 2025 by American Merit Council
- Global Education Mentor Award 2025
- Shikshak Nayak Samman 2025
- Indo-Spanish International Award 2025
- Second and Third Prize in Teaching Learning Video Competition 2023 conducted by SCERT
- Third Prize in Innovative Competition 2020 conducted by SCERT
- First Prize in Innovative Competition 2021 conducted by SCERT
- Fifth Prize in Innovative Competition 2022 conducted by SCERT
- Sixth Prize in Innovative Competition 2023 conducted by SCERT
- Second Prize in Innovative Competition 2024 conducted by SCERT
- Ravindranath Tagore International Award 2024
- National Education Innovation Award 2023
- कर्तुत्ववान शिक्षक रत्न पुरस्कार 2021
- India Prime Teachers Award 2023
- भारत प्रतिभा सममाण पुरस्कार 2025