Noted educationist Dr Rakesh Popali passed away in Jaipur on September 15. He was suffering from cancer for the last three years. After getting doctorate degree in nuclear physics from Purdue University of America, he taught at IIT Kanpur for some time. Later, he became active in Vanvasi areas and joined the Vikas Bharati Bishunpur (Jharkhand) in 1983. In 1984 he taught practical physics at BIT Ranchi and continued his research on Vanvasi education. He is the man behind developing the entire training method of single teacher school system. His wife Smt. Rama Popali also helped him in this task. He developed the entire training system with the help of local resources. Today, Ekal Vidyalaya is a successful experiment all over the country due to its unique training system. Dr Popali also authored various books and associated himself with various organisations. To preserve his work, Shri Ashok Bhagat, secretary of Vikas Bharati Bishunpur, has announced to set up Dr Popali Lok Vijnan Kendra. In Delhi also, a condolence meeting was held on September 28 at Govardhanlal Trehan Saraswati Bal Mandir, Nehru Nagar, to pay him tribute. Hundreds of educationists, swayamsevaks and other people paid their tribute. Speaking at the condolence meeting, Shri Syam Gupt, in charge of the Ekal Parivar, announced to distribute Dr Popali Prashikshan Puraskar every year. (FOC)
