The Spark That Ignited a Lifelong Mission:
Dr. Alok Kumar Bhuwan’s Story
Life rarely unfolds in a straight line, and for Dr Alok Kumar Bhuwan, his journey towards championing inclusive education began with a twist of fate, a curious math teacher, and a chance encounter outside the classroom walls.
In the 80s, eighth grade at Zila School, Purnea, was a whirlwind for young Alok. While his classmates navigated the complexities of adolescence, Alok’s boundless energy often disrupted the classroom rhythm. His math teacher, a man with a keen eye for potential beneath the surface, employed a unique approach to tame Alok’s restless spirit. Instead of reprimands, frequent punishments became a thing of the past. However, one day, a bewildered Alok was singled out for a different reason. “Outstanding,” declared his teacher, a wide grin replacing the usual sternness. “Stand outside the class for a while.”
Confused yet strangely liberated, Alok considered this a chance for freedom and ventured beyond the school gates. Here, amidst the bustle of the outside world, he encountered a sight that would forever change his life. A young boy, no older than Alok himself, sat alone, ostracised by his peers for his struggles with cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. The world seemed to mock him; his cries for connection met with laughter and ridicule.
Something shifted within Alok that day. A spark ignited, a deep empathy welling up within him. He couldn’t stand idly by. Stepping forward, Alok offered the boy a gesture of kindness – a simple act of sharing food, a moment of genuine human connection. This wasn’t just defying his witnessed cruelty but a rebellion against a world that excluded difference. Emboldened, he even smuggled the boy into his classroom, determined to share the world of learning with him.
This transformative experience planted a seed in Alok’s heart—the seed of inclusion. He realised the potential for education to be a powerful tool for empowerment, a bridge that could connect individuals regardless of their abilities. This newfound purpose ignited a burning desire within him. He wouldn’t let the limitations imposed by society define the lives of children with disabilities.
Fueled by this passion, Alok embarked on a dedicated path of study. He diligently pursued his education, eventually landing at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Intellectual Disabilities in Secunderabad. Here, he equipped himself with the tools and knowledge necessary to build a future where inclusivity was the norm, not the exception.
Upon returning, driven by his vision and fueled by his childhood experience, Alok founded Manovikas in 1997. Manovikas, meaning “the wish tree” in Sanskrit, symbolised hope and opportunity for countless children with disabilities. From its inception, Manovikas has blossomed into a leading organisation, a testament to Dr Alok Kumar Bhuwan’s unwavering commitment to a world where every child thrives in an inclusive environment.
