Having witnessed a full century of life, mathematician and philanthropist Dr. Ghasiram Verma from Jhunjhunu holds a perspective shaped by a hundred years of history. He has watched society evolve, generations progress, and public mindsets shift over time. According to him, the single largest and most gratifying transformation in society over the past century has been the advancement of women's education. Families that once did not prioritize educating their daughters now witness them carving out distinct identities across fields such as education, administration, politics, medicine, and teaching. This shift has not only boosted women's self-confidence but has also fundamentally altered family financial standings and social standing alike.
The Urgent Need to Reform Traditional Education
Having completed a century of life, Dr. Verma believes that the time has come to overhaul traditional educational methods. Relying solely on conventional degrees for daughters is no longer sufficient; instead, integrating them with technology, practical skills, and self-employment opportunities is essential. He notes that daughters possess natural intellect and capability, provided they receive the right opportunities and training. When women become skilled, they transition from mere job seekers into creators of employment through their own startups and business ventures.
A Century of Experience Points to Education as the Greatest Change
Dr. Ghasiram Verma points out that social change is rarely visible overnight, and its true impact becomes clear only when looking back at the past. While families previously placed numerous restrictions on female education, the landscape has transformed entirely. Educated daughters now serve as pillars of support for their households, gaining both independence and equal social respect. In his view, educating a son educates an individual, whereas educating a daughter educates an entire family. An educated mother shapes the future of the next generation by instilling better values and education in her children. Consequently, investing in a daughter's education holds the power to transform not just an individual life, but an entire family and society.
Millions Contributed and Dozens of Institutions Supported
Dr. Ghasiram Verma’s life has been guided by the principle of giving back to society what society has provided. To promote female education, he has contributed financial aid exceeding 12 crore rupees. His support extends to 28 girls' hostels operating across the state and 22 schools and colleges nationwide in various capacities. He has contributed to the construction of buildings for several educational institutions, including Maharshi Dayanand Girls Hostel. Additionally, he has supported 18 charitable trusts, provided scholarships to meritorious female students to help them continue their studies, and honored writers with awards. For him, social service goes beyond mere financial assistance; it means creating opportunities for those in need to rise in life.
Dedication of Personal Residence to Social Welfare
Dr. Verma's commitment to social welfare reaches far beyond donations and scholarships. The residential house where he currently lives, located in the lane opposite the municipal council, has been dedicated entirely to the Dr. Ghasiram Samaj Seva Samiti. His life serves as a practical example that property holds true significance only when utilized for the collective welfare of society. He believes individuals should earn to meet their needs, but must also allocate a portion of their earnings to support needy individuals and vital causes like education. The satisfaction derived from bringing positive change to others' lives, he notes, surpasses any personal achievement.
Emphasizing Technology, Skills, and Startups
Drawing from a century of experience, Dr. Verma's primary message regarding the educational system is that the era of restricting learning to traditional textbooks and degrees has passed. Daughters must be introduced to coding, technical training, modern skill sets, and entrepreneurship. Equipping them with practical skills enables them to stand on their own feet and generate independent employment opportunities. With proper guidance, resources, and opportunities, today's young women possess the capability to establish everything from small-scale enterprises to major startups, strengthening household finances and invigorating the national economy.
Scholarships Transform a Farmer’s Daughter into a University Finance Controller
The tangible impact of Dr. Ghasiram Verma's support for female education is vividly reflected in the lives of daughters who once faced severe obstacles due to financial hardship. Manju Chahar, a former district treasury officer, stands as a prime example. Hailing from a modest farming family, Manju faced immense financial hurdles when attempting to move to a larger city for higher education. Enrolling at Maharshi Dayanand College allowed her to pursue her studies, while scholarships from the Dr. Ghasiram Verma Seva Samiti provided the encouragement she needed. She subsequently earned an MSc and an LLB from the University of Rajasthan, cleared competitive examinations, and entered public service. Currently serving as the Controller of Finance at the University of Rajasthan, Manju’s success illustrates how timely financial aid can alter the trajectory of a needy daughter's life, serving as far more than just a means to pay college fees.
