In a Muzaffarpur Cremation Ground School, Children Are Painting Their Way to Confidence and Income At Apan Pathshala, a school inside a cremation ground in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, 28 children are learning Mithila painting alongside their studies and earning money by selling their artwork locally. A school that runs inside a cremation ground in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, is turning out to be an unusual training ground for young artists. At Apan Pathshala, 28 children split their days between regular lessons and learning the traditional folk art of Mithila painting, and some of their finished pieces are already finding buyers in the neighbourhood. A classroom for skills inside a cremation ground Apan Pathshala operates on the premises of a cremation ground in Muzaffarpur. The 28 children enrolled there follow their usual academic schedule but also set aside time to learn the fine details of Mithila painting. Several of their artworks are now being sold locally, giving the children a small income along with a growing sense of confidence in their own abilities. From Chhath Puja to Radha-Krishna, tradition takes shape on paper The children are currently working on paintings themed around Chhath Puja, the major folk festival of faith. Alongside this, they are also creating images of Radha-Krishna, fish, peacocks, various birds and religious sites, all rendered on paper in the traditional Mithila style. The bright colours and classic motifs used in these paintings have made them quite popular with people living nearby. Student Mahi says the art connects her to her roots Mahi, a student at Apan Pathshala, says Mithila painting is an old and celebrated folk art form from Bihar. She says learning this craft alongside her regular studies is an entirely new experience for her, and it is also giving her a chance to get to know her own culture more closely. Sumit Kumar says the goal was never just textbook learning Sumit Kumar, who runs Apan Pathshala, says the organisation was never meant to focus only on formal education. According to him, it is equally important to teach children a skill that can help them stand on their own feet in the future, and that is the thinking behind giving them training in Mithila painting. Paintings sell for 100 to 150 rupees, some given as gifts with angvastra Sumit Kumar says each painting made by the children is priced between 100 and 150 rupees. People from the surrounding area buy these paintings, and some even present them as gifts along with an angvastra, a traditional shawl, when honouring someone. This brings the children a bit of financial support, which acts as a strong source of encouragement for them. Respect for their effort is lifting their morale Sumit Kumar explains that when children see their hard work being valued and properly paid for, their morale rises naturally. That confidence pushes them to keep improving both their studies and their art. An initiative that began in a place like a cremation ground is now bringing fresh hope into the lives of many children, carrying a message that skill development and self-reliance matter just as much as education. What this means for you • Across India: The initiative shows how pairing regular schooling with a traditional craft can give children an early source of income and self-reliance. • In Muzaffarpur: Local residents can now directly buy Mithila paintings priced between 100 and 150 rupees from these children and support them. Questions & Answers 1. Where does Apan Pathshala run? It runs inside a cremation ground premises in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. 2. How many children study at this school? 28 children study there and learn Mithila painting alongside their regular studies. 3. What themes are the children painting right now? They are currently making Chhath Puja themed paintings, along with images of Radha-Krishna, fish, peacocks, birds and religious sites. 4. How much do the children's paintings cost? Each painting is priced between 100 and 150 rupees. 5. Who runs Apan Pathshala? It is run by Sumit Kumar, whose aim is to teach children a skill along with regular education. 6. How do the children benefit from selling their paintings? They get some financial support and it also boosts their confidence. 7. Are the paintings only sold, or also given as gifts? They are also given as gifts along with an angvastra when people honour someone. Inspiration & Lessons The story of Apan Pathshala shows how the right intention and a small opportunity can change the future of children growing up in difficult circumstances. • Textbook learning alone isn't enough: Sumit Kumar's approach shows that teaching children a practical skill alongside formal education helps make them self-reliant. • Connecting with tradition helps: For students like Mahi, learning Mithila painting is also a way of reconnecting with her own culture and roots. • Hard work deserves fair value: Selling the children's paintings for 100 to 150 rupees gives their effort both recognition and a real price. • Small beginnings can create big change: An initiative started in a place like a cremation ground is now bringing hope and confidence into many children's lives. https://trendkia.com/en/success-stories/muzaffarpur-ke-shmashana-ghata-men-parhane-vale-bachche-aba-kuchi-se-bana-rahe-hain-apani-pahachana-5008 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.