'Laddu Gopal' Becomes Top Student in Kaithal School, Got Admission in Class 6

In a heartwarming blend of faith and philanthropy, a Laddu Gopal idol – representing the child form of Lord Krishna – has "graduated" to the sixth grade after "topping" the fifth grade at Marigold Public School in Kaithal, Haryana. This unusual educational journey is the initiative of Dr. Sanjeev Vashisht, who uses this symbolic enrollment to fund the education of an underprivileged child.

Dr. Vashisht, a resident of Siwan Gate in Kaithal, brought the Laddu Gopal idol home from a kirtan at Chandana Gate in August 2013. Treating the deity as a family member, he decided to enroll the idol in school once it reached "school-going age." In 2019, he approached Marigold Public School with an application for Laddu Gopal's admission.

"Laddu Gopal isn't just my deity; he's part of my family," explains Dr. Vashisht. "When children go to school, their families enroll them. I simply expressed my devotion by seeking admission for my beloved deity."

The school management was initially puzzled by this unusual request. Surender Arora, the school manager, recalled his confusion when Dr. Vashisht presented the admission form for Laddu Gopal. "I asked how a deity could be enrolled," Arora said. Dr. Vashisht responded by citing similar examples from other districts where Laddu Gopal idols had been enrolled. 

After consulting with education experts, the school proposed a solution: they would symbolically enroll Laddu Gopal, but his place would be filled by an underprivileged child who would receive the actual education. Dr. Vashisht enthusiastically agreed, offering to cover all educational expenses for the child in Laddu Gopal's name. 

Principal Saroj Arora explained that following this agreement, they immediately admitted a needy child named Madhav. Then-Deputy District Education Officer Shamsher Singh Sirohi was present during the enrollment of both Laddu Gopal and Madhav. 

For the past six years, Dr. Vashisht has been paying the monthly fee of ₹800 for Laddu Gopal's "education." Occasionally, he brings the idol to school, where it is placed at a table alongside other children, complete with a lunch box.

Recently, Laddu Gopal "completed" fifth grade with perfect scores – 100 out of 100 in each subject. Dr. Vashisht and his family attended the result announcement ceremony where teachers read out Laddu Gopal's report card to applause and congratulations from everyone present. 

While Laddu Gopal has now "moved up" to sixth grade, the actual student Madhav continues his real education with his own separate academic results. The initiative has earned praise from the school administration and the community. 

This unique initiative highlights how faith can be channeled into meaningful social action, providing educational opportunities for those who might otherwise be unable to afford schooling.