Aslam Sheikh commemorates wife's memory by helping students

Story by ATV | Posted by Aasha Khosa | Date 20-08-2026

Aslam Sheikh with teachers and students of his village school

Bhakti Chalak/Pune

Aslam Hussain Sheikh of Thekrawadi village in Maharashtra has chosen a meaningful way to honour his late wife, Shamim Sheikh—by setting up a foundation in her name to support schoolchildren in his village.

After his first wife's death, Aslam Sheikh deposited Rs 25,000 in a fixed deposit in the name of Zilla Parishad Primary School, Thekrawadi. He authorised the school administration to use the interest earned from the deposit to help needy students. Through this initiative, he hopes people will remember Shamim not only with grief but also through an act that benefits others.

Sheikh said that since childhood he had seen people donate to schools in memory of deceased family members. Such contributions, he observed, helped improve school infrastructure and provided students with better facilities. Inspired by this tradition, he decided to make a small contribution according to his means.

He believes that well-run government schools can help secure a better future for coming generations. Better education and greater awareness, he says, can ultimately contribute to the progress of both society and the country.

Sheikh's own life is a story of struggle and perseverance. He lost both his parents when he was just eight years old. Following their death, some families in the village and his sister, Babi Jan, supported him and helped him continue his education.

Aslam Hussain Sheikh and his family members distributing books to students

After passing Class 10 in 1984, Sheikh began working as a sanitation worker at the Warulwari Gram Panchayat. While cleaning the office, he continued his studies. He went on to complete a diploma in agriculture from Manjari Farm and passed Class 12 from Manchar College.

In 1988, he married Shamim, who stood by him throughout his journey. Sadly, she later died of dengue fever. Sheikh subsequently married Bismillah Sheikh, who has also remained a constant source of support in his social work. The couple have a son, Sajid, and a daughter, Mumtaz.

In 2021, Sheikh joined Thekrawadi Gram Panchayat as a Gram Sevak. During his tenure, several development initiatives were undertaken in the village. Under his leadership, Thekrawadi won the first prize at the national level under the "Gram Arja Swaraj Special Panchayat Award 2023" and received prize money of Rs 1 crore.

Sheikh, along with Sarpanch Santosh Thekra and Group Development Officer Sharad Chandra Mali, was subsequently honoured by President Droupadi Murmu.

The Zilla Parishad school in Thekrawadi has around 42 students from Classes 1 to 4. After taking charge as Gram Sevak, Sheikh took several steps to improve the school's basic infrastructure. With around Rs 6 lakh to Rs 6.5 lakh received under the 15th Finance Commission, he facilitated repairs and painting of the Anganwadi, three classrooms and the school office.

Benches were also provided for the students. The children subsequently performed remarkably well in the MSCIT computer examination, with more than 90 per cent of them scoring above 90 marks. Their achievement brought recognition not only to the school but also to Zilla Parishad schools across the district.

To further encourage the students, Sheikh has also provided financial assistance from his own pocket for pens, notebooks, sports shoes and school uniforms.

Having experienced the challenges faced by children in rural areas himself, Sheikh frequently appeals to people to support government schools. Wherever he goes, he urges people to spend at least a day at the Zilla Parishad school in their village, assess its basic and financial needs, and contribute according to their ability.

According to Sheikh, supporting local government institutions and schools is a shared responsibility. People can contribute not only money but also their time, skills and attention to help improve these institutions.

ALSO READ: Sarah Waheed rediscovers Queen who made Akbar’s Army retreat

By establishing a foundation in memory of his late wife, Sheikh has given grief a constructive purpose. His gesture shows that the memory of a loved one need not remain confined to remembrance—it can become a source of opportunity and hope for others.