At Dhul village in Kavathe Mahankal taluka, residents unite to protect children’s education through fixed hours, strict routine and community watch
SANGLI — In Dhul village of Kavathe Mahankal taluka in Maharashtra’s Sangli District, the sound of a siren has taken on a new meaning. It does not warn of danger. It calls children to their books and asks adults for silence. When the siren sounds, homes turn quiet, screens go dark, and study begins.
This routine did not happen by chance. Villagers planned it to help children study without noise or pressure. Two fixed study periods were agreed by all: from 5 am to 7 am, and again from 7 pm to 9 pm. At the start and end of each session, a siren is sounded. Locals call it the “study siren”.
A parent said, “When the siren sounds, my children sit with their books at once. We switch off the TV and keep our phones away. The house feels calm.”
Providing a quiet space for study has become difficult for many families. Busy lives, work pressure and constant noise often make it hard. In Dhul, residents decided not to let these problems harm their children’s learning.
At 5 am, as the first siren sounds, children begin studying. Adults make sure there is no radio, television or phone noise. At 7 am, the siren sounds again, marking the end of the session. Children then go to school or play, based on their routine. The same pattern is followed in the evening.
This system has been in place for three years. It began during the Covid period, when classes moved home and many children lost focus. Villagers felt action was needed. Some educated residents suggested a fixed routine. Parents agreed, and a resolution was passed.
A local teacher said, ‘We share responsibility. When the siren sounds, we go out and visit homes. We check if children are studying and ask if they need help. If there is a problem, we try to solve it.’
Teachers are not alone. Former soldiers and retired government officers living in the village also keep an eye on study hours. Their presence adds discipline and care. The result is visible across the village.
Another resident said, ‘Parents do not have to struggle every day to make children study. The rule is the same for everyone. Children also cannot make excuses.’
Recently, Sangli District Collector Ashok Kakade visited Dhul village. He observed the routine and spoke to residents. He said he was impressed by the order and unity.
“Every village in Sangli should try this system so that children get a peaceful place to study,” he said.
For Dhul village, the siren is not just a sound. It is a shared promise to put children’s education first, made real through daily action and collective care.
