Rudrapratap Singh Rana, an Assistant Teacher at a government school in Korea district in Chhattisgarh            popularly known as 'Nili Chhatri wale Guruji', received the "Life's Real Heroes of India Award" for his outstanding work in  education during the                  pandemic.

He was conferred the award by Sikkim Governor Ganga Prasad and Acharya Pradyumna (mentor of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev) at a programme in New Delhi recently.

He was conferred the award by 'Aas Ek Prayas' trust for exemplary work in his field which brought positive changes in the society.

Rana did outstanding work during the Covid-19 pandemic keeping children connected with studies when the schools were shut.

During the pandemic he would reach the students on his motorbike. He decorated his motorcycle with a bell, a green board, a small library and a blue umbrella and started teaching children ensuring their safety.

The children started calling him 'Nili Chhatri wale Guruji’ (Teacher with Blue Umbrella).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also liked his way of keeping children connected with the teaching-learning process during the difficult times. Modi mentioned him in his "Maan Ki Baat" radio programme.

Rana, along with his friends, came up with the concept of "Mohalla Classes" in Chhattisgarh for inaccessible and no-network areas, which later became popular across the country.

He rejuvenated the primary school of village Sakda with the cooperation of the government and society.

Rana emphasizes experience-based teaching and tries to make the learning process interesting. Many documentaries have been made about his school.

Many children from his school have been selected for Eklavya Adarsh Residential School.

His journey has been highlighted in detail in a book, Life's Real Hero.