Jawhar’s bhai, MBBS

‘‘My father wanted me to be a matriculate at best,’’ says Bhoye. And there was no better choice than the four government-aided ashram schools that provided free education at primary, middle and higher levels. ‘‘I had to trek 20 km to the Chalawad school before I completed Class III.’’

Bhoye’s stepping stone to the medical world proved to be Bordi’s junior college from where he secured enough marks to enter the Scion Medical College in Mumbai.

‘‘But my father wanted me to return home because he did not have money to support my education,’’ he remembers. When concessional fees and scholarships weren’t enough to help him carry on, Jawhar’s Gokhale Education Society pitched in with monetary assistance. Half a battle won, Bhoye needed to work very hard before passing out in 1986. He spent over three years at an NGO run Pragati Pratishthan’s medical centre for the tribals before setting up his own clinic in Jawhar. ‘‘I charge them (tribals) a very nominal fees. I never make them buy medicines from outside because I know the conditions they live in.’’

Bhoye’s roaring practice has given him a lot. He’s moved from a small home to a plush bungalow. His elder son Dinesh is studying medicine. Younger son Kiran is pursuing dentistry in Nirgud.

But Bhoye’s family is not the only one in this area to reap the benefits of education. Dr Base, Dr Bhadange and Dr Mahale— all postgraduates scattered across Thane’s rural areas, have similar tales to tell.