Happy Teacher’s Day: Odisha villagers run free school for underprivileged children of brick-kiln workers

It is rightly said, ‘teacher is the second mother’. This best describes how teachers have a significant impact on their students’ lives, similar to a mother. From nurturing the students to providing them with academic guidance, and emotional support, and imparting good values in life, teachers do it all.

On this teacher’s day, let’s thank our gurus who are the backbone of the nation. Not just high-paying teachers of government and private schools and colleges, there are many people who change our lives with their little gestures.

In a glaring example is the ‘Grama Punargathan Trust’ which has given a new lease of life to underprivileged children of brick-kiln workers. The Trust is not funded by the government or any private sector but is completely run by the villagers.

Yes, the villagers of Remuna block in Odisha’s Balasore district run the ‘Gandhi Pathasala’ that imparts free education to children of brick-kiln workers. Completely funded by the villagers, the Trust has appointed teachers and built a small school to give free education.

Any children who cannot afford to go to private schools can get free education in this Pathasala.

“Where everyone is neglected, no one is there to help them, we reach there. The plight of the people here came to my knowledge and I approached our Trust who happily came forward to open a school for the children of the brick-kiln workers. I’m hopeful that with the blessings of God, we will carry forward our good deeds,” said P. Bhagwan, a farmer.

Similarly, another member of the Trust said, “To brighten the future of this dark place, we went door-to-door and convinced the parents to send their students to the school. Everyone is doing a great and noble job.”

In another exemplary and inspirational incident, Ashok Dhadak, a teacher of Basudev High School, Gopapur of Badamba in Cuttack is giving free tuition to underprivileged students after his school duty hours. Without fail, he takes time out from his busy schedule and ensures all the underprivileged students in the area get free access to tuition.

His noble gesture has won him several accolades and recognition.

“We get to learn a lot from his extra classes. Our brothers and sisters are all doing well in life, thanks to his guidance and life lessons. Many of them are doctors and engineers now. I want to become a doctor and help people like Ashok sir,” said a student.

When contacted, Ashok sir said, “During my stay here, I saw that there are very talented students here, but cannot get enough scope due to financial constraints. So, this is a little effort on my part to help such underprivileged students so that they can brighten their future.”