TV
Teacher’s Day is a time to honour and appreciate the role of educators who have tremendous capabilities to shape our lives and transform us into good human beings.
On this occasion, meet a teacher named Bhaskar Behera of Nua Sahi village under Basudevpur block in Bhadrak district who is visually impaired but has never gotten tired of bringing his students from darkness to light. Aged about 70, Bhaskar, well known as Bhaskar Sir, has been the favourite of students of all classes. It is his way of teaching that has endeared him to his students. Be it English, Science or Mathematics, his elucidations help his students grasp the subjects.
When he was doing PG in Commerce at BJB College in Bhubaneswar, he lost his vision, leaving all his dreams shattered. He then decided to return to his village and teach the children of his village.
He started teaching children in his courtyard. Thus, 34 years have passed and he has never taken a break from what he has been doing sincerely and passionately.
Also Read: BJD’s problems compound as grassroots leaders switch allegiance to BJP in Odisha!
“My students include children reading in classes from Class IV to Class X. I have no fixed tuition fees. I accept whatever people give to me,” said Bhaskar.
“I wish all should have such a teacher in their lives,” said Abhilipsa Pradhan, a student.
The profession of another teacher Kalebar Mohanta is not extraordinary but the hardship he endures is worth knowing.
Kalebar is the headmaster of the Government High School at Upara Kadakala village under Bansapal block in Keonjhar district. Every day he treks a hill to reach his school, risking his life as there is always fear of wild animals.
“The road passes through a dense forest. There is a fear of wild animals. Yet, I walk the distance to the school. Upon reaching the school, I forget my tiredness after seeing the faces of students,” said Kalebar.
The Teachers' Day celebration will be incomplete without the mention of 74-year-old Dominic Toppo, a hockey coach. Even at this age, Dominic, a resident of Kukuda village in Rajgangpur, is brimming with energy. Over the years, Dominic has produced so many talents including Lilima Minz and Anup Barla. Though he couldn’t shine on the ground due to acute poverty, he is honing the skills of local girls without asking for a pie.
“I took a vow that I would send players to the India Hockey team and have been doing this,” said Dominic.
One of his students, Anupama Majhi said, “We are honing our skills under his watchful eyes and hope to get a place in India team.”
