Photo: OTV

Teacher Lalat Chandra Behera and his school

Anyone visiting Sirei village of Destali panchayat under the Gop block in Puri district could be forgiven for mistaking Sirei Primary School for a children’s park.

Till two years ago, the school building was in a pathetic state. Parents were reluctant to send their children to the school.

In 2022, Lalat Chandra Behera of nearby Jogeswarpur village joined the school as an assistant teacher. He then took it upon himself to bring about a change not only in the attendance but also in the look of the institution.

Without waiting for any financial help from the government, he started working for the development of the school, spending from his own pocket.

Thanks to his unwavering dedication, the school has witnessed a sea change over the years. Its compound has different types of flower plants, foliage and lawns, giving a colourful look to it. A basil garden is its main attraction.

The school has witnessed a transformation not only in its looks but also in its performance. Seeing the dedication of Lalat Sir, as he is fondly called, the villagers’ approach started to change and they sent their children to the school. The icing on the cake is that a student of this school has done credit to Lalat Sir by winning a scholarship.

According to the villagers, parents and school authorities, imparting education is not his profession but a passion.

“We feel proud for having Lalat Sir. Any visitor coming to the school can’t help praising him. Two years ago, the enrolment was dismal. After his joining, the attendance has increased and the reputation of the school has spread so much that children from nearby villages are also coming to the school,” said Niranjan Dalai, a guardian.

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Expressing her admiration for Lalat Sir, Subhashree Routray, a Class V student who is receiving a scholarship, said, “Earlier, we had to walk on a muddy road to reach the school. After the joining of Lalat Sir, the road is a concrete one and we have a beautiful garden. He is also teaching us well using pictures and other articles. Because of his teaching quality, I have received a scholarship.”

Cluster Resource Centre Coordinator (CRCC), Arabinda Sahu was also full of praise for Lalat Sir.  “My words will fall short if I start praising him. When he joined this school, there was nothing here. What is today is due to his dedication. He has also spent money from his own pocket. I don’t know when he will get the reward for what he has done for the school as well as for the students.”