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THE GIFTED AND TALENTED CHILDREN OF LESSER GOD
Jyoti Lal Chowdhury
They might be children of lesser god, they are no less gifted and talented than those born with silver spoon in their mouth. Under the care and guidance of Jyoti Kendra, these children are given basic education in its non residential training centres in the urban and rural areas of Cachar district under Sarva Sikhsa Abhiyan. This is a unique centre for those children who are either dropped out or who never got admitted to any educational institution. Since its inception in 2003, Jyoti Kendra has been dedicated to the cause of poor children who due to the pecuniary condition of their parents or guardians or other pressing circumstances can’t go to schools to study.
Among its 28 centres in urban area across Cachar district, Radha Gobinda Jyoti Kendra, located close to this town in an urban area, has established itself as a centre which has in true sense not only given education to children but also trained them in various co-curricular as well as co-academic activities. It is significant that 798 such deprived children are receiving education and also shaping themselves well for their future. Besides, emphasis is also laid on developing their inherent and latent talent by providing them opportunities to show their creativity and constructive approach of mind.
A visit to this centre reveals how the teachers have created the environment and ambience to motivate the children to learn and at the same time display their ability. The Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, S. Viswanathan, IAS, along with Ashim Bhattacharjee, Additional Deputy Commissioner in-charge, education, during their recent visit to this institution found to their amazement how the children despite all their adversities and disadvantages have developed their desire to learn and also become a good citizen.
It is really appreciable that some children are working but the inspiration provided by this centre has driven them at the same time to learn and gain knowledge for their own benefit and to serve the society when they can. The Deputy Commissioner saw various projects prepared by the learners, besides their proficiency in practical science. Not to lag behind in their physical activities, they demonstrated martial art and how to resist and react in self-defence.
Moreover, both the Deputy Commissioner and the Additional Deputy Commissioner were delighted when the children sang patriotic songs as well as gave their glimpses of general knowledge. What impressed them was the sense of discipline and decorum presented by the learners in their morning assembly after the arrival of the distinguished personalities. Quite moved, S. Viswanathan promised to do whatever possible for him to help these children. He advised the District Urban coordinator (DUC) Gautom Das to prepare a list of requirements that can help the learners to achieve and fulfill the most cherished dream of their being not only educated but also a responsible participatory in nation building.
S. Viswanathan appreciated the former education volunteer Chhanda Nath for her dedication, hard work and selfless service in giving a direction and dimension to the move of Jyoti Kendra for etching out a place of distinction. Gautom Das shared the information about the ground reality of how the learners hailing from extremely poor families have been out of schools. Besides, they are also the victims of unfavourable situation within the families.
Inability to have proper dress, food, ill health, early marriage and even a sort of discrimination and disinclination among the elders for education has stood as a deterrent to their pursuit of learning. They however impressed the visiting guests with their knowledge and learning as well as the progress made in their studies. They were offered sweets in appreciation of their hard work and zeal to pursue basic knowledge and education. Children in general were very much enthused and inspired by their visits and expected them to come again and bless them for their betterment.
An impressed Deputy Commissioner in his message to Radha Gobinda Jyoti Kendra wrote, “On my visit today, I am impressed by the innovative learning methods adopted and the motivation behind the school and the dedication of childen. Due to various problems, they had remained out of school and this school had ensured that they get their ray of hope in main streaming. I wish and thank all the teachers who have given their full life for the uplift of these out of school deprived children. All the best!!!”
It was also most encouraging that the training centre at Angarjur Durgabari adopted a unique method to observe “Teachers’ Day” which also happens to be the birth day of Dr Sarvapalli Radhakishnan, the first President of India, and an eminent educationist, philosopher, writer and statesman, besides respecting their teachers. They observed the day with their creative works and performing arts, recounted Shilpi Dhar, teacher
With the portrait of Radhakrishnan in the courtyard of the single room centre, 29 students in their spick and span dress offered floral tributes and profound respect to him. They recited poems from Nazrul, Tagore, Sukumar Roy and Sukanta as well as presented dance, both folk and common. Teachers, Shilpi Dhar and Happy Roy, who have dedicated themselves to teach the students without any remuneration, told them about the great educationist and a man of knowledge as well as erudition.
Imparting lessons to the children from lower primary to upper stage, Shilpi Dhar found the children most responsive. She along with her colleague has taken care of these children coming from the poorest of poor families. Their guardians are rickshaw pullers, cart pullers, daily wage earners engaged in various sorts of menial works. Some of them are working as maid-servants. They have no means to educate their children.
Gautom Das, district coordinator of SSA Cachar (Urban), said the 29 centres where 751 children of poverty-stricken class are taught also provide special training to them to learn different creative works. The centre at Angarjur in the same way makes them learn more about clay made objects, garlands of multicolour flowers and other things that are needed for individual homes. During vacations, short and long, Shilpi Dhar and Happy Roy make it a point to keep the children engaged in creative works.
Among these little children, Puja Roy, 13 years old, who lost her parents in her early age, lives with her grandfather, a cart-puller. She wakes up early in the morning and after finishing all the domestic chores and taking care of her grandfather, she prepares for school. There is no other member in the family. To the teachers and neighbours, Puja is role model to learn and service to her grandfather.
It is for her special care of him that she has been granted Chief Minister’s Scholarship to encourage and inspire her to study well, do well and shine well in her life. Moreover, Puja Roy is an inspiration to all the children, pointed out Shilpi Dhar. She makes it a point to attend the classes from 8 am to 12 noon. Before proceeding to the centre of her studies, she has to fetch water from river Barak that flows along the village.
From this school or centre, children get admitted in recognized institutions for further studies. Quite significantly, the centres under SSA Cachar (Urban) have been recognized best for their work culture and discipline. Gautom Das, district coordinator of SSA Cachar, regretted that despite all the hard work, dedication and commitment of all those who are concerned with the welfare of the centre, there is no financial assistance or help or grant of any kind from the state. Nor do the NGOs claiming to be campaigning for quality education and betterment of have not children hardly get time to visit our centre.
