For some educators, teaching is not simply about completing a syllabus or preparing students for examinations. It is a commitment to creating opportunities for children who face poverty, disability and difficult social circumstances. This Teachers’ Day, the stories of Kailash Chandra Sahu and a group of teachers and social workers in Odisha highlight how education can become a powerful instrument of change.
From a visually impaired teacher inspiring students in rural Ganjam to retired educators providing free schooling to children from economically disadvantaged families in Bhadrak, these individuals have made education a mission rather than just a profession.
Visually Impaired Teacher Inspires Students In Ganjam
At Kudutai Upper Primary School in Jagannathprasad block of Ganjam district, Kailash Chandra Sahu continues to inspire his students despite being visually impaired since birth.
A native of Gudiali village near Rajsunakhala in Khordha district, Kailash faced financial difficulties while pursuing his education. However, his circumstances did not prevent him from building a career in teaching.
He joined Kudutai Primary School as an Education Assistant in 2011 and has continued to serve at the institution for around 15 years.
His students remember him for his distinctive approach to teaching and the affection he shows towards them. Rather than allowing his visual impairment to become a limitation, Kailash uses Braille books, songs and interactive activities to make lessons engaging for children.
For him, teaching is also about encouraging students to dream bigger and work towards making their families proud.
“By God’s grace, I have been given this opportunity and have been serving as a teacher here since 2011. I always want to be surrounded by my students and want them to make their parents proud. I always try my best to do everything I can to support them,” Kailash said.
Students See Teacher As An Inspiration
Kailash’s dedication has earned him a special place among his students.
Student Sonali Behera said his visual impairment has never affected his ability to teach or guide them. She recalled the love and encouragement he has provided over the years and said students have performed well under his guidance.
His journey demonstrates that teaching is not defined by physical ability but by dedication, creativity and the ability to connect with students.
Retired Teachers Provide Free Education In Bhadrak
In another inspiring initiative, retired teachers and young social workers are helping children from economically disadvantaged families access education at Charigharia tribal settlement in Bhadrak district.
Many of the children’s parents are migrant daily wage workers who came to the area from Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar in search of livelihood opportunities.
For families struggling to meet their basic needs, providing regular education to their children can be difficult. The free school has therefore become an important source of learning and support for the community.
Students are taught subjects including Odia and English, along with lessons on hygiene, cleanliness and personal well-being.
One student, Puja Birua, said she dreams of becoming a police officer in the future.
School Started With One Child
The initiative began in 2009 with just one student. Today, around 50 children from Classes I to IX are receiving education there.
The teachers associated with the school work without salaries, while students are not charged any fees.
The initiative is driven by a shared objective — ensuring that children from financially disadvantaged families receive an opportunity to study and build a better future.
Retired lecturer Radharani Mohapatra recalled how the initiative began.
“In 2009, we decided to provide free education to children who are financially disadvantaged and do not have access to education,” she said.
Education As A Path To A Better Future
For parents in the settlement, the school represents more than free education. It offers their children a chance to pursue opportunities that may otherwise remain beyond their reach.
Guardian Geeta Rani Birua said parents are happy that their children can attend school and hope that education will help them achieve success and avoid some of the hardships experienced by their families.
The stories of Kailash Chandra Sahu and the teachers working in Bhadrak underline the broader meaning of education. Their efforts show how educators can influence children’s lives not only through academic lessons but also through encouragement, compassion and a belief in their potential.
On Teachers’ Day, their work serves as a reminder that a teacher’s impact can extend far beyond the classroom — sometimes changing the direction of an entire generation.
