Bhandaripokhari: Hard work never goes in vain, an old saying that has come true in the life Bharat Chandra Karan, the present principal of Bhandaripokhari College who had almost begged to keep the college running.
Though Bharat was born into a poor family, he achieved a feat which was unattainable at one point in his life. Apart from teaching, he is a committed social worker who has not only formed a number of organisations to help the disadvantaged section of society, but has also inspired many students to hone their skills, said a local.
Born at Sarasada block under this block in 1966, Bharat passed HSC in 1982. However, he couldn’t afford college education due to poverty. This made him leave home with just a pair of trousers and a shirt and wander aimlessly. Soon, he set his goal and started giving tuition to students in Bhandaripokhari market to accomplish his goal of higher studies. He managed to get a post-graduate degree in Economics from Bhadrak College and joined as a lecturer in Bhandaripokhari College.
At that time the condition of the college was so miserable that it was closed twice due to scarcity of funds spreading disappointment among locals.
However, Bharat rose to the occasion and started collecting paddy and bamboo visiting door to door along with some of his co-workers and local youths. The money collected from selling these items was used for the revival of the college. Later, the college became a regular government college with the help of some political leaders.
Similarly, he attempted to set up the first private school in the block. But it got closed due to funds crunch. However, this didn’t blunt his spirit and he formed an NGO to serve people. Locals still recall the service of the NGO during Super Cyclone in 1999.
Bharat has showcased his talent in the field of literature also. He remains a prominent member of Bhandaripokhari Sahitya Sansad and Lekhaka Sammukhya, two local literary organisations.
He has formed Bhandaripokhari Cultural Academy to tap the natural talent of kids. Over a hundred students learn music, dance, instruments and drawing at the institute and some of them have excelled at state level.
Bharat now lives with his wife and daughter with the latter doing her Plus III. He has married off his elder daughter. He feels a sense of contentment when he succeeds in helping the poor, said the philanthropist.
PNN