Baripada: A septuagenarian man has become an example of sorts for others by spreading the light of knowledge among the poor and the deprived in the most remote of areas.
Though age is not on his side, Putul Sahu has not been worn out from imparting basic primary-level education to the poor and deprived kids free
of cost in hilly remote pockets of Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts.
The 70-year-old man from Naupana village in Mayurbhanj, though not a teacher by profession or highly educated, keeps on moving on his geriatric bicycle with books and bags loaded on the handle in underdeveloped and remote pockets.
Without any kind of support from anywhere, he has dedicatedly been doing this noble job over the last 50 years. Providing free education to the poor and the disadvantaged has been the primary ambition of his life.
Sahu was unable to clear HSC because of the poor financial condition of his family. But people of several remote areas regard him an education researcher and an excellent teacher.
During his daily visits to villages, Sahu explains guardians and teachers about the simple ways of teaching kids. He has also written some children’s books like Nua Alua, Sishu Chhabi Bahi and Sishu Gita from which kids get basic knowledge of writing and reading.
Through his years of field experience, Sahu has also developed simpler ways on how to teach English, Arithmetic, Algebra, Physics and Chemistry to children.
He is a bachelor and leads a simple life. With none to take care of, Sahu has dedicated his life to educate the poor.
“By teaching kids living in these hilly remote villages, I feel immense mental peace and solace,” Sahu said, suggesting that there is need for reformation in the prevailing education system.
Simple methods of teaching will be easier for tribal wards to gains knowledge in a variety of subjects, he added. PNN