2 Differently-Abled Men On A Mission To Spread Education In Odisha

Puri/Keonjhar: Two differently-abled men from Odisha, Kalandi and Kusa, have proved that optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

Physically-challenged Kalandi, a deweller of Narua village in Puri district, did not let his disability come in the way of his vision to impart education to the villagers. Kalandi is doing everything possible to teach the pre-school basics of mathematics and literature to the children of his village. His aim is to revive the ‘Chatasali’ teaching method. So far, he has tutored 300 students.

Talking about his mission, Kalandi said, “For me money is not a big thing. I wanted to teach children and shape their future. It is a very fulfilling job as well. Chatasali method of teaching is dying by the day and for that reason, I chose it over other methods of teaching.”

Sharing his experience, a student of Kalandi said that his teacher teaches them quite well and they enjoy his classes a lot.

“He is the pride of our area. Our children are being able to study properly,” said a villager.

Another brave man is specially-abled Kusa from Dhagota village in Keonjhar district. Kusa, who himself is blind, teaches Braille script in Dhagota Middle English (ME) school. He has also hired an assistant to write on the board on his behalf so as to make the teaching learning process more effective.

“I lost my vision as my parents could not afford treatment. I have been teaching since 2006, and I have not faced any problems,” said Kusa.

The headmaster of Dhagota Middle English (ME) school, Pramod Kumar Prusty is all praises for Kusa’s determination and dedication towards his work. His students are also very happy with his teaching method.