Teaching in remote areas comes with its share of hurdles, but for two primary school teachers in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district, the journey to their classrooms is a daily test of survival and unwavering dedication.
Every morning, Rotia Harijan and Ajit Kumar Khurana brave the treacherous waters of the Indravati reservoir in a country boat—which they purchased out of their own pockets—followed by exhausting treks on foot, simply to ensure that around 100 rural children do not miss out on an education.
Rotio Harijan teaches at the Government Primary School in Tanginigota under the Manchagaon Panchayat of Tentulikhunti block. Stationed at Bangalaguda near the Indravati dam, Rotia must row across the vast, perilous reservoir for over an hour and a half to reach Gurumaiguda. From there, he navigates a grueling 7-kilometer foot track through rugged terrain to reach Tanginigota. Despite the daunting commute, Rotia remains steadfast in his mission for his 42 young students. Recognizing his extraordinary commitment, the district administration honored him during this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
Similarly, Ajit Kumar Khurana resides in Kenduguda near Indravati and travels across the reservoir every day to teach at the Government Primary School in Gurumaiguda, where over 50 students are enrolled. Once Ajit rows his boat across the reservoir, he embarks on an arduous 4-kilometer walk before stepping into the classroom to begin lessons.
For both educators, the commute involves spending nearly three to four hours daily navigating deep waters and hilly trails. Yet, neither the danger of the deep reservoir nor the lack of proper infrastructure has dampened their spirit.
“The safety risks are real, but our students’ future comes first,” the teachers share, proving that true commitment knows no distance—and no depth.
