Siliguri, 05th November: While schools across the city remain closed for the Durga Puja vacation, a school in Dakshin Shantinagar, Siliguri, continues to witness a different kind of classroom activity every morning. At 11 am, children arrive with their school bags, books and notebooks, gathering on the school veranda for special classes conducted by their headmaster, Chittaranjan Sarkar.
The headmaster of Dakshin Shantinagar Hindi Primary School has taken this initiative entirely on his own, without any government instructions or expectations of additional remuneration. His sole objective is to ensure that children do not lose touch with their studies during the long festive vacation.
A large number of students at the school come from economically disadvantaged families. Many do not have a suitable study environment at home or anyone to guide them regularly. Recognising this, Chittaranjan Sarkar started the special classes from the day after Dashami. The initiative has also attracted students from the neighbouring Hindi Junior High School.
Classes are conducted six days a week, from 11 am to 1 pm. The headmaster prepares question papers according to the students’ learning requirements and distributes photocopies among them. Special emphasis is being placed on Mathematics and English, with individual attention given to students’ mistakes and areas requiring further practice ahead of the annual examinations.
Beyond academics, the teacher has also taken responsibility for arranging refreshments for the children at his own expense. Depending on the day, he provides cakes, biscuits, sweets or bread.
For many children from economically disadvantaged families, the school’s mid-day meal is an important source of daily nutrition. With schools remaining closed during the vacation, these children are also missing out on that support. Through this initiative, Sarkar is trying to ensure that they receive something to eat alongside their lessons.
Speaking about his initiative, Chittaranjan Sarkar said that the annual examinations will begin soon after the school reopens. He believes that children may forget what they have learnt if they remain away from studies for a prolonged period. Therefore, he decided to continue teaching during the vacation, particularly focusing on Mathematics and English, to help students prepare better for their examinations.
The special classes are being conducted completely free of cost through his personal initiative, reflecting his commitment to the education and well-being of his students.
