A dedicated educator from the Koderma district has been selected for a prestigious state-level honor in recognition of his exceptional dedication to the field of education. On the upcoming occasion of Teacher's Day on September 5, teachers who have performed outstanding work will be felicitated across the state. The Jharkhand Council of Educational Research and Training in Ranchi has chosen Brajdev Kumar Sharma as the sole representative from the Koderma district for this esteemed state-level teacher award. He currently works as an assistant teacher at the Upgraded Primary School Sapha, located within the Koderma block area, and has been diligently serving the education sector for the past 19 long years.
Sapha village is situated deep within a remote forested area under the Jarga panchayat. This educational institution serves as the only schooling facility available for the children living in the village. At present, a total of 34 students from class 1 through class 5 are officially enrolled in the school. The entire responsibility of running the institution and educating all the students rests solely on the shoulders of the lone teacher, Brajdev Sharma.
Swollen Rivers and Forest Trails Cannot Stop Him
Brajdev Sharma shared that reaching the school transforms into a massive challenge during the monsoon season. Throughout the rainy months, the water level in the nearby river remains exceptionally high for approximately three months. On numerous occasions, the river witnesses a fierce current with water surging to a depth of four to five feet. Despite these daunting obstacles, he never retreats from his core duties and regularly makes his way to the school.
Describing his daily ordeal, he explained that he parks his motorcycle on one bank of the river before attempting the crossing. When the water level is unusually high, he is forced to change clothes before wading across the stream. For this purpose, he always carries a pair of shorts with him. Once he safely crosses to the other side, he puts his regular school attire back on, enters the premises, and begins teaching the children.
Spending Nights at the School When Return Becomes Impossible
There are occasions when the water level rises so dramatically by evening that returning home safely becomes entirely impossible. Under such dire circumstances, he is forced to spend the night within the school grounds. To cope with these unexpected situations, he keeps an extra set of clothes stored inside the school building. When the river water reaches dangerous heights and traveling back is out of the question, local villagers step forward to arrange meals for him.
Putting Children's Futures Above All Else
Emphasizing his dedication, teacher Brajdev Sharma noted that his institution operates with a single teacher. Under such circumstances, if he failed to show up regularly and used the rain as an excuse, the future of the children would be cast into deep uncertainty. This constant concern drives him forward, ensuring that he arrives at the school on every single working day despite the harsh conditions.
He also mentioned that government schools have implemented a biometric attendance system. While missing a biometric check-in can lead to a deduction in salary, for him, the education and future of his students remain far greater responsibilities than administrative penalties.
Building a Bridge Can Resolve Decades-Old Struggles
Brajdev Sharma pointed out that the decades-old hardship faced by the residents of Sapha and neighboring areas can find a permanent solution through the construction of a bridge. If the district administration takes this issue seriously and builds a bridge across the river, it will provide massive relief not only to the teacher and school children but also to thousands of local villagers who struggle with daily commuting.
