In a quiet village in Odisha’s Kendrapada district, a modest home has become a beacon of hope for dozens of underprivileged students. The house belongs to Radhankata Maharana, a 69-year-old retired government teacher who has dedicated the last 12 years to providing free education to children who might otherwise never have had access to quality learning.
For Maharana, teaching is more than a profession—it’s a mission. Every day, he welcomes students into his home, offering them lessons in English, discipline, and life itself. But his support extends far beyond the classroom. He personally provides books, notebooks, bicycles, and even covers admission fees, ensuring that financial constraints do not hold back his young learners.
Maharana’s own path to education was not easy. Born and raised in Kansaripatna village, he began his teaching career at a private school right after completing his intermediate studies. Teaching during the day and studying at night, he gradually earned his certification, pursued a graduation degree, completed his BEd, and eventually, a post-graduation in Odia and Hindi.
His dedication paid off when, in 1988, the Rourkela Municipality took over his school, granting him a permanent government teaching position. He served diligently for decades, shaping countless young minds, before retiring in 2012. But retirement did not mean stepping away from education. Instead, it marked the beginning of his most impactful work yet.
Today, Maharana’s daily schedule is as rigorous as ever. From 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM, his home transforms into a free learning center for students from different localities. Additionally, he volunteers at a local school, teaching Classes IX and X without charging a single rupee. His dedication has drawn nearly 88 students, all of whom depend on his guidance.
Maharana’s selflessness goes even further—he spends nearly Rs 30,000 annually, his entire monthly pension, to support these students. When asked what fuels his generosity, he recalls his own struggles:
“I remember my father couldn’t afford English tuition when I was in Class XI. After my retirement, I decided to teach needy students for free.”
Maharana’s unwavering commitment to education is changing lives. His students, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, now have a real shot at success. Some aspire to be doctors, engineers, and teachers—dreams that once seemed distant but are now within reach because of his efforts.
In a world where education is often a privilege, Maharana has made it a right. His story is a testament to the power of one individual’s resolve to create change.
As his students move forward in life, they carry not only knowledge but also the values of kindness and selflessness—lessons that will last a lifetime.
Comentarios