A Heartbreaking Story of School Life
By Lokanath Mishra
I’ll share a story about my classmate, Muna, a friendly and determined boy who faced incredible hardships in his life. Despite being born with physical challenges and losing his father at birth, Muna remained hopeful and determined to overcome his difficulties. His mother struggled with heart issues, but Muna’s spirit remained unbroken.
We had two teachers, Banchanidhi (physical education) and Pitabasa (science and mathematics), who were harsh, rude, and unwilling to listen to excuses. They targeted Muna, constantly belittling him and making him feel incapable. One day, Pitabasa tore up Muna’s copy, and later, he humiliated him by asking him to urinate in the classroom while standing on a chair. Banchanidhi also harassed Muna, forcing him to perform physical exercises despite his difficulties.
Muna suffered greatly under both teachers’ abuse, both physically and emotionally. He started skipping school and eventually fell under depression. We, his friends, noticed the change in him and felt helpless. After the summer vacation, Muna didn’t return to school, and we lost touch with him.
We reported the teachers’ behavior to the headmaster, but nothing changed. We then reported the incident to the school inspector through our parents. The school inspector took action, suspending both teachers and subsequently removing them from service.
After the suspension of the two teachers, Muna returned to school, and his life took a positive turn. He was exempted from physical education classes, which was a relief for him. A new teacher, Smita, joined the school as the science and mathematics teacher. She was kind, caring, and took a special interest in Muna’s education.
Smita’s teaching style and approach made a significant difference in Muna’s academic performance. She took extra time to explain concepts, provided individualized attention, and encouraged Muna to ask questions. With her guidance, Muna’s confidence grew, and he started to excel in his studies. Muna’s hard work and Smita’s support paid off when he secured the highest marks in the board exams. He topped his class and proved to himself and others that he was capable of achieving great things. Smita’s special care and attention had made a significant impact on Muna’s life, and he was forever grateful to her.
Muna’s story is a testament to the power of kindness, compassion, and supportive teaching. It shows that with the right guidance and care, students can overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. Smita’s dedication to her students and her passion for teaching made a lasting impact on Muna’s life, and her legacy continues to inspire others.
Muna’s success in the board exams opened doors to new opportunities. He received scholarships to pursue higher education, which enabled him to continue his studies up to the master’s degree level. His academic achievements and determination caught the attention of many, and he became a role model for his peers.
Muna’s ultimate goal was to join the civil service, and he worked tirelessly to achieve it. He prepared for the civil service exams, and his hard work paid off when he was selected as an IAS officer. This was a moment of great pride and joy for Muna, and he felt a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
As an IAS officer, Muna was committed to serving the nation and making a positive impact on society. He brought his unique perspective and experiences to his work, and his dedication earned him respect and admiration from his colleagues and the public.
Muna’s journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an IAS officer is an inspiration to many. His story shows that with determination, hard work, and the right support, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Smita, his science and mathematics teacher, played a significant role in his transformation, and he remained grateful to her for the rest of his life.