Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Jan 15: In a touching farewell to their beloved teacher, Santhosh Kanchan, the villagers and former students of Valooru Government Higher Primary School in the remote village of Nagodi, Sagara taluk, pooled together to gift him a surprise - a Rs 1.58 lakh Pulsar bike. Santhosh, who dedicated 16 years to Valooru school, recently received a transfer to Varahi Government Primary School for family reasons.

Situated on the Kodachadri mountain range plateau, Valooru Government School faces the challenges of being located in an area prone to nightly wildlife intrusions. The village itself is home to just 130 residents, and the school, covering grades one to seven, currently enrols only 13 students. Santhosh Kanchan took charge of the school in 2017 and, despite the limited resources and infrastructure, has played a pivotal role in educating the children of the village.

During the farewell ceremony, Santhosh was unaware that the villagers and former students had pooled resources to purchase a Pulsar bike as a token of their gratitude. As the event concluded, the emotional moment arrived, and the Pulsar bike was presented to Santhosh after a traditional pooja. Overwhelmed with joy and the pain of parting from the affectionate villagers, Santhosh took his family members, village children, and other residents for a ride on his new gift.

Santhosh not only served as a teacher but also as a lifeline for the villagers. Being the only person in possession of a two-wheeler in the village, he often used his bike as an ‘Ambulance’ to transport sick villagers, including children, to the hospital, as the nearest taluk center is 80 kilometres away in Sagar.

Reflecting on his time at Valooru school, Santhosh Kanchan expressed his gratitude, saying, "I have served as a teacher at Valooru school for 16 years. I am indebted to the love of the villagers and students of this village."

Fortunately, Valooru school welcomes Nayana as the new teacher, who shares similar dedication and attributes to Santhosh Kanchan. Nayana, too, has decided to reside in the school, making herself available for students around the clock.