Teacher’s Day Special: The Unsung Heroes of Bastar Risking Their Lives to Spread Education
Bharat Durgam
Bijapur, September 5
Negotiating terrains tucked away unobtrusively, crossing swollen streams with a makeshift ropeway and teaching the village to teach children is not a script from any Bollywood show.
Gautami Hemla of Bijapur in Bastar region, once infamous for the deadly Maoists violence, has realised the script in real life. Battling the challenges that are no less than a heroic act, the young girl reports to Korcholi village on every academic day to teach children.
Amidst the atmosphere of red terror, Gautami Hemla of Bijapur has set a precedent of dedication, commitment and courage. The pocket is so sensitive that many government employees and volunteers refuse to take up jobs.
Every day, she travels 25 km from Gangalur on her scooter and then crosses a large stream in Todka using a makeshift rope swing bridge, risking her life to reach the children in Korcholi village. In an area with no roads, no bridges, no hospitals, and no electricity, Gautami Hemla still travels to the Maoists stronghold daily for her students. When asked, she replied, “I am scared, but if we stop, the future of these children will be plunged into darkness. That’s why I make this journey every day.”
While Teacher’s Day is celebrated with great fanfare across the country, Gautami Hemla is risking her life today only to brighten deprived children’s tomorrow.
Teachers are called ‘messengers of education,’ but the wrath of the Maoists on them continues unabated.
In the insurgency-affected area, 10 educators have fallen victim to Maoists violence. The highest number, five were killed in Bijapur district alone while four were killed in Sukma and one in another location. The recent brutal murder of Kallu Tati, an educator from Todka village in Bijapur, has created a realm of terror in the region.
When this correspondent reached Todka village, the silence and fear were palpable. Kallu Tati, the most educated person in the village, worked to educate children and inform villagers about government schemes. However, the Maoists falsely accused him of being an informant and brutally murdered him.
Kallu Tati’s family members said with heavy hearts, “Kallu was only teaching the children. His only fault was that he wanted to spread the light of education in the village.”
This is not just the story of Kallu Tati and Gautami Hemla; it is the story of all the teachers in Bastar who are keeping the flame of education alive at great personal risk. Teachers are torch bearers, guiding lights who illuminate the path for their students, leading them through challenges and towards knowledge, success, and responsible citizenship.
While teachers are being honored across the country on Teacher’s Day, Bastar reminds that the price of education is not just hard work, but blood and life. Educators like Kallu Tati have been martyred, and fearless teachers like Gautami Hemla are still putting their lives on the line to brighten the future of their students.
