Ex-teacher rings education bell in temple

CHANDIGARH: 'A se anaar, AA se aam, E se imli'...children learning Hindi 'Varnmala' sounds unusual when one enters the old Shiv temple in Kundi village, Sector 20, Panchkula. But soon a wonderful sight comes into view — of unprivileged children from nearby slums wearing innocent smiles and studying graciously.
Shashi Nanda, a resident of Sector 21, Panchkula, has been teaching these kids since 2012 and playing her part in social upliftment of the Tricity.The 65-year-old goes to the temple daily to teach around 50 children in the age group of 5-12 years. All the kids managing their lives in nearby slums and their parents are either ragpickers or household help. "Parents are happy that their children are receiving education, but sometimes it becomes difficult to gather children. We have to go to each house to convince their parents," said Shashi, former teacher. "I started my career in 1973 and got retired in 2009. After that I thought of indulging myself in some fruitful activity that would keep me and my knowledge bank active. Nothing can match the satisfaction I attain from teaching. Moreover, the smiles on these innocent faces motivate me to come here daily, she said, while correcting an error in a student's notebook.
Shashi said they were providing them with books, stationery and uniform. Many girls who passed the school had already secured good jobs. Sarswati, who works as a domestic help, said, "I am very thankful to memsaab for imparting education to my kids. Both my daughters are studying from her."
The school was also supported by an NGO that organizes several health camps and offered children basic stationery. Sunita Verma, who assists Shashi in the social work, said , "I left teaching after my marriage. But the selfless service of Shahsi has encouraged me to assist her."