Malkangiri: The names Mangala Muduli and Champa Raspeda have become synonymous with determination and success in the tribal communities of Odisha. Mangala, a Bonda tribal, made history by becoming the first from his community to clear the NEET exam and is now pursuing MBBS at MKCG Medical College in Berhampur. Champa, a Didayi tribal from a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), has also shattered barriers by becoming the first from her community to qualify for medical school through NEET.
However, behind these inspiring stories of triumph lies the unwavering dedication and hard work of a teacher who played a pivotal role in shaping their futures. Utkal Keshari Das, a science teacher from Badbil SSD High School in Malkangiri district, is the unsung hero who helped these students realize their dreams.
His love for teaching and his commitment to his students know no bounds. He has been working tirelessly to educate and empower tribal students, often going beyond his call of duty to ensure they receive the support they need to succeed. His selfless dedication has transformed the lives of many, including Mangala and Champa, who might have otherwise been lost to the challenges of their circumstances.
Hailing from Balasore district, Das went the extra mile, providing free NEET coaching and even dipping into his own savings to support Champa and Mangala in achieving their dreams of clearing the exam.
Ommcom News shines the spotlight on Utkal Keshari Das, a dedicated educator who has been a guiding light for numerous students from tribal and primitive tribal communities in particular, empowering them to shape their futures through education.
Das, son of Karunakar and Bilasini Das, began his teaching career in 2011 as a primary school teacher at Rekhapadar Upgraded School in Rayagada district. He later joined Chitrakunda SSD Girls’ High School in Malkangiri district as a science teacher in 2014. Since 2019, he has been serving at Mudulipada SSD High School, and currently, he is posted at Badbel Girls High School in Khairput block of the district two months back.
When asked about his criteria for selecting students, Das said, “As a teacher, I make it a point to observe my students beyond the classroom walls. I keep a close eye on them, even outside of class and in the hostel. When I notice a promising student, I look into their background to understand their challenges. If I find a talented individual struggling to succeed due to various obstacles, I do everything in my power to guide them – whether it’s providing financial support or offering personalized coaching to help them achieve their career goals.”
“Talking about what inspired him to become a teacher and dedicate his life to his students’ wellbeing, Das shared a heartfelt tribute to his father. “My father was a teacher, social worker, and farmer who often put the needs of others before our family’s. I used to get frustrated seeing him neglect our needs for the sake of society. However, after his passing, I witnessed numerous dignitaries visiting our home, and that’s when I realized the profound impact he had on humanity. I believe that if the media had been as prominent back then, he would have been recognized with awards like the Padma Shri. His sincerity and dedication have been a constant source of inspiration for me, and I’ve dedicated my life to following in his footsteps,” Das said with deep reverence.
Das humbly acknowledges that his path may not be feasible for every teacher. “I am fortunate to have a supportive family, including my sister and wife, who manage everything at home, allowing me to focus on my students without worrying about family obligations. I wouldn’t advise every teacher to follow my path, as each person has their own unique circumstances and challenges. I know that not every teacher has the same support system, so I wouldn’t recommend that others follow my path without considering their own circumstances. But if they can, they must do their bit.”
Das shared a poignant anecdote about sacrificing his own dream to support one of his students. “When Mangala was struggling to secure a medical admission, I received a sum of money as arrears after my job became permanent. I had always dreamed of buying a Toyota car with that money, but after discussing it with my family, I decided to use it to support Mangala instead. I realized that changing his life was more important than fulfilling my own desire for a car.”
Das said that he chose to work in Malkangiri, a stark contrast to his own birthplace, a developed area where parents are well-educated and can guide their children.
“In Malkangiri, parents are not as educated, so I wanted to be here to help students grow in their careers,” he explained. “As a teacher, seeing students without direction is unbearable. When a student succeeds, their teacher’s guidance is reflected in that success. Throughout his 30-year career, Das aims to brighten the lives of as many students as possible, making a lasting impact on their futures.”
Despite being felicitated by the District administration for his dedication, Das remained humble. “I never sought to be in the limelight for my work. My sole desire is to see my students succeed and grow in their careers,’ he said with a smile.
Das hopes to replicate the success of Champa and Mangala with at least eight more deserving students from poor backgrounds, helping them crack NEET and fulfill their aspirations of becoming doctors.
