A school teacher in remote Jangalpara MV School in Assam’s Darrang district has planted hundreds of trees on the school campus to teach and make a habit of planting trees among the students.
The practice, started more than a decade ago, has now yielded fruits as the 2-bigha campus in the remote school boosts of more than a hundred species of trees.
Most of the students, who are from poor financial background, now have started to cooperate with their teacher and plant trees in and around their school and locality.
“Ever since I joined the school in 1993, I wanted to do something – sort of model school, so that we can set an example for others. However, the school being located in a backward area, it was difficult. After several failed attempts, finally I succeeded in doing what I wanted to do,” headmaster Abdul Aziz told The News Mill at the school premises.
The school, which covers an area of more than two bighas, has now at least 100 different species of trees. The school which conducts classes from standard I to VIII has 308 students and out of which 60 per cent are girls.
“The rampant deforestation has been a major worry in most of the areas – be it urban or rural. I wanted the students to understand the issues of global warming. I want them to be emotionally attached with the trees. So, I planted trees and also made the students to do that,” Aziz added.
Initially, the students too were a little reluctant and he didn’t get much support from the neighbours but after a decade the scenario has changed.
“We didn’t have fence in the boundary, so the cattle would destroy the saplings. But now, we don’t have that problem. Most of the saplings were brought by the students from their homes,” said an elated Aziz.
He also arranged to hang the names of the trees written in small plates so that the students can remember these. Apart from that, Aziz has also set up a museum with the items which are no longer in use.
“I’ve collected several items including the traditional stuff to keep in the museum. A few well-wishers also have donated. However, some financial assistance from the government would have been a great help,” said Aziz.
The students’ too are encouraged by the efforts of their headmaster. “I’m proud to be a student here. I’ve planted at least five saplings in the school premises,” said Nazbin Akhtara Parbin, a class VIII student.
