Book Over Everything

Bibek has been teaching in a government school situated in a remote corner of west Bengal for the last nine years. The majority of students is from poor backgrounds whose parents earn their breads by doing odd jobs. 

The lock down has dealt a heavy blow to the livelihoods of those parents. Many of the students have been forced to stop attending school. They can be seen working along with their parents. 

Bibek is an ideal teacher who wants to change the lives of students by leading from the front. He is an avid lover of books. He from him own life knows the transformative powers of books. He, prior to lock down, used to encourage students to read books. He even provided books to the deserving students.

School has been opened a month ago. The attendance to the classes is not satisfactory.  

He, after school, decided to visit the nearby village where one of his favorite students Rabi resides. Rabi too has not been coming to the school after the lifting of lockdown. His absence pained Bibek the most as Rabi is also a book lover. It was Bibek who has cultivated the love for book in Rabi's heart. Rabi, being a sensitive boy, developed the habit of reading books quickly which had endeared him to Bibek. They have had many such discussions on the subjects of books. Bibek was sure about the bright future prospect of Rabi.

Bibek, upon reaching Rabi's home, knocked on the door. Rabi was at home. He was reading a fat book. 

Bibek came to the point without beating the bush. Rabi told him the reason of not coming to school which was what Bibek expected.

Rabi had lost his father when he was merely five years old. His mother took charge of life after her husband's death and has been selling milk to customers doorsteps. 

The pandemic to their surprise had made the sale of milk soared. Rabi's mother needed a helping hand who could reach to the more prospective customers. It was Rabi who approached his mother for help. His mother was reluctant. She wanted him to study unhindered.  

Rabi on the other hand had realized the futility of present-day education system which only encourages rote learning. Bibek Sir has taught him real education encourages students to ask questions. He had earlier made attempts to questions the very rational of education. He to his dismay found except Bibek Sir no one is ready to go deeper and bring conclusive evidence about the effectiveness of prevalent education. He understood such education may give him certificate but not the skill required for life's journey. 

Rabi, one day, by pure coincidence stumbled upon a book of Verghese Kurien, the father of white revolution. He read the book at one go. He became so inspired by the real story that he decided to start his own journey. He wanted to be an entrepreneur. He made a detailed plan as well and shared it with his mother. His mother, seeing a spark and determination in Rabi's eyes, agreed to allow him to join the milk business. 

Bibek had been listening to Rabi's story with rapt attention. His face beamed with a blissful smile. At least, he is able to transform one life.