A visually impaired teacher is writing a new chapter of studies in Raipur
In the world of education, the relationship between students and teachers is often cherished for its profound impact on young minds. It’s this unique connection that forms the foundation of an effective learning environment. In the town of Amledih, Raipur there’s one teacher who’s not only redefining this bond but also reshaping the way education is imparted.
Meet Navin Kumar Gehi, a dedicated educator who has been teaching Hindi and Environmental Studies to primary school children for nearly a year now. Navin’s journey as a teacher is even more extraordinary because he is visually impaired. Despite this, he’s using innovative methods to make learning accessible and enjoyable for his students.
A Unique Approach to Teaching
Navin Kumar Gehi’s classroom is unlike any other. Picture this: It’s 1 PM, and Navin, with his characteristic black glasses, sits by a tablet-like device. With the touch of his fingers, he navigates through the curriculum. He poses a question to his students, “How many lions do we have in our national emblem?” The responses vary, some say three, while others say four.
Here’s the twist: Navin asks his students, “Why do you think we see three lions in the emblem?” To demonstrate, he gathers four students in a circle and asks a student how many classmates they see. The answer is, of course, three. Similarly, our national emblem showcases four lions, but they appear as three due to their arrangement.
Innovative Technology in Education
Navin’s teaching methods don’t stop there. He has leveraged technology in a remarkable way. He has uploaded complete textbooks in Hindi and Environmental Studies onto a special tablet-like device, eliminating the need for Braille books. Using this machine, he reads out the entire subject matter to his students.
The Journey of Dedication
Navin’s journey as an educator has been filled with dedication and perseverance. His first posting was in Udeli Gaon, where he had to walk over a mile after getting off the train. Subsequent postings took him to different locations, but it was only a few years ago that he finally received a posting near his hometown in Amledih.
Navin Kumar Gehi’s story is a testament to the power of determination. In 2008, he passed a professional examination despite facing rejection from a government office due to his visual impairment. It took him nearly two years to discover that there were reserved positions for visually impaired and disabled individuals in every hundred vacancies.
Navin’s perseverance finally paid off when his story reached the right ears through a local journalist. The immediate action taken by government officials led to his posting in 2009. Since then, he has been making a significant difference in the lives of his students, proving that where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Navin Kumar Gehi is not just a teacher; he’s an inspiration. He goes above and beyond to ensure that his students receive a quality education despite his visual impairment. Whether it’s staying back after school or helping students with their homework, Navin’s commitment knows no bounds.
In the heart of Amledih, Navin Kumar Gehi is rewriting the script of education. He’s proving that a disability is no match for determination and innovation, and that every student deserves a chance to learn and grow, regardless of their circumstances. Navin’s story is a shining example of how teachers can transform lives and shape the future of our nation.