As much as we choose to believe at times, we do not live in a world sans humanity. Every now and then, positive stories surface the tides of morbid news to remind us that there is still hope for the human race.

We came across one such story on Facebook a few days back. A school teacher from West Bengal, who wanted to do something about brilliant students quitting school for financial reasons, came forward with an unusual solution.

Dhrubajyoti Sen, a Mathematics teacher at a government school in Howrah, asked for such students to contact him, so he could provide them with financial assistance to continue their studies.

Speaking to India Today, Sen shared how he wanted to help "needy, meritorious students who have good percentage and want to pursue further studies in the Science stream".

"In this mission (to help such students), I am alone with my salary as a school teacher," he said. "I don't know how much I can help, but I will try."

Despite Sen's noble intentions, there are far too many bright students who could use such monitory support. Which is why, Sen has narrowed down the circle to those who cleared their Class 10 Board exams this year and are from Howrah, Hoogli district or Kolkata.

Sen is willing to provide support with books, private tuition and school fees for the following two years of school. Also, he would provide guidance to students who want to attempt IITJEE or medical entrance exams.

Dhrubajyoti Sen's Facebook post in Bengali (L)/ Translated copy (R) Dhrubajyoti Sen's Facebook post in Bengali (L)/ Translated copy (R)





"A little help"

As a teacher, Sen explains how 'half of his day' is about engaging and interacting with school children and how that gives him an edge with recognising their needs.

"Nowadays, children who attend government schools mostly come from low-income families," said Sen. "When these students get good marks in their Boards and consider pursuing Science, problems arise."

"The problem in the education system is that the syllabus is changing every year. Students are unable to reuse old books."

"New Mathematics books here cost around Rs 450 to 500. Other science textbooks cost around Rs 600 (Bengali edition) to Rs 740 (English edition) each. Then, there are the admission charges and private tuition fees."

"Is it really possible for people who earn Rs 3000 to 4000 in a month to provide these books for their children?"



After providing for his family, Sen wishes to distribute a part of his salary "among these needy students for their books and copies".

"Since a group of teachers are with me, they will guide them for IITJEE and medical (entrance exams), along with the Board (exams) preparation for two complete years," he added.





Why a helping hand only for those pursuing Science?

"I have to answer that question at least a 100 times daily," said Sen. As a Mathematics teacher himself, Sen explains how he and the "group of Science teachers" assisting him with this project will be able to particularly help students pursuing Science.

"Due to my lack of contacts in the Arts or Commerce groups, I have to choose only Science stream for this year," he said.

However, he does express his desire to help students from Arts and Commerce stream in future, if he manages to get help from those faculties.





So far...

Sen's Facebook post has already managed to garner much attention. While students are reaching out to him with the details he asked for, others our applauding his initiative

When asked if he will be continuing this project next year, he said he wishes to continue his "mission" till the end of his life.

"I hope that after my death, my daughter takes my mission forward," he added.