Stewart School Bhubaneswar- An Abode of Learning

I still remember my first day in Stewart School Bhubaneswar long back in 1978. I stepped in to take an entrance test for Prep class- the test was not like the ones of present days (tasking and demanding). I do not remember what all I wrote to qualify but thankfully I got admission into the most revered school. I spent 11 long formative years spanning from childhood to teenage (from Prep to Class X) here.

It is my great pleasure to learn that this abode of learning has turned 50. Age and every added year bring mirth, glory and pride to each institute. The same is true of Stewart School Bhubaneswar. This is one of the proudest moments for all the Stewartonians who have been a part of this institute since its incorporation.

I am sure the current learners in this institute of learning feel as proud of it as we ever did. It is a moment of pride for all of us Stewartonians- present or past to live to its moment of glory celebrating fifty golden years. We were at an opportune period participating in and celebrating the 25^th anniversary of our school in 1985-1986.

25 years have passed since and Stewart School Bhubaneswar has survived with flying colours and is shining as ever having recently celebrated its Golden Jubilee Celebration happen.

Till date I consider my school a place of worship where I was nurtured by caring and intelligent teachers like Ms. Nayak (Prep class teacher), Ms. Roberio (Standard 1 Class teacher), Mr Rao (Physics teacher), Ms. Ambrose (Biology teacher), Mr. Ambrose (English Language teacher), Mr Behera and Mr. Sarangi (senior class Mathematics teachers), Mr. Moinuddin and Mr. Mandal (junior class Mathematics teachers), Mr. Dhar (Chemistry teacher), Mr. Nayak (Geography teacher), Captain Fernandes (our most adored Art teacher), Mr Chakravarti (History and English Literature teacher), Mr. Pradhan and Ms. Mandal (Oriya teachers) and many more.

At home my parents did their lot in helping me learn and in school my beloved teachers did their bit. The period 1978-1989 was not a period where there were hi-tech gadgets like computer, nor was there internet or any kind of global exposure to our adorable teachers. Howsoever, their talent, their skill, their grit and determination was remarkable and notable. It is they and their commitment which has made responsible citizens out of most of us.

This is a salute to all my dear teachers who deserve a standing ovation for their incessant years of effort and hard work. Never did we realize then that they were one of the least salaried people in the professional hierarchy. I strongly believe they should be the highest paid as they nurture young minds to grow up and take up responsible and high paying posts in the government or non-government sectors.

This is a request to all to wake up and raise your voice for the most deserving but least rewarded heroines/heroes of your life. In an age where we consider India vying to be a developed nation we cannot place teachers in such a low rung. They are the shapers of young minds and it is they who put in more than half their life doing this. They get barely rewarded for their contribution to the growth and development of the nation. It is time tables turned and eyes opened to the cause of the teachers.

Looking forward to a brighter future for the teachers of the nation!

Wishing a long lasting journey to my school moving further ahead with more name and fame for all time to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!