DHUBRI, Feb 27 - As assistant teacher, Om Prakash Todi retires on Tuesday, his uninterrupted bond of 52 years with a single school is all set to be over forever.
The 60-year-old Social Studies teacher, Todi�s association with Jawahar Hindi High School (JHHS) located in the heart of Dhubri town has been 52 years. He took admission on January 1, 1965 in the school�s first batch in Class IV and after his matriculation in 1972, he served the school as a primary teacher.
The school authorities have informed that Todi taught primary students and simultaneously completed his graduation, after which he was promoted as an assistant teacher.
He was also appointed as the headmaster (in-charge) of the high school from 2009 to 2012. However, this long association of Todi with this premier institute of the town will be broken forever when he retires on February 28.
�In fact the school and Todi grew together. He has been associated with the school since its inception,� said Sanjay Sethia, member of the School Management and Development Committee and an ex-student of Todi.
�In fact, during the golden jubilee celebration of our school we also observed the journey of Todi and his association with the school, which itself is like a miracle,� Sethia said adding, �His journey itself is a record. Such cases are rare, where one dedicates his entire life to a single organisation.�
Arvind Gupta, a student of Todi who also serves as a high school teacher said, �He is a unique teacher. He is not only a teacher but plays the role of parents to his students. He treats his students with love and compassion and teaches them to be a good human being first.�
Arvind also said, �It was a pleasure on my part to take my appointment letter as a teacher from his hand�.
While talking to this correspondent, Todi said that it is hard for him to accept that he will no more be associated with JHHS. �The school is a part of my life and will always be. I may retire from my job, but I will always be a well-wisher of the school and will serve it in whatever way I can,� said Todi and described his after-retirement plans.
�Now I will get better scope, so I want to start a new innings in the service of the society,� he said.
Todi is also known for his contribution to the development of Hindi language in this region. Former Deputy Commissioner of Dhubri, LC Sinha recognised and honoured Todi with a certificate where it was stated: �Todi has been actively associated for the cause of development of Hindi language and literature, particularly in the North-east. Because of his untiring efforts, the Hindi department was opened in the BN College, Dhubri.�
Arrangements have been made in the school premises to felicitate Todi on the day of his retirement and mark his contribution to the institute.
Various students� wings and organisations will also felicitate the teacher on this special day.
