West Bengal school teaches life lessons to differently-abled

A school in West Bengal's Bankura district is an inspiration for the differently-abled children from nearby villagers where they are encouraged to take on life confidently.

Run by a handful of teachers, Benajira Abasik Pratibandhi Vidhyalaya, is a school for the differently-abled that works for a social cause and also fosters communal harmony among the villagers.

Irrespective of their physical and mental challenges, the differently-abled children bond with each other, share their meals and dream about a bright future.

"We Hindus and Muslims both study here as brothers and sisters and then we go back to our places on time," said a student, Sukubuddin Dalal.

Started in 2010, the school is run by the joint efforts of local villagers and the teachers who contribute for everything from the students' meal to their notebooks, said Ajay Namata, a teacher at the school.

The teaching staff at the school includes differently-abled members who inspire children to lead a respectable life.

"I myself am handicapped and I want the word 'handicapped' should not weaken one's aspiration. We are here to teach them so that they can make their future bright and should not feel alienated because of their impairment. They should not be demoralised,' said Sampa Barui.

At present, the school runs classes till standard sixth and has a total of 157 students. But the teachers are confident that they would be able to expand the institution in the near future and raise the standard of education imparted to the students.