Last Updated:September 02, 2026, 14:10 IST

Dwiti Chandra Sahu has transformed his classroom into an interactive learning environment. He uses glass marbles to explain mathematical concepts.

Dwiti Chandra Sahu was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2024. (Image: File/LinkedIn)

Strong determination can help overcome even the toughest circumstances. The inspiring journey of Dwiti Chandra Sahu, a teacher from Kotapeta, a remote hilly village in Odisha, is a powerful example of this. After losing his father at a young age, Sahu grew up amid severe financial hardship.

While his mother worked washing utensils in other people’s homes to support the family, he continued his education despite often going to bed hungry. He also sold newspapers on the streets to help fund his studies.

Sahu’s childhood was marked by hardship following his father’s death. His mother’s determination to keep the family going became his biggest source of inspiration. He would walk long distances to sell newspapers and use the earnings to support his education.

After completing his schooling, Sahu pursued journalism and eventually earned a PhD in Tribal Studies. Following his teacher training in 2001, he began his career as an educator.

Today, posted at Government High School, Billesu, in Rayagada district, he has shown that a lack of electricity, internet connectivity or resources need not stand in the way of quality education.

Bringing Technology to a Remote School

The school where Sahu teaches is located in a remote, hilly region of Rayagada, where reliable electricity and internet connectivity have been major challenges. However, he found innovative ways to bring digital learning into the classroom.

Sahu would travel to locations with network connectivity, download educational videos and later show them to students using his phone or tablet. He also developed educational games and simple PDF-based learning materials to make lessons easier and more engaging.

Drawing on his journalism background, Sahu transformed his classroom into an interactive learning environment. He uses glass marbles to explain mathematical concepts, while puppet shows and flashcards help children learn languages.

For tribal students, he uses stories, dictionaries and other learning materials in Kovi and Odia, making lessons easier to understand in familiar languages.

His innovative initiatives also include ‘Ama Bank’, a children’s savings bank; a ‘Children’s Court’ to familiarise students with decision-making and civic concepts; and a small Tribal Museum at the school.

“Despite these challenges, he has creatively integrated ICT into his classroom without depending on electricity or the internet. His initiatives include developing educational games, a YouTube channel, and softcopy PDF content,” the Ministry of Education stated in a post.

‘Fun Day Saturday’ and Learning From Waste

Through the Parimal Pathshala initiative, Sahu has turned Saturdays into “Fun Days”, giving students an opportunity to learn about cleanliness, safety and other life skills in a relaxed environment.

He has also introduced ‘Pitara Shikshan Peti’, an initiative that encourages the creation of low-cost teaching aids using waste and recycled materials.

National Award for Teachers 2024

Sahu’s contribution to education and his efforts to transform learning for children in rural and tribal communities earned him the National Award for Teachers 2024. He was honoured by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

From selling newspapers as a child to being recognised at the highest level for his contribution to education, Dwiti Chandra Sahu’s journey reflects the transformative power of education, perseverance and a teacher’s commitment to his students.

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