Newz Desk, Durgapur: In a remote corner of Malda, schoolteacher Saikat Chowdhury is quietly transforming young lives by teaching students the art of handicrafts alongside their regular studies. His initiative has empowered many children—some of whom have already won awards at district-level competitions and even qualified for state-level events.
Saikat, a Sanskrit teacher at Bhavuk Rammadi High School in Old Malda’s tribal-dominated area, devotes his extra time to training students in creative crafts. What makes his work unique is his emphasis on using discarded materials—coconut shells, plastic bottles, twigs, roots and other waste items—to create decorative and useful products. “Engaging students in handicrafts not only reduces mobile addiction but also sharpens focus and improves concentration,” he explained.
Originally from Upper Jote village in the Englishbazar Kotwali gram panchayat, Saikat joined Khayerbari Balihaara High School in South Dinajpur in 2009. In 2022, he was transferred to Bhavuk Rammadi High School, where he revived his long-standing passion for art. Although he had an interest in handicrafts since childhood, academic pressure kept him away from regular practice. The Covid lockdown rekindled his creativity, and what began as a pastime has now become a passion—his home is filled with handmade artworks.
Since joining the Malda school, he has started teaching students outside the regular timetable. There is no designated period for handicraft lessons in government school routines, so Saikat spends extra hours—after school, on holidays, and sometimes even by visiting students’ homes—to train them. He also provides all necessary tools and materials.
Under his guidance, students were prepared for the Kala Utsav competition and won three district-level prizes in their very first attempt, later participating at the state level as well. Saikat believes these skills can help students earn in the future by selling their creations.
He hopes the government will provide financial support to preserve and expand this initiative. “I will retire someday, but I want to ensure the students continue to learn these skills. If vocational training is introduced, it would be a big relief,” he said.
According to Saikat, engaging students in creative work can protect them from harmful distractions. “When children immerse themselves in handicrafts, they stay away from negative thoughts and excessive mobile use. Their creativity, focus and discipline improve—and most importantly, they learn skills that can make them self-reliant,” he added.
