Emotional Scenes as West Bengal Teachers Bid Farewell
Teachers from the 2016 panel across West Bengal state schools conducted their final classes on Saturday, marking the end of their teaching careers following the Supreme Court order passed on April 3. The emotional farewells occurred just before the start of the third summative or annual tests beginning Monday, as mandated by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE).
Heartbreaking Classroom Moments
Moumie Paul from a school in Alipurduar shared her emotional experience through social media. "I was shattered as I didn't know whether I can return to this classroom again," she wrote alongside a photo with her Class 6 students. Paul described how students from Class 9 specifically requested her to visit their classroom, demonstrating their strong belief that their madam would eventually return.
At Kanchrapara Khudiram Bose Institute, mathematics teacher Sangram Majumdar faced similar emotional challenges. "Many of the students started crying when I entered the class," Majumdar recalled, his voice choking with emotion. Despite conducting classes from 5-9 on Saturday and preparing exam questions, he confessed to spending sleepless nights worrying about his family's future after failing to clear the cut-off marks for interviews.
Teachers Continue Duties Amid Uncertainty
Rajat Haldar, a physical science teacher from Kultali area, highlighted the irony of his situation. "I set questions and attend invigilation duties while I am myself appearing for a test to prove myself to secure a job," he explained. His students expressed their distress, repeatedly questioning whether they would see their beloved teacher again.
At Kastekumari High School, three teachers from the 2016 panel continue performing their duties with exceptional diligence despite knowing they might never return to their classrooms. Chayan Haldar noted that these educators maintain their professional commitment under immense pressure, putting students' needs before their personal crises.
The Only Ray of Hope
For some teachers like Sangram Majumdar, the unpublished interview list for secondary level positions represents the final hope. "I never did anything wrong with anyone, so why I am being punished?" he questioned, echoing the sentiment of many affected educators across the state.
The situation has created what Rajat Haldar describes as a systemic failure affecting both innocent teachers and students, with the educational community bearing the brunt of administrative and legal decisions beyond their control.
