Please welcome Prasant Kumar Panda in this episode of 'Pratibimba'. 

The Government Nodal High School of Kaimaati in Odisha's Dhenkanal district is well-known for its inclusive education and high student performance. Prasant Kumar Panda, who teaches Mathematics and Science to students of 4th-9th grade, is at the heart of the school's fame.

Prasant was hired as a teacher on September 18, 1997. He has been working in this school since last 15 years to build a positive relationship between the school management committee and the parent-teachers association. His constant motivation led to student’s participation and excellence in block and district level competitions. His unwavering guidance, even during the lockdown, enabled Partha Sarthi Dehury, an eighth-grade student, to earn a national merit scholarship.

Normally, students struggle to understand Mathematics. Taking this into account, Prasant used a variety of mathematical games, events and other mathematical tools to pique children's interest in the subject. For lower classes, he formed pairs of bright and dull students who would assist each other in understanding simple Arithmetic calculations, as a mediocre student can freely ask his friend questions. Similarly, by conducting scientific experiments, he encourages children to participate and make observations to develop their scientific perception.

The kitchen garden is managed by the collaborative effort of the school's management committee and co-teachers. He cheers students to plant and care for the school gardens, which earned his school the Prakruti Mitra Puraskar last year.

Prasanna was thrilled when his poor tribal student named Sudarshan Dehury of seventh grade received a scholarship as a result of his guidance and support in 2011.

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