Two teachers who dedicated their lives to selfless service in the field of education in north Bengal were recognised on Monday.

The Dr A P O’Brien Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award for a Teacher was presented to Ruma Bhattacharyya of Lataguri Higher Secondary School, Jalpaiguri, and Vijaya Lopchan from Rockvale Academy, Kalimpong, as part of the Adamas University Kolkata Presents The Telegraph School Awards for Excellence 2024 North Bengal.

“I am over the moon,” said Lopchan.

The Kalimpong teacher who spent 38 years of her life teaching young students English believes that the award represents her dedication of a lifetime.

Kaushik Das, a student of Ruma Bhattacharyya of Lataguri Higher Secondary School, receives The Dr AP O'Brien Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award for a Teacher on behalf of Bhattacharyya from Uma Dasgupta on Monday

“I believe that this award is a result of the hard work that I have put in during 38 years of my service — the hard work that I put in during my prime years,” added Lopchan.

A founder teacher of Rockvale Academy, the Kalimpong teacher joined the school in 1985 and retired in 2018. Even after retirement, Lopchan is ever ready to help any students seeking her advice.

The other recipient, Ruma Bhattacharyya, who also taught English at the Lataguri school, has transformed the lives of countless pupils through her dedication, empathy and passion for teaching.

In Lataguri, a small town in the western Dooars, English was a daunting subject for most students.

“However, Ruma Ma’am’s classes were synonymous with confidence and mastery, turning fear into triumph. She not only simplified difficult vocabulary but also identified struggling students — often aiding those who came to school on an empty stomach or without basic resources,” said Kaushik Das, a student of Ruma.

The teacher had joined the school in 1976 and for years, she had been a pillar of support for many underprivileged students.

“For these underprivileged students, Ruma Ma’am was a pillar of support, quietly assisting them with books, uniforms, or travel expenses. Her keen eye never missed a troubled student, and she always made time to understand their problems,” said Das.

Ruma, having retired from the Lataguri school about 12 years ago, now resides
in Calcutta and prefers to keep away from public attention.
A devout follower of Sri Ramakrishna’s teaching on selfless service, the teacher remains humble about her contribution. “The award is also about discovering and honouring hidden gems,” said an organiser.