Monojit Kumar Dutta, the headmaster of Shibganj Bishalakshi High School in Howrah’s Shyampur has been chosen to receive this year’s President’s award for excellence in the field of teaching on September 5, Teachers’ Day.

Seven years ago, potential doctors, engineers and teachers would drop out of Gujarpur Shibganj Bisalakshi High School to work as day labourers to supplement their parents’ meagre incomes. Some gave up studies even after scoring high marks in Madhyamik. The budding geniuses got their saviour in Dutta, their new headmaster.

The former armyman began reforming the institution. Earlier, students who came to the school on foot from distant villages simply looked forward to fulfilling their parents’ wishes of somehow taking up odd jobs and start earning as early as possible. Today, the school boasts of churning out some of the best students in the district.

The fruit of Dutta’s efforts has now been recognised by the nation. When President Pratibha Patil hands him the award, the nation will be saluting his achievement in crafting jewels who would have wasted their lives doing odd jobs.

“I am delighted. The award will carry a certificate of merit, a silver medal and Rs 25,000 in cash. I am honoured that I will meet the President,” an elated Dutta said. He also had unstinting praise for his students. “All that I am getting now is for the students. So, I want to donate the entire amount for their benefit,” he said.

Dutta gathered funds from the neighbourhood to set up a library and inspired teachers to organise special classes after school. “Students who were bright but poor were accommodated in the hostel for free. We also arranged for their meals,” he said. “The teachers were always with me. One of them gave away his entire medical allowance to buy a bicycle for a student who lived far away,” Dutta said.