A forgotten teacher, late Dhaam-da
This time I wish to write about a primary teacher who has contributed so much to the society besides school job. He was sober, silent, hard working and his dedication to job and community has been praiseworthy. I appreciate his managing and organizing potential. Organizing national and community festivals successfully for more than a decade was unbelievable. Although he had to face many hurdles on the way, however, he with the support of all particularly contemporary youth did amazingly. That was the time when primary teachers used to get pay after many months. Being the only bread winner in the family it was difficult for him to pull on family smoothly, however, he never complained about the problems that he was facing before elders of village and they were convinced teacher Dham Singh despite so many constrains is competent to conduct such celebrations with innovative ideas. His contribution to the society has been commendable and huge.
Prabhat phery was started by freedom fighters of village burfu just after independence in the early morning on 15th august constantly onwards 1956. I still recollect the following lines.
De di ajadi hamai, kharak bina dhal,
Sabarmati ke sant tune kar diya kamal:
These lines were sung in praise of Mahatma Gandhi who was inseparable part of national freedom movement inspired thousands of Indians to join the movement using non violence as weapon against the dominant military power British Army This is the unique example in the history of world that an armless movement wins over the well equipped modern army. Victory of non-violence well accepted by the world. In other words win over tormentors by victims.
Since our first mission to free India from British rule was over and second phase of struggle was to take off to free India from poverty, illiteracy, untouchability, unemployment, non existence of health care facility, lack of basic infrastructure and miserable condition of Indian women. Awakening in terms of erasing all the miseries the following lines which were sung during prabhat phery still stick my mind.
Jo sowat hai so khowat hai. Jo jagat hai so powat hai
Bharat mata ki jai! 15th august jindabad! Mahatma Gandhi ki jai!!
In fact it was late Krishna Nand Joshi who was our purohit as well as teacher during 1950s. His contribution in organizing 15th August our independence day and other important local festivals effectively can not be ignored. Dham singh ji continued and tried to modify according to time. As our elders wished purpose of celebration was clear i.e. to spread the massage of patriotism among the people particularly young generation across the valley, maintaining the cultural values of valley tribe and motivating youth to reinvent our early traders tremendous zeal, courage and determination to make trans Himalayan trade profitable ignoring all the odds on the way. How they were successful in building strong relationship with counterparts who were not within their domain? This clearly reveals that our early traders were excellent in bonding strong relationship for the success of safety and expansion of trade.
In Johar valley I remember Independence Day celebration, Sri Krishna Janmaasthami were beautifully celebrated with Great Spirit and fanfare. Since we used to migrate during those early days, after reaching dumar munsiari Sri Hari Pradasani samaroh which has a significance for the johar valley people was celebrated every year in the month of November where local leaders, social workers, officials and area people used to participate, so to conduct such a big show was tedious task but dhaam-da successfully organized for such a long period, although he was transferred to other schools and his family too had shifted to other place near Munsiari.
He possessed a huge heart. His commitment and dedication in exploring the theme of celebrations, as desired by elders is commendable. In fact he never complained about his personal problems and continued gaving services for social cause besides his dedication to his job. It is really admirable. His family also always supported him in his endeavor to harness his talent for the society. Support of family was the strength for him. Lok Bahadur Jangpangi his eldest son who is associated with a regional party is following his steps and is in the organizing committee and has been very active during these years. Late dhaam-da a successful teacher, can not be forgotten who has contributed so much to the society, never aspired for publicity, no self exaggeration for personal benefit as it has a fashion now a days to call themselves as social worker, leader, writer, historian so and so. We wish his calmness; sober behavior and dedication always will be remembered as long as these national and other festivals are celebrated.
Date—28-1-2011 Devender Jangpangi
