Two decades on, freedom fighter continues to give free English lessons
Freedom fighter Kanchan Ali Sikder, now 90 years old, still teaches after retirement following a career spanning 60 years -- and plans to do so for the rest of his life.
Locally known as Kanchan Master, he has established two educational institutions in his native village Deuli, and has been teaching English here free of charge for over 24 years now.
Earlier, Kanchan Master served as head teacher in seven educational institutions in Barishal and Patuakhali districts for 36 years, retiring in 1996 from Hanua Motijan High School in Barishal.
"I could not stay idle without learning further or teaching -- it's my habit-turned-addiction," Kanchan told The Daily Star.
Deuli is part of Garuria union under Bakerganj upazila of Barishal. Kanchan studied at Garuria Secondary School and then at BM College in Barishal.
His first job, in 1960, as head teacher was for a salary of Tk 10. "From then until 1996, when I retired, I served as the head teacher at seven high schools," he said.
Though Kanchan got the opportunity to enter public service in the police and air force among others, he felt unable to leave the teaching profession.
"In 1977, I was elected union parishad chairman,but was not disconnected from the school. I loved very much my students, my classroom, and I could not separate myself from them," said Kanchan.
Though he taught both English and Bangla regularly, Kanchan said teaching English has been the most rewarding aspect of his six-decades-long career.
A dedicated teacher, even in his old age, he has never been late to class or sat down while taking lessons.
"Until my death, I want to stay with my students and continue teaching them."
The inspirational teacher sets an example for local teachers.
Mihir Karmakar, a teacher of Kanchan Sikder Bidyaniketan High School, said he understands the honour in teaching after joining the school.
"Where people pass their leisure time at home, Sir took classes for such a long time, many times taking two classes back-to-back but I have not seen him sit down," he added.
Ninth-graders at the school -- Lamia Akhter, Mukta Akhter, Nayan Sikder, and Arifur Rahman -- said they used to wait for Kanchan Sir's English class.
"My father loves his students and loves teaching," said ASM Zulfiquar Haider, chairman of Garuria union parishad and elder son of Kanchan.
His other son is principal of Bilkis Jahan Technical School and Business Management College. He also has three daughters; all his children are well educated.
They are involved in the work of the two schools their father had set up in Deuli -- Kanchan Ali Sikder Bidyaniketan High School, in 2013, and Bilkis Jahan Technical School and Business Management College in 2012.
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