In the remote forests of West Singhbhum, where educational resources are scarce and travel itself is a challenge, 39-year-old mathematics teacher Gulshan Lohar has become a symbol of resilience and hope. Born without hands and raised amid difficult circumstances, he has spent the last 11 years teaching at Utkaramit Uccha Vidyalaya in Baranga, gripping chalk between his toes to write on the blackboard and inspiring hundreds of young learners along the way.
A journey shaped by determination
Baranga lies deep inside the Saranda forest, a region marked by past unrest, limited infrastructure and long-neglected educational needs. Few teachers are willing to undertake the arduous journey into the village, but Gulshan arrives every day with quiet confidence, never allowing his disability to define him.
His determination began early in life. Gulshan, the youngest of seven siblings, recalls how his birth shocked his family, and his mother initially refused to breast-feed him for a week. It was the same mother who later became his strongest support, making him practise writing with his feet until he gained full control.
Despite financial struggles, Gulshan pursued his education with the help of loans and scholarships. He completed his B.Ed and M.Ed from Chakradharpur, travelling almost 65 kilometres daily by train. His commitment to academic excellence set him apart, and he consistently outperformed his peers.
Overcoming obstacles to teach in a remote forest school
Gulshan’s path to teaching was paved with persistence. After completing his postgraduate degree, he approached the then Deputy Commissioner of West Singhbhum for employment. On the officer’s recommendation, the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) facilitated his contractual appointment at Baranga school in 2011.
His journey to becoming a teacher required immense personal sacrifice. He not only walked long forest trails but also secured a Chief Minister’s grant to complete his teacher training. Though grateful for the opportunity, he continues to hope for a permanent government position to better support his wife and daughter.
“I want every child to be educated and live independently,” he said. “My weakness has become my strength.”
A teacher who transforms lives
To his students, Gulshan is not merely an instructor—he is a mentor and a role model. His patient teaching style, clarity of concepts and reassuring presence have made him a beloved figure in the classroom.
“Gulshan Sir teaches us very well. It never reflects in his teaching that he is disabled,” said a Class 10 student. “He makes learning easy and never gets irritated when we ask doubts repeatedly.”
His colleagues echo the same admiration. Sunita Kanth, a fellow teacher, said Gulshan’s perseverance motivates the entire staff. “He does not have the same physical abilities as we do, yet he works harder than anyone. He is a source of inspiration for all of us.”
School principal Rajiv Shankar Mahto added that Gulshan’s life is a living example of how adversity can be turned into strength. “He shows children that no dream is impossible if one dares to persist,” he said.
A community’s pride
In a region often overshadowed by developmental challenges, Gulshan’s achievements have filled the community with pride. Villagers describe him as a “pillar of inspiration”, a teacher who has given new meaning to the value of education.
“Gulshan Lohar is more than a teacher to us—he is our pride,” said village elder Dashrath Mahto. “His journey inspires us to aim higher, no matter the hardships.”
His work has also been recognised nationally; Gulshan received an award from former President Ram Nath Kovind, a moment he cherishes as a reminder that perseverance is always rewarded.
Continuing the mission
Gulshan’s dream is simple yet profound—no child in Baranga should be deprived of education because of geographical, social or economic barriers. By returning to his own village after completing higher studies, he has chosen to uplift a community often overlooked in broader development narratives.
His life stands as a powerful reminder that disability does not define destiny. For his students, colleagues and the community, Gulshan Lohar is not just a teacher—he is an enduring beacon of courage, compassion and possibility.