Fire in a tribal village

Two days after the Annual Camp ended, we got phone calls from S.D.O., Kharagpur and B.D.O. of Kharagpur-II Block to visit Gopinathpur, a tribal village which is about 30 KM from campus. There were few cases of spontaneous fire in straws of the huts. The tribal population are generally superstitious in nature and were susceptible to take action based on their belief systems.

The winter vacation has just begun. No student volunteers were in campus. NSS Program Coordinator and one Program Officer from Chemistry Dept. visited the place with officials from B.D.O. office. Similar fire incidents occurring in other countries which came up in research journals were studied which talked about certain favourable condition for the same.

The field visit data indicated such favourable condition. The villagers were explained why it is nothing superstitious. Recommendation was made to district administration.

While we were waiting to see if any fire incidents take place (which did not), we spent time with young children there. Quickly we conducted recitation competition, mental math. competition, hand-writing check etc. and talked to parents encouraging them to help kids continue their study. Explained them the importance of education and Govt. schemes for tribal children and youth. The mental math. winner of Class IV added 47 and 45 at ease. We did not carry any prizes with us for these kids. We made a quick arrangement with a village elder for the same and it was a great experience.

Later both SDO and BDO expressed their thanks. Here are few pictures of that visit and newspaper clips in local dailies of the fame 'Anandabazar Patrika', 'Bartaman' (with reporter's own perception included).