Children are the future of any nation. Much as a lump of wet clay needs the hands of a potter to be fashioned into a flawless pot, small children also need the vicinity of a Guru to get shaped into a good human being with strong moral values.
Narahari Malla is that guru responsible for transforming the future of numerous children bright. Even now, at the age of 76, this old man of Baanbarada village in Jaleswarpada Panchayat in Kakatpur Block of Puri district is enthusiastically weaving the moral fiber in young children in the state’s rural areas and encouraging their interest in studies. He opines that each person should possess both moral integrity and cerebral intelligence in order to build a good society.
Narahari aspires to be a teacher, but his dreams are foiled by his mounting family responsibilities. He had to leave school in the tenth grade, which shattered his dreams. Although he grows betel leaves along with other products on his parents’ land, which he sells in his small betel shop at the village’s main chowk to meet month-end needs, deep down he wants to do the same thing that a teacher would do to better children’s futures. He utilizes a portion of his earning to cover his family’s expenses, while the remainder is used for his noble job. He travels from village to village, village to city, and school to school, teaching and engaging kids with songs and plays regarding leading a life righteously.
“Whether a kid goes to school or not, I always try to inculcate three ideals in them through my self-created songs or plays. First, how to pique children’s interest in studies, improve their concentration, and educate them the value of education in achieving their desired professional goals. Second, I always attempt to instill moral principles in children, such as obedience and discipline, so that they develop a feeling of responsibility. Finally, I continuously encourage them to embrace Indian culture and tradition rather than blindly adopting Western culture.”
He also advises young children on leading their life in a right manner from waking up in the morning to going to bed at night. He advises them on how to manage their time throughout the day, improve their concentration during classes, understand the importance of physical activity, and develop habits that will help them maintain good health, a love of the environment, and a sense of communal brotherhood in order to promote social harmony and peace.
Narahari has visited several educational institutions, including schools in Bhubaneswar and Malkangiri, as well as Astarang, Golapa, Niali, and Nimapada in Puri district, where he has provided free counseling in primary schools. Schoolchildren adore and enthusiastically participate in Narahari’s co-curricular activities like dramas and songs etc, and pick up on his lessons quite quickly. Teachers appreciate his presence and offer him all possible assistance in establishing the children’s moral foundation.
Narahari studied less, yet his command of language is extremely strong. To relieve his mental stress, he writes plays and poems. His childhood passion for folk art and acting developed into an obsession. He has been giving the local traditional dance and music groups unselfish coaching and direction. He has composed numerous short plays and songs about a variety of subjects, including education, the value of knowledge, and how to be a decent person.
“Every time a student scores good in exam or gains a respected place in society, I feel as though I have accomplished something in life. It brings me joy to know that my students have valued my teaching and used them to improve themselves as good individuals. Furthermore, I want people to respect and safeguard our Indian art and culture, which uphold the fundamentals of a healthy living, rather than leaning toward Western society.”
Our society needs individuals like Narahari Malla to lay the groundwork for children by instilling in them the essence of morality, the value of righteousness, love, pride, and respect for Indian culture and tradition, alongside the idea of good education. Narahari’s lessons will undoubtedly lead to a more reasonable populace in the future.
