Sameer Singh
Tribune News Service
Bathinda, September 30
It is 4.30 pm and Amaan Idris, 16, is busy understanding the concepts of trigonometry from her mentor, who she discovered online.
When the lockdown happened, Sanjeev Kumar from Bharat Nagar in Bathinda, decided to make the most of his time by tutoring students all over the country free of cost.
With over 18 years of academic experience, Sanjeev (42), a teacher at Kendriya Vidyalaya school in Bathinda Cantonment has devoted his last six months in imparting education to students of classes VIII to XII, and over 2,500 pupils preparing for NTSE scholarship entrance. His online lectures have also pulled in people from the UAE and Malaysia.
Tanveer Kaur from Srinagar, a class X student, said: “In the past six months, sir has helped us cover 80 per cent of the syllabus. I am certain we will be through with our maths syllabus before winter break. He makes use of a vast number of online tools, which has made the learning process simple and effective. Since the classes are free of cost, it’s a blessing for people who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford this level of quality education.”
Tanveer’s mother Davinder Kaur said: “We have access to 2G network connection, but that has not been an hindrance. My ward’s mentor has an advanced technology infrastructure. Therefore, she doesn’t face any problem. He is doing ‘sewa’ in the truest sense of the word.”
On March 28, Kumar conducted a trial session online, and got an overwhelming response.
Talking to The Tribune, Sanjeev said, “I always thought of doing something which could bring about a change in people’s lives. When the lockdown happened, I had ample time left to myself, which is when I decided to teach students online. The response I have got so far has been staggering.”
Kumar also invites noted educationists from premier academic institutions to deliver lectures in his live sessions.
“I am very well connected to my roots. My needs have always been minimal. So, when many people try to offer me money, I politely turn it down. I will consider myself successful if I am able to inspire a few more teachers to follow the suit,” added Kumar.
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