On 7th June, teachers and students from Epic Public School visited Mendabari village as part of the Epic Pathshala initiative — a heartfelt educational mission bringing learning, life skills, and hope to tribal children.
On most Saturdays, the teachers of Epic Public School are usually found buried under worksheets, lesson plans, and scribbled diaries. But on 7th June, they swapped their stationery for a greater mission — destination Mendabari, a small village with big dreams.
This was no picnic. This was EPIC PATHSHALA in action – a humble but heroic initiative under the umbrella of Rajganj Maa Sarada Shishu Tirtha, the very society that gave birth to Epic Public School. The brainchild of Dr Sanjukta Saha and Biswajit Jha, Epic Pathshala (Mendabari Free Tribal School) is not just about textbooks and blackboards. It’s about football fields and computer labs, life skills and laughter – and most of all, bridging the chasm between privilege and promise.
Funded entirely by the trust and passionately supported by the students, teachers, and parents of Epic Public School, Epic Pathshala is more than a project. It’s a purpose.
But as with all noble causes, generous hands continue to rise in support. A few months ago, ‘Bidyapeeth’ donated five computers to the trust, which now hum with learning and curiosity in the Pathshala’s computer lab. Another consistent contributor, Mr Priyo Roop Guha, has become a quiet force behind the Pathshala’s steady growth.
It is not just financial contributions—sometimes, even a word of encouragement can uplift a cause. Palakshi Goswami, a resident of Cooch Behar and currently the teacher-in-charge of a school in Hyderabad, was home on her summer vacation. When she heard about the initiative she was inspired and joined the trip to Mendabari along with her young son. “It’s heartwarming to witness something so meaningful happening,” she said. “Being a part of Epic Pathshala, even for a day, has been a beautiful reminder of why we teach in the first place.”
Last Saturday’s trip saw the teachers of Epic rolling up their sleeves and rolling out their expertise – in maths, computers, English, and even some games. Not to be left behind, students like Shreejit Jha from Grade VII joined their mentors in the field. “I decided to share whatever I’ve learnt in mathematics with my friends in Mendabari Pathshala. This way, I revise my lessons and help children who don’t get the same kind of exposure we do. It’s a win-win.”
Social media lit up the next day as Biswajit Jha posted,
“Yesterday, our group visited Mendabari, where my reliable team, comprising members of the Epic Family whi extended their expertise and support to the students of Epic Pathshala. We also relished the opportunity to unwind amidst the natural surroundings. Ultimately, we had a thoroughly enjoyable time!”
One could say, they came, they taught, they played – and they bonded. It wasn’t just about giving. It was about growing – together. The children of Mendabari weren’t the only ones learning something new that day.
With murmurs of more such initiatives, the seeds of change have clearly been sown. And like all things EPIC, they’re bound to grow tall, strong, and full of hope.
For now, Mendabari has a new word in its vocabulary – Possibility. And it’s spelt with a capital E.
