India, Sept. 5 -- Keonjhar: Born in a zamindar's family, she could have led a life of comfort. Instead, she chose a path of sacrifice and service in a remote tribal village. Today, on Teachers' Day, the story of Sharmistha Mohanty, now fondly called 'Juang Apa', stands as a true inspiration.
Sharmistha, originally from Arilo in Jagatsinghpur district, completed her higher education with postgraduate degrees in Odia and History. A bright student, she briefly taught in high schools and colleges before giving up the lure of a secure career.
Her life took a turn in the early 1990s when she visited Kuajharan, a small Juang tribal village in Harichandanpur block of Keonjhar district. Disturbed by the poor condition of tribal children, she made...