Teacher given emotional farewell

By Guna Bahadur Roka, Suliikot, Dec 11 :  In the cold winter winds of northern Gorkha’s Dharche Rural Municipality-2, the roads of Runchhet village seemed unusually busy, almost as if a festival were underway. 

Tuesday was not a holiday, nor was there any fair or celebration. However, it was a day that would witness a deeply emotional and proud event at the heart of Runchhet, Gandaki Secondary School. 

After 37 years of lighting the lamp of knowledge and illuminating the lives of many, the retired Headmaster was set to be given farewell by his students, former students, and local parents in a special way, via the sky.

Headmaster Indra Bahadur Uparkoti, who had taught everything from letters to principles of life for nearly 40 years, was standing at the moment, when for the first time, the sky would carry him away. 

A local guardian from Runchhet, Sajjan Gurung, said, “A teacher is someone who teaches grassroots people to fly. Now, we will honour our teacher by sending him into the sky.” 

Uparkoti had dedicated his life to guiding students towards the bright path. Since his family resides in Bharatpur, former students of the school raised funds to hire a helicopter from Runchhet to Kathmandu, and then a flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur to ensure he safely reached home. Students said that this was a way of honouring his contribution. 

The eyes of students, teachers, former students of the school and locals shone with a deep sense of gratitude, filled with emotions of gratitude for an unpayable debt and respect for the teacher who had shaped their futures.

At the farewell ceremony, the shining eyes of students, the abundant memories of colleagues and the warmth of parents all came together to present the life of Uparkoti as a living poem.

As the helicopter’s blades began to spin, it felt as if the wind across the village itself had quickened. 

Students waved, saluting their teacher with hands raised, their eyes filled with tears as they watched the helicopter ascend into the sky. It was like the society was offering a silent salute and paying tribute to the teacher’s four-decade-long journey, acknowledging his immense contribution to their lives.As the teacher’s helicopter took off, the entire Runchhet village was overwhelmed with a sense of loss filling the air. 

The farewell ceremony held at the school saw notable participation from local representatives, former students, parents, teachers, and current students. 

Colleagues and fellow teachers spoke of Uparkoti’s discipline, dedication and humane behavior, which had earned him deep respect.  Former students, who had travelled all the way from Kathmandu and Pokhara, came to Runchhet as if they were celebrating a festival like Dashain or Tihar, to honour their beloved teacher.

Speaking at the emotional ceremony, former student Dorje Gurung expressed his gratitude, stating that Headmaster Uparkoti had shown them a brighter future.

Parents and students also shared how fortunate they felt to give their teacher such a unique and heartfelt farewell, acknowledging that he had guided generations of children in this remote area with wisdom and care.

This thoughtful respect and admiration for the headmaster is a testimony that society values a teacher who works with dedication and integrity. It is evident from the remarkable farewell of Headmaster Uparkoti.