Retired teacher keeps alive kitchen garden mission

A retired school teacher has continued visiting government schools across the state to promote kitchen gardens and environmental awareness among students even after his retirement from service. 

According to officials of the elementary education department, the teacher, Manoj Roy, had been assigned in 2021 the additional responsibility of advising schools and madrasas on developing kitchen gardens alongside his teaching duties.

Department records show that around 3,751 schools and madrasas in the state currently maintain small and large kitchen gardens, the produce from which is used in mid-day meals served to students. However, nearly 1,700 institutions are yet to develop such gardens, officials said.

Roy retired from service around six months ago but has continued visiting schools in different districts at his own expense to encourage students and teachers to expand greenery on school campuses and maintain kitchen gardens.

Officials said he also distributes saplings purchased with his pension money and motivates students to participate in gardening activities. Students contributing voluntary labour for maintaining kitchen gardens are also being recognised with certificates and small gifts through a voluntary organisation associated with him.

On Friday, Roy visited eight schools in North Tripura district before travelling to Dharmanagar and later to Unakoti district on Saturday.

During the visit, he inspected kitchen gardens and interacted with students and teachers at several institutions, including Bimal Singha Memorial Academy, Bhagini Nivedita Higher Secondary School, R K Institution, Netaji English Medium School and Kamalpur Higher Secondary School.

School authorities said students showed enthusiasm during the visits and participated in discussions on maintaining greener campuses and expanding kitchen garden activities.