Gulshan Lohar, a mathematics teacher in Baranga village, West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, has dedicated over 11 years to teaching despite being born without hands, skillfully writing on chalkboards using his feet.
His tenacity and compassion have made him a beacon in his forest community, earning praise from parents, students, and education authorities, who now seek to further support such inspirational changemakers within the education system.
A Journey Marked by Resilience
From early childhood, Gulshan Lohar met adversity with determination. Born without hands, he mastered writing with his feet and excelled academically, completing a postgraduate degree and consistently outperforming peers.
“My only goal was to prove that disability cannot stop learning or teaching,” he has shared. Inspired and supported by his mother, brother, wife Anjali, and young daughter, Gulshan channelled his struggles into service, choosing to return to Baranga village to bridge an educational gap too often left unaddressed in remote and marginalised regions.
Teaching With Both Heart and Feet
Each day, Gulshan enters his classroom with unwavering spirit, gripping chalk between his toes to teach maths on the blackboard. Students describe him as patient and encouraging; parents call him a guiding force. His principal shares: “Gulshan leads by example-he shows our children that no dream is impossible if one dares to persist.”
Local officials describe him as “worthy of national recognition” for sustaining quality teaching and attendance in an area where many with more resources have not persevered. Recently, media across India have celebrated his story, amplifying his transformative impact.
Overcoming Barriers in Saranda Forest
Baranga village sits deep within the Saranda forest, a region long marked by unrest and infrastructural neglect. Education here is a challenge: basic amenities are scarce, and many teachers avoid long or risky commutes. Gulshan’s commitment stands in sharp contrast-he has borrowed from well-wishers to continue his studies, travelled kilometres on dusty paths, and even received a grant from the Chief Minister to complete his B.Ed..
He is currently preparing for the Teacher Eligibility Test, seeking formal regularisation of his position to better support his family and students.
Founders, Community, and Broader Impact
Gulshan’s parents, recognising his unique abilities and determination, supported everything from his first school admission to every major educational milestone. His wife Anjali describes him as “the backbone of our family and our entire community-an inspiration not just to me, but to dozens of young children who see him teach every day.”
The local education authorities have pledged further assistance: “We are committed to recognising and supporting teachers like Gulshan, so that inclusive education becomes the norm, not the exception.” Beyond his classroom, Gulshan offers free tutoring to economically disadvantaged children, quietly igniting a culture of hope and achievement beyond the school grounds.
Institutional Response and the Road Ahead
Prompted by national coverage of Gulshan’s work, the Jharkhand government is now reviewing policies to identify and reward educators with disabilities. Authorities in West Singhbhum have announced new scholarship schemes and better access to training for teachers facing similar challenges.
Villagers rally around Gulshan: “He is no longer just our teacher-he is our pride. His story gives us courage to strive for more, despite adversity,” said a village elder.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Gulshan Lohar’s remarkable journey is emblematic of the power of courage, empathy, and collective support to overcome the gravest obstacles. His work reiterates the need for a more inclusive, accessible education system and society where no talent remains hidden due to disability or geography.
The Logical Indian salutes Gulshan as a true changemaker.
