Sonal Bhasin
A few years ago, while sitting quietly with my own thoughts, a realisation came to me. Our own story is never ours alone, it is woven from the countless stories of people we meet, exchange thoughts with, learn from, and grow alongside.
The thought returned to me last week, after a conversation with a teacher from Nagaland- Peleno Petenilhu. She had recently been honoured with the prestigious National Award by Honourable President Draupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on Teachers’ Day. A humble, camera-shy person, she graciously agreed to speak with my colleague, Vinaya Kurkoti (whose inviting voice helped unfold many stories) & me over a call.
What transpired in the next hour went far beyond the initiative ‘Each One Teach One’ for which she was recognised.
Peleno teaches English & Alternative English (study and analysis of literary works, including Indian writings in English and global classics) to grades 11 - 12 at John Government Higher Secondary School, Viswema, Kohima. She believes that teaching goes beyond textbooks. For her, it is about ensuring students’ dignity, opening doors for more opportunities. It is about giving children the confidence to write their own stories and to remind them that their dreams are worth fighting for. That vision is what connects every student’s journey to her own. She says-
“Their success is my greatest reward. Their victories give me a quiet, powerful rush- the kind that stays with you. It’s the kind of high that comes from watching someone grow and thrive.”
As I heard her share her journey, it became clear that her story is best told as a tapestry of her students’ lives. The stories of children whose journeys changed simply because one government school teacher chose to listen, to care, and to go beyond her call of duty.
The orphan who found home again
John (name changed), a 17-year-old, seemed troubled. He wouldn’t pay attention in class, and the notebooks were almost left blank. He came to school with a worn-out, unkempt look that hinted at exhaustion, and always seemed to be filled with anger. The teachers had exhausted every approach they knew. Peleno, too, had been trying, but she wasn’t ready to give up easily. Her empathy and concern for the child drove her to the child’s home. This visit challenged everything she thought she knew, and nothing could have prepared her for it.
John had recently lost both his parents and had been living with his aunt since then. Unfortunately, the boy was being treated more like a helping hand by the family than being given the emotional support he needed at that moment. Having known the pain of losing a loved one, Peleno knew he needed space and time to deal with his emotions. She gently counselled the aunt on how to make John feel like part of the family. Further, Peleno made time to speak to the boy often, gave him extra classes, and made sure that he was slowly healing.
Thanks to her persistence, John began opening up. He was often seen laughing and sharing food with friends, and focused on his studies. Today, John, who would have lost the battle against grief, has successfully completed his undergraduate studies and is supporting others.
“Beyond academics, she also taught us values- of humility, discipline, and compassion. Her calm presence in the classroom made even the most stressful days feel lighter, and her warm smile reminded us that we were never alone in our journey,” - Kevidenu Dzüne (former student)
Saving the dreams that were almost dropped
COVID-19 was a hard time for everyone. But even harder for some.
Vizo (name changed) had always excelled in studies and had never let down teachers’ or parents' expectations. But due to amplified financial strain, Vizo’s parents decided to get him to work to help with earning for the family. Given the remote location and poverty in the community, student dropouts were quite common. Given the limited resources, the school could not track and manage all the cases. However, Peleno was restless. She wondered if Vizo was labouring in fields instead of coming to school. One day, she visited his house and found out the reason.. Moved by his circumstances, she decided to fund his tuition, determined to help him complete his education.
“Sometimes it is just a tuition fee, sometimes an exam fee, but for a child it is the bridge between dropping out and continuing education,” she says.
Pele (as she is fondly called) knows the worth of her students' dreams is much more than what she is spending. This idea makes her keep identifying their potential and investing in them.
To date, Peleno has helped several students to continue their education by providing financial support for tuition and examination fees- enabling them to pursue their education when they were at risk of dropping out due to financial constraints. Her philanthropic journey doesn’t end here. She has provided 10 underprivileged students with mobile phones, giving them the chance to continue their education during lockdown.
“She saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. She recognised my artistic potential, and that opened the door to a new dream. She went above and beyond to take me to competitions, even commissioned my work and provided me with the raw materials. I am eternally grateful to her.” - Avinu Koso (former student)
The students who found their voice
For Wangshei Konyak, writing was never the problem; it was speaking aloud, risking mistakes, that made him freeze. Once too shy to speak despite scoring well in Grade Class 10, he slowly gained confidence through Pele’s persistence. By Class 12, he secured distinctions in English and Alternative English, later graduating as the President of the Students Council Body of his college. He is soaring with unmatched confidence that came with ease to express thoughts clearly- exactly how she wants every student to.
Long before she became a teacher, Literature had already found a special place in Pele’s life. Her mother and paternal aunts (all educators) believed that reading opened windows to the world. Her late father, who travelled often, brought her books and comics that would broaden her imagination.
That love for reading grew into something deeper over time. She believes language is not just about grammar or marks but about expression. When children gain confidence in language, they find the courage to articulate their thoughts and emotions.
From shaping her students' stories to writing her own
Her philosophy is simple yet profound- learning does not have to stop because of a lack of resources or support. This belief took the shape of her initiative, Each One Teach One, where students of Grade 12 themselves became mentors for their juniors. It wasn’t just about academic support; it created a circle of care, empathy, and resilience. Students helped each other in English, Mathematics, and Social Sciences, often forming bonds that went beyond classrooms. Parents would come to her, sometimes in tears, thanking her for giving their children not just knowledge but a safe space to thrive.
“I started teaching my younger sibling and helping friends understand things better. I not only helped others, but also learned a lot of new things from them as well. It made me realise that even as a student, I can make a difference in someone else’s learning, which is not just about giving out knowledge but also learning from it. - Vimethanü (a student)
When the pandemic hit, she extended this initiative through phone calls, home visits, and digital support- providing old and new mobile phones to children who would otherwise have missed out on online learning. This initiative, coupled with her years of dedication since 2002, brought her the honour of the National Award for Best Teacher.
For someone who began her career in the very school where her mother once taught, and who has often described herself as “a student first, teacher later”, she feels this recognition is not just her achievement- it belongs to every child whose story has been rewritten with hope and her loved ones who supported her in this journey.
As our call drew to an end, Peleno left me with a thought that struck a chord and reminded me of my students:
“Listen to students- that is the true strength of a teacher. Connect with them not from a place of authority but as a guide and a friend. They may overshare, they may test your patience, but often, all it takes is a compassionate ear to help them find their way”.
