A Physically Challenged Teacher defying all odds to take virtual classes during lock down
Rajnish Sareen
Nawanshahr, June 13, 2020: Pooja Sharma, Lecturer in English , Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Nawanshahr, though herself suffering from paraplegia with 80 % disability, has been emerging as a epitome of inspiration for others , by making commendable contribution to wards " Ghar Baithe Sikhya" programme, launched by the Education Department to combat the COVID-19 crisis.
She has been preparing English workbooks of Punjab School Education Department for the senior secondary classes for academic year 2020-21. Besides, her video lectures are being telecast on DD Free Dish, Swayam Prabha, DD Punjabi and other national channels under the aegis of NCERT & SCERT as per the schedule given by the state education department under "Ghar Baithe Sikhya" programme . She has also been preparing audio lectures for , which are being broadcast on Doaba Radio, All India Radio (Patiala) . The lectures prepared and shared by her on social media platform like WhatsApp, YouTube and Facebook have been guiding innumerable students. Moreover, she has embellished the state and international newspapers with her valuable articles on education and social issues. She has been playing an important role in State team to prepare Root Word of the Day started by the Education Department for enhancing vocabulary of the students.
It is worthwhile to mention here that not only during lock down period but also during her teaching career since 2001, Pooja 's contribution towards education in general and betterment of disabled has been appreciated . Last year in September she was honoured by Education Secretary for bringing 100% result in her subject in board exams. She was specially honoured by Chief Election Commissioner for motivating and bringing awareness among disabled about their right to vote on " National Voters Day" this year. Besides, she has also been honoured during the district level Independence Day and Republic Day functions in 1997, 2009 and 2020.