Who is Mausam Dutta? The Headmaster Fighting Allegations While Battling Local Mafias

In a world where stories of teachers going above and beyond for their students are often confined to the silver screen, Mausam Dutta stands as a real-life example of such, shaping the lives of countless children in Chandranathpur. For over two decades, Mausam Dutta has been at the helm of Chandranathpur M.E. School, a modest institution near the Chandranathpur Railway Station that has grown into a beacon of hope and excellence under his leadership.

When Dutta joined the school, it had around 50 or so students. Today, the number exceeds 400, a testament to his relentless dedication and vision. Chandranathpur M.E. School is not just a place of learning; it is a sanctuary where children are moulded into well-rounded individuals ready to face the competitive world. Beyond textbooks, students are taught essential life skills—craftsmanship, public speaking, dancing, and singing.

The school’s unique approach allows students to engage in hands-on activities. They’ve built water tanks and repaired electrical equipment, gaining skills that many adults lack. They are trained in many fields including Agriculture. The school’s walls are adorned with student-created art, and the grounds are dotted with handmade flower pots, a reflection of the creativity Dutta fosters. These young talents have shone in various science exhibitions and outreach programmes, leaving a mark wherever they go.

However, Dutta’s journey has not been without challenges. The area surrounding the school is plagued by social issues like illegal liquor sales, gambling, child marriage, and child labour. Dutta has fought tirelessly against these problems, often putting himself at risk. He has confronted local liquor mafias, ensuring their illegal activities do not influence his students.

His fight extends beyond the school premises. When children in the area are unable to attend school due to distance or other reasons, Dutta has organised centres where older students teach them. He has personally tracked down dropouts, counselled them, and brought them back to class. On multiple occasions, he and his team have rescued children forced into child labour, particularly those working at stone quarries or lifting stones along the Jathinga River.

Under Dutta’s leadership, Chandranathpur M.E. School became one of the first schools in Cachar to receive the prestigious PM Shri title, a recognition of excellence in education. His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Jadavendra Deblaskar, Principal of Raja Govinda Chandra Memorial H.S. School, praised Dutta’s work in a recent event. And Mausam Dutta stated that Jadavendra Deblaskar even admitted that his institution looked to Chandranathpur M.E. School as an example while trying to achieve the PM Shri title for themselves.

One of the students, a young girl, shared her thoughts with us: “In our school, we get to experience a multitude of activities where we are loved and cared for by our teachers. Our headmaster is kind and gives us the opportunity to experience new things and learn more.” She proudly listed the places they had visited.

Dutta’s commitment to holistic education has opened doors for his students. They’ve visited places like DSA Silchar, DD Kendra Silchar, and the Silchar Radio Station to learn about media and technology. During the Namami Barak event, the school’s dance performance captivated audiences and became a talking point for days.

Despite his physical disability—an injury makes walking long distances difficult—Dutta resides at the school premises to remain fully dedicated to his work. His condition does not deter him from his mission, though it has added to his struggles. Recently, he faced allegations of corporal punishment, a claim he vehemently denies.

The case stemmed from an incident involving a student named Suman Roy, who alleged that Dutta had beaten him for not completing his homework, injuring his leg. However, Dutta, in his defence, stated he does not even teach Suman’s class and that the allegations were fabricated.

Meanwhile, CCTV footage corroborated Dutta’s claims, showing the boy’s parents entering the school brutally attacking him with sticks while Suman stood at a safe distance. As soon as the parents noticed the CCTV camera, they fled the premises.

Dutta claims these incidents are no coincidence. Just two days before the assault, he had filed an official complaint against a local gambling activity, complete with photographic evidence. He believes this attack, and the subsequent false allegations, are part of a larger effort by a syndicate uncomfortable with his relentless opposition to their illegal operations.

Dutta’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication. He has transformed Chandranathpur M.E. School into a place where students are nurtured, their talents polished, and their dreams realised. His efforts have shaped not just a school but a community, inspiring hope in a region marred by social challenges.

As Dutta reflects on his journey, he acknowledges the difficulties but remains grateful for the moments when his students’ talents are recognised. “When someone outside the school appreciates them, it feels like all the hard work was worth it,” he says with emotion.

As his retirement approaches, Dutta hopes for peace and a continuation of the positive changes he has worked so hard to achieve. His legacy will remain a testament to the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have, proving that real-life heroes don’t need capes—they just need an unyielding belief in the power of education.