Arunachal Pradesh, with its hills and forest trails, is also home to villages where proper schooling remains out of reach. Jyoti Panka, an educator from Tirap district, is addressing this gap through her initiative Chale Gaon Ki Aur.
Born in Wasathong village, Jyoti grew up wanting to teach. “I always found the teaching profession liberating. Even as a child, I would imitate my teachers at home,” she recalls.
Her career began in a government school in Kalaktang, West Kameng, as a TGT. “Just after completing my studies, I got the opportunity. From day one, I tried to help not just my students but any child in need.” As an NSS officer, she also organised social service activities in villages such as Boha and Chinki.
After six years, in 2019, Jyoti cleared the PGT examinations of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission and joined PM SHRI Government Higher Secondary School, Longding.
She calls this move a turning point. “As a senior teacher, while travelling to remote areas, I met many children who had never seen a classroom due to poverty, distance, or lack of awareness. Many were bright and curious, but life didn’t give them a chance.” Determined to change that, Jyoti decided—if children cannot come to school, the school must go to them.
“While interacting with my students I realised many wanted to serve society. That conversation sparked Chale Gaon Ki Aur. During summer vacation, they visited remote villages—Niannu, Senua, Khasa—to teach,” she says. “It wasn’t just about alphabets or numbers. It sparked curiosity, built confidence, and made villagers aware that education leads to a better future.”
The response was immediate. Children of all ages came running to attend, and the teenage volunteers grew into community leaders. “Children teaching children—it was peer learning in the truest sense,” Jyoti says.
“Through this initiative we also addressed social issues such as dropout, drug abuse, child labour, and child marriage,” she adds.
Several of Jyoti’s students now lead similar efforts. Jatgang Gangsadam, who conducts classes in Khasa village, says, “It was a great experience to be part of the initiative. We learned how to teach and create awareness, which helped me grow as a person.”
According to Gangsadam, the programme reduced dropout rates, child labour, child marriage, and early pregnancies. “Most parents now enrol their children in school, and many dropouts have returned,” he notes.
Jyoti’s vision also extended to the school environment. She launched Ek Kadam Sundarta Ki Aur, where she and her students used paintbrushes, plants, and creativity to make school surroundings more welcoming.
“School is where we spend most of our time, so making it beautiful is our shared responsibility,” she says.
The pandemic did not slow her down. She launched a YouTube channel, School Chale Hum, to stay connected with students. “The channel kept learning alive and became my solace during those difficult times,” she explains.
Deputy Director of School Education, Kamle district, and former Principal of PM SHRI Higher Secondary Longding, Emin Rumi, calls Jyoti “a blessing to the teaching community” and says, “She can go to any extent for her students.”
Her work has received national recognition. In 2024, she won the National Teachers’ Award.
“My award belongs to my students; they are the real heroes of my life,” she says.
In 2025, Jyoti Panka was also featured in the Asian Admirable Achievers Book (Volume XIII), which honours individuals across Asia for their contributions in education, arts, social impact, and innovation.
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