Daijiworld Media Network – Raichur (EP)

Raichur, Dec 5: Many who work in government sector wait for retirement and look forward living a comfortable life with their post-retirement benefits. However, setting an example is government school teacher Devappa Maistru.

A resident of Arkera village, Devadurga taluk in Raichur district, the 80-year-old who is lovingly referred to as ‘Maistru’ is still teaching, even though he retired in 1997.

Since the last 22 years, he is teaching students of government boy’s high school, government girl’s high school, Adarsha Vidyalaya and Pre University College free of charge. Not just that, he has not taken even one day off.

Devappa Maistru teaches grammar, essay writing and English conversations. Several students who have studied under him have reached high positions. He has received several awards including the best state level teacher.

He had sent two of his six children to the army school. The eldest son Venkatesh Nayak has retired as Colonel. Those who have studied from him have become doctors, engineers and bank managers. Former minister Hanumanthappa Alkod, MLA K. Shivanagouda Naik and former MP B V Nayak were his students.

Devappa Maistru says he will continue his pro bono service as long as his strength permits as Devadurga taluk is still considered to be backward when it comes to education.