This school gate, closed in mourning: Pang still reels from Valparai tragic accident

Pang/ Kottakkal (Malappuram): The gates of this school must have closed under the weight of a thousand tears. In a single, cruel stroke of fate, death has snatched away five persons who dedicated their lives to nurturing the children of this village with the gift of knowledge. Those who gathered before the shut gates of the Pang Govt LP School, where the victims of the Valparai accident worked, were overcome with inconsolable grief. Parents are at a loss for words, wondering how they will ever break this tragic news to the hundred-odd innocent children who study here.

"The teachers at this school treated the pupils and the local community like their own family," said Nazar Kiliveettil, a neighbour, through his tears. Whether it was a celebration or a moment of sorrow in the nearby houses, these teachers were always there. Although it is currently the summer holidays, the teachers often visited the school for administrative work. They had all decided to meet at the school this coming Monday to complete some pending tasks. It was in the midst of these plans that this unexpected tragedy struck. 

While the non-teaching staff member, A Gopalan, and another teacher, Hasnath, were invited to join the trip, they declined due to personal commitments. Arrangements are being made at the Ambalaparambu Govt. Higher Secondary School for the public to pay their final respects to those who perished.

Ajitha Teacher: Beloved headmistress for two years

The Headmistress of Pang GLP School, Ajitha, who lost her life in the accident, was a native of Paloor, Pulamanthole. She had been serving as the Headmistress for the past two years. She was the daughter of the late K Padmanabhan Nair and Meenakshikutty (a retired teacher). Her husband, Shivaraghu, is a retired spinning mill official. She leaves behind two children, Abhirami and Avanthika.

Asha Teacher: A radiant soul who lived for her pupils

Another teacher lost in the tragedy is Asha (41), daughter of the late retired police officer Chandran and Chandramathi from Kolathur. She is survived by her husband Jithesh and three children – Aishwarya, Akshara and Ashwath. Her brother, Arun, serves at the Mankada Police Station.

Majeed Sir: A memory that transcended limitations

Majeed Sir was the only male teacher at the Malappuram Pang Govt LP School. Despite his visual impairment, he was always at the forefront of every school activity. Alongside the Headmistress, Ajitha, he played a pivotal role in leading the school towards great achievements.

He possessed a unique ability to turn the staff room into a "nest of affection”. It was often under his initiative that staff trips were organised. Because of his visual impairment, his wife Rukhiya, had accompanied him on this journey. A former colleague mentioned that Majeed had only just moved into a newly built house a few weeks ago. With both Majeed Sir and Rukhiya succumbing to the accident, an entire family has faded into memory. He also served as Secretary of the Malappuram District Federation of the Blind.

Only four remain at Pang School, now

In a single day, it is not just nine families that have been orphaned, but an entire school. At the Pang G L P School, only three teachers and one peon now remain: Gopalan Krishnan (Peon), Hasnath (LP teacher) and LKG teachers Raseena and Yashoda.

Praseeja, the School MTA president, said that she only learned about the staff’s trip through their social media status. Asha, one of the teachers, usually took her son Aju—a Class 1 student—on every trip. However, Aju did not go on this particular journey. Now, Aju will never see his mother again.

Sajitha’s last status at 4.08 pm

Sajitha, the school’s cook, had been posting updates of the places they visited during the trip. Her final status was posted on Friday at 4.08 pm. By 5.45 pm, the villagers received the news of the horrific accident.

Condolences from all over

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his deep condolences over the Valparai accident. He has issued instructions to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and assured that the government will provide necessary assistance to the bereaved families. Ramesh Chennithala (CWC member), Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal (Muslim League State President), P K Kunhalikutty and Minister V Abdurahiman also shared their grief and condolences.

Gopalan stands before the silent school

Gopalan froze in shock when he saw the news on television. Those with whom he had shared laughter and conversation just yesterday are no more. A Gopalan, a non-teaching staff member at the school, is currently in a state of numbing pain.
 

"I and my wife Jalaja were invited on this trip to Valparai," Gopalan said. "But my son, Sajith, is returning from the Gulf on April 21, and I had preparations to make. There were also a few weddings I couldn't miss. It was only because of these commitments that I said I couldn't join."

Gopalan has worked at this school for 28 years and shared a deep bond with everyone, from the Headmistress Ajitha downwards. The staff would often go on trips together; Gopalan had joined them on a trip to Ooty just four months ago.

There are only seven permanent staff members at the school. In addition, there are two temporary LKG teachers, a cook and a driver. With the majority of the travel group perishing in the accident, a profound sense of emptiness and sorrow has descended upon the entire village.