Haji Public School

Up in Doda, at Nasir Manzil, sits Haji Public School. Being in this part of the country means we deal with some cold winters and very steep paths. The school is housed in a building that has been around for a while. It has a lot of character, with windows that sometimes rattle when the wind picks up. You can see the mountains from the classrooms, which is a nice view to have while you are working. Life in Doda is a bit slower than the big cities, and the school reflects that. We don't have fancy computer labs or big auditoriums. Instead, we have thick walls to keep the heat in and wooden benches that have been polished by use. The kids come from all over the nearby hills, some walking quite a distance to get here. Their shoes are often dusty by the time they arrive at Nasir Manzil. Inside, the atmosphere is quiet and focused. We have a few cupboards filled with old textbooks and some science equipment that we treat with a lot of care. The bells are rung by hand, a sharp sound that echoes through the halls. It is a very grounded place. We just focus on the basics, making sure the children have a place to sit and someone to guide them through their lessons. It is hard work sometimes, especially when the weather is bad, but it is what we do.