Octogenerian Mrs. Shanta Mukherjee has been running Narmada school for 30 years in rented premises in South Calcutta. A caring educator, she often waives or discounts fees for the needy.
Mrs. Mukherjee is very concerned particularly about the future of mentally-challenged students. She is a very accessible person and has had long years of experience in running a shelter of animals and birds in her backyard. Mentor to a passionate animal-lover, she regrets the disappearance of wildlife in our environs.
Shed of a classroom
English classes at Narmada. The standard of English taught here is much better than many other "money-making montessoris" that have mushroomed nowadays.
Students at Narmada
Inner courtyard. At one time Mrs. Mukherjee, along with her husband and daughter took care of animals like deer, wild cats and various birds. In this unique environment students could see how animals would care for each other as a family. Legal problems forced her to discontinue as endangered species had to be handed over to Govt. organisations. Also since the death of husband and daughter, it has become increasingly difficult for her to maintain animals in her backyard.
Another clasroom
Main building serves as both school building and residence. She is facing pressure by the owners to leave the building (no doubt prime property for real estate agents)
Parents and children: school is over...
A lone slide for children to play
The last of the animals: a goat
Running around...
Broken swing
More classrooms
Classroom in converted garage
Cotton candy man... outside the gates. Mrs. Mukherjee makes it a point not to allow unhealthy food to be packed as lunch for students. She has a list of food which can be provided to children.
Narmada School
