PT Benny, headmaster of Chemmanad West Government UP School in Kasaragod, was gifted a brand new Maruti Brezza car worth Rs 13 lakh by the PTA and local community at his retirement function. The surprise gift left the 33-year veteran teacher emotionally overwhelmed.

Benny, who retires on May 31, had no idea about the magnitude of the gift. While he had heard there might be a small farewell gift, he never expected a car. The gesture came as recognition for his transformative work at the school, which he joined in June 2019.

When Benny arrived at Chemmanad West UP School, the institution faced severe infrastructure challenges — cramped classrooms with poor ventilation, no playground, and a majority of guest teachers. Despite having 582 students, the school lacked basic facilities.

Undeterred, Benny worked with the PTA, SMC, and local community to improve the school’s academic standards. Within a short period, student enrollment surged from 582 to 856, adding 274 more children. The sudden growth created a space crisis, forcing nine classes to be held at Chemmanad Jamaath Madrassa and four pre-primary classes at the new Palli Madrassa.

The school’s old buildings were demolished and rebuilt into three-story structures with support from the Chemmanad Panchayat and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Recently, 10 cents of land was purchased near the school for Rs 25 lakh through the joint efforts of the Land Purchase Committee, former minister CT Ahmed Ali-led Chemmanad Jamaath Committee, and the panchayat. A new building is also being constructed using Rs 1.38 crore KIFBI fund.

The community’s gift reflects their deep gratitude for Benny’s dedication. For him, the car is not just a vehicle but a symbol of the love and respect from the students and people of Chemmanad. The heartwarming story of this rare guru dakshina has been going viral on social media.