Beyond The Call of Duty: The Stories of Students Peleno Petenilhu Chose to Rewrite

A few years ago, while sitting quietly with my own thoughts, a realisation came to me. Our own story is never ours alone; it is woven from the countless stories of people we meet, exchange thoughts with, learn from, and grow alongside. 

The thought returned to me last week, after a conversation with a teacher from Nagaland- Ms Peleno Petenilhu. She had recently been honoured with the prestigious National Award by Honourable President Smt. Draupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on Teachers’ Day. A humble, camera-shy person, she graciously agreed to speak with my colleague, Vinaya

Kurkoti (whose inviting voice helped unfold many stories) and me over a call. 

What transpired in the next hour went far beyond the initiative ‘Each One Teach One’ for which she was recognised.

Ms Peleno teaches English and Alternative English (study and analysis of literary works, including Indian writings in English and global classics) to grades 11 - 12 at John Government Higher Secondary School, Viswema, Kohima. She believes that teaching goes beyond textbooks. For her, it is about ensuring students’ dignity, opening doors for more opportunities. It is about giving children the confidence to write their own stories and to remind them that their dreams are worth fighting for. That vision is what connects every student’s journey to her own. She says: “Their success is my greatest reward. Their victories give me a quiet, powerful rush- the kind that stays with you. It’s the kind of high that comes from watching someone grow and thrive.”

As I heard her journey, it became clear that her story is best told as a tapestry of her students’ lives. The stories of children whose journeys changed simply because one government school teacher chose to listen, to care, and to go beyond her call of duty.

The orphan who found home again...

John (name changed), a 17-year-old, seemed troubled. He wouldn’t pay attention in class, and the notebooks were almost left blank. He came to school with a worn-out, unkempt look that hinted at exhaustion, and always seemed to be filled with anger. The teachers had exhausted every approach they knew. Ms Peleno, too, had been trying, but she wasn’t ready to give up easily. Her empathy and concern for the child drove her to the child’s home. This visit challenged everything she thought she knew, and nothing could have prepared her for it.

John had recently lost both his parents and had been living with his aunt since then.

Unfortunately, the boy was being treated more like a helping hand by the family than being given the emotional support he needed at that moment. Having known the pain of losing a loved one, Ms Peleno knew he needed space and time to deal with his emotions. She gently counselled the aunt on how to make John feel like part of the family. Further, Ms Peleno made time to speak to the boy often, gave him extra classes, and made sure that he was slowly healing.

Thanks to her persistence, John began opening up. He was often seen laughing and sharing food with friends, and focused on his studies. Today, John, who would have lost the battle against grief, has successfully completed his undergraduate studies and is supporting others.

“Beyond academics, she also taught us values- of humility, discipline, and compassion. Her calm presence in the classroom made even the most stressful days feel lighter, and her warm smile reminded us that we were never alone in our journey,” - Kevidenu Dzüne (former student)

Sonal Bhasin