In this Odisha teacher's class, puppets talk to teach

Since 1997, Basant has been the ‘innovative’ teacher for toddlers, who come for seeking early education at the school. As the shadows of the Odia and English letters flicker, Basant’s narration from behind the screen add life to the dead alphabets. For instance, when the shadow of the Odia letter ‘Ga’ surfaced, the teacher asked-”Mo nama Ga. Tama nama kauna? In his village and the neighbouring ones, Basant is popular as the ‘Kathputli master’ who uses shadow, gloves and string puppets to make learning fun for children.