Every Monday morning for the past four years, one determined teacher and a scooter carrying rice husks, vegetables, school supplies quietly entered the dense forest roads leading to Attathodu. At the centre of that journey was Biju Thomas, a teacher who chose service over comfort and children over fear.

Now, after years of dedication inside one of Kerala’s most remote tribal schools, the beloved head teacher of Attathodu Government Tribal LP School has retired, leaving behind not just classrooms and lessons, but a story that has touched hearts across the state.

The Teacher Who Chose the Forest

When Biju Thomas joined the school on October 29, 2021, after being promoted from Muthur Government LP School in Thiruvalla, many viewed the posting as difficult and undesirable. The school sits deep inside the Sabarimala forest region, isolated from the outside world and surrounded by thick greenery and frequent wildlife movement. Teachers were often hesitant to stay there for long due to the difficult travel conditions and fear of wild animals.

Reaching the school itself was a challenge. Located downhill, the campus could only be accessed after descending 105 steep steps. Vehicles could not enter the area, making bicycles and walking the only options. Yet, while others saw hardship, Biju saw children waiting for an education. 

Every week, he travelled nearly 58 kilometres from Pathanamthitta carrying food supplies for students. Rice, vegetables, and essential items were packed onto his scooter before beginning the long forest journey. It became more than a routine.It became a mission.

Lessons Beyond Textbooks

Inside the small tribal school with just 36 students from Classes 1 to 4, Biju Thomas and his team of teachers slowly began creating change.

Two years ago, a new school building was constructed, giving fresh energy to the institution. But the transformation went far beyond infrastructure. Under Biju’s leadership, the school introduced fish farming, terrace vegetable gardening, beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, and several hands-on learning activities that connected education with life skills and sustainability.

The goal was simple, to make learning meaningful, joyful, and practical. But perhaps the most touching lesson came outside the classroom. The teachers noticed that many children arrived at school wearing dirty clothes because of difficult living conditions at home. Instead of ignoring the issue, Biju and the teachers personally washed the students’ clothes themselves. It was not part of the syllabus. It was humanity.

A Journey Shared with Wild Elephants

Travelling through the forest was never easy. Wild elephants and other animals often appeared along the road from Pathanamthitta to Attathodu. For many, the route itself was enough reason to avoid the posting. Biju admits he was frightened in the beginning. But over time, fear gave way to familiarity.

The forest, once intimidating, slowly became part of his everyday life. Rain, isolation, wildlife, and rough terrain never stopped him from reaching school because, for him, the children mattered more than the discomfort.

A native of Amburi in Thiruvananthapuram, Biju officially retired from service on May 31. For the children of Attathodu, he was not just a headmaster. He was the man who brought food to school, created opportunities, encouraged dreams, and treated every child with dignity. But his legacy will continue to echo through the forest paths, the classrooms he transformed, and the lives he changed.