The Comeback Story of Damkal MSS: A Journey of Resilience, Hope, and Faith

When the regular attendance of students begins to dwindle, and the numbers fall to the point where it feels like the end of the road, many might give up. Such was the challenge faced by Damkal MSS (Mukti Support School), one of the oldest MSS centers in South 24 Parganas. For years, the school had been a beacon of education and hope, offering value-added, activity-based learning to children from local communities. But over the last two years, the student count steadily declined, as families sought alternative centers and private tuition options for their children.
The school, which had once been a thriving hub for students, now faced a reality where its very existence seemed uncertain. But in the face of adversity, when everything appeared bleak, the team at Damkal MSS, led by Co-Ordinator Shri Bipradas Jatua, refused to give in to despair. Instead of resigning to the belief that their journey was over, they embarked on a campaign for survival, rallying the community in ways that had never been tried before.
Despite numerous obstacles, the team at Damkal MSS demonstrated unshakable resilience. With no resources left to waste, they took a hands-on approach to engage local parents and students. They visited homes, door-to-door, explaining the value of the education offered at the MSS and the long-term benefits of activity-based learning. They worked tirelessly to convince parents that the value of an MSS education far surpassed the superficial appeal of nearby coaching centers and private tuition institutes, which were becoming increasingly common in the area.
This campaign was not an easy task. Competing with private institutions offering twice-a-day classes, free coaching programs, and low-cost tuition centers was no small feat. But Shri Bipradas Jatua and his team knew that the true value of the MSS lay not in its convenience, but in its holistic approach to nurturing young minds.
Their persistence paid off, and after months of door-to-door campaigns, community meetings, and constant follow-ups, the school saw a remarkable turnaround. Student enrollment increased, breathing new life into Damkal MSS. Earlier, the number of students was 47, but it has now increased to 75. The efforts of the team proved that when you fight for what you believe in, success is possible—even when the odds are stacked against you.
The story of Damkal MSS is not just a tale of one school’s comeback; it’s a story of hope, resilience, and the power of faith. It is proof that even when things seem to be falling apart, with determination, trust, and effort, recovery and success are within reach. For every educator, every community leader, and every MSS facing similar challenges, this story is a reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable. The road to recovery may be long, and the path may seem unclear, but with perseverance, any setback can be turned into a comeback.