‘Very good, Anchita,’ said the teacher, without looking up. She was examining the sketch of Deogan.

‘And this is the sacred spot on the hill where the villagers bury their dead. They call it the hanal kot. Look at the big stones at the entrance. This is very important for them. They have an interesting set of beliefs. They also have these little local gods, called pens. A lot of them can be found on this sacred hill,’ said Anchita, holding up the piece of paper.

This sketch had also taken some time. Anchita had worked hard on it, sitting under a tree near the hanal kot while Korok had wandered off to collect flowers. It had been a good day, with a cool breeze through the trees.

‘Now this one is interesting and I really wanted you all to see this,’ said Anchita.

The class peered at the sketch she was holding up. It showed a rundown thatched house. A cow poked its head out of a window. Two goats, one of them sitting, could be seen at the open door.

‘What is it? Quiz question! Is it a cowshed, or a goat pen? Go on. Take a guess.’

Anchita’s smile was about to burst out of her mouth.

There were faint murmurs in the room. One or two of the students said ‘cowshed’.

‘Wrong answer! This is the school in Deogan. There was a time when it had a teacher, but he ran away, so now there is nobody to teach the children. Besides, they work in their parents’ fields, or, like my friend, in his garden. So now you will find only cows and goats in the school.’

The teacher was looking outside. Another teacher was in the corridor and wanted to talk to her. Anchita was counting on this, because this had happened during some of the earlier presentations also. She did not want to be interrupted, and had been hoping the teacher would leave for a few minutes, which she did.

Anchita let out her breath. Here comes the rest of the presentation.

‘And this is Balangir Jail, in the town. I am sure some of you have seen it.’

Patnaik junior, a lumpy boy, had been sitting on his bench, looking bored and sleepy. That was how he usually looked during presentations. His expression was mainly to show to the other children that he was absolutely not interested in whatever the presenter was talking about. But now he opened his eyes. His group of loyal friends, who always sat around him like security guards, began glancing at each other.