Written by Dridhata Silwal
As a part of the 10th-anniversary celebrations during our “Year of Integrity”, as we’ve branded it, we are catching up with our Integrity Icons from previous years. We’re finding out how they continue to maintain their integrity, grow their influence, and push for the changes needed within government systems.
Recently, we chatted with Dor Bikram Shrees, who has been actively working in the education sector for 31 years. The moral principles of integrity instilled in him as a young child by his parents had a big impact on his career as a teacher and his ability to change things at Siddha Baba High School. Acknowledging how his parents’ teaching impacted his life, Dor Bikram Shrees says he realized that teachers have a bigger duty than merely imparting bookish knowledge – they are change agents. His constant efforts to bring significant change to the education sector was acknowledged in his community when he earned the title of Integrity Icon in 2016.
The Integrity Club as an ecosystem
Dor Bikram Shrees strongly believes that cultivating integrity from a young age is of utmost importance. He envisioned the Integrity Club he founded as a replica of the Integrity Icon campaign in Siddha Baba High School. The club provides a platform for students and teachers to discuss and understand the value of integrity, ethics, and their importance, learn to become accountable towards their responsibilities and foster a culture of appreciation and positivity. Dor Bikram Shrees serves as an exemplary role model, demonstrating unwavering integrity throughout his career. By witnessing the tangible benefits of dedicated practice, students are similarly inspired to uphold these principles throughout their lives.
Knowledge sharing to motivate practicing integrity in the community
Dor Bikram Shrees has seen many positive ripple effects of being named an Integrity Icon. After being awarded, he was invited as an advisor and speaker to programs by the Education Development Coordination Unit in Gulmi. He has also influenced other educational institutions in the community to follow in his footsteps of practicing integrity and accountability in the workplace. For instance, after attending Dor’s insightful sessions, officials from Naya Gau Secondary School from Gulmi took significant steps towards practicing transparency. They now publish an annual magazine that provides a comprehensive overview of the school’s financial status, including income, expenses, and the status of teachers and students. Additionally, the magazine showcases the creative arts of students, aiming to promote their artistic talent and foster a culture of creativity within the school.
Power gives authority to challenge and change
Dor Bikram Shrees recognized an opportunity to question the standard, one-size-fits-all approach of the educational system. Being aware of his position of authority, he decided to address learners’ diversity and create a more inclusive education system. As a teacher, he was aware of the tremendous influence he had over how students develop and that power should be exercised mindfully. To address these issues, he initiated several programs at the school. One such program is the “Book Talk Friday” event held every week, where students are encouraged to explore books beyond the curriculum and present their learnings to the class. This initiative allows students to expand their interests and knowledge. Additionally, he also organizes a monthly session called “Gyani Sanga Hamra Nani” (Learning with Experts), where students have the opportunity to learn from professionals in various fields. This program not only exposes students to different career perspectives but also provides them with hands-on learning experiences through field trips. Additionally, reflection sessions with students help deepen their understanding of their learnings and clarify any confusion that arises.
Impacts of integrity in Siddha Baba High School
Dor has witnessed how parents are willing to invest in his institution because they trust his leadership. Parents and people from the community generously provided financial support in order for additional land to be purchased for the school. Dor Bikram Shrees ensures transparency by publishing a bulletin, meticulously tracking expenses, and involving staff, administrators, and community members in the decision-making process to keep them aware of the school’s activities and well-informed about the financial spending. He firmly believes that transparency is crucial for establishing a fair system and ending the cycle of resource exploitation. Furthermore, he emphasizes that the Integrity Icon title has played a significant role in fostering and strengthening community trust.
Perseverance in the practice
In our society, where corruption is deeply rooted, people find it challenging to accept accountable actions. People tried to tarnish Dor Bikram Shrees’s name, by questioning the impact he made as an Integrity Icon. Skeptics doubted his ability to effect change in a system plagued by corruption and expressed disbelief in his intentions . However, accountability in his work proved those accusations otherwise. He is tirelessly working even when people point accusing fingers at him. He believes that to break the web of corruption, it requires constant effort, patience, and everyday practice. And being recognized as an Integrity Icon drives him to persevere in establishing a sustainable system of accountability.