Berhampur: For many, retirement marks the end of a professional journey. But for Binod Chandra Jena, a national award winning school teacher in Gajapati district’s Paralakhemundi, it marked the beginning of selfless service to continue teaching students.Seventeen years after retiring from service as headmaster of a govt-run high school at Nuagada in Gajapati district, the veteran teacher continues to teach students without taking a single penny in return.At the age of 76, Jena, a resident of Paralakhemundi, goes to a privately-run child care home every day to teach the inmates, especially those studying in classes VIII to X. He spends around 2 hours every day teaching mathematics and science to them around 5 pm every day. On Saturday, Sunday and some other holidays, he spends more time with students to clear their doubts. Since the hostel is located near his residence, he prefers to walk or cycle that keep him healthy and fit.Jena retired from service on July 31, 2009 from LN Vidyapeetha, Nuagada, after decades of dedicated service. Instead of stepping away from the classroom, he visited different schools and hostels, run by the SC/ST welfare department and others to continue teaching. He also trained in-service teachers in the teachers training institute at Paralakhemundi from 2010 to 2012. “It gives me pleasure, keeps me healthy and also helps students” said Jena.“I have a long experience in teaching and it was not difficult to teach them math and science. I don’t refuse any hostel or school authorities, when they invite me to teach,” said Jena, who received an award from the President in 2007, as a best teacher. “As long as my health permits, I will continue to go to the hostels and teach students voluntarily, he said. Jena has no family burden as his two sons are govt employees.