Dedication towards ones job is a requisite for a teacher but Abdul Mallik, a mathematics teacher from Malappuram, Kerala has taken the bar up several notches. Abdul, a resident of Malappuram, is a primary school teacher who swims across a river with a tube tied around his waist, shoes in one hand and clothes in a bag just to reach the school on time. It is a part of his daily routine and he does it every day with a smile on his face.

Abdul who lives by the bank of the river Kadalundipuzha, uses this unique route as it takes just 15 minutes for him to reach the school. "If I go by bus, it takes me three hours to cover the 12-kilometre distance, but swimming through the river is easier, faster and I reach school on time," says Abdul.

The students of the school are taken on field trips to swim in the river by the enthusiastic teacher. He believes that this activity inculcates awareness amongst the children about the importance of the river and also the need to keep it clean. Malik is truly dedicated towards his work and is a favorite among the students. He is also aware that his students need to be sensitized towards nature.

This teacher’s day was made special for Abdul as his arrival was greeted with flowers and cards. To the students of the village, Abdul is an idol. A seven year old student, Jahangir says that he wants to become like “Mallik Master” when he grows up.