Knowledge is something which increases its value when shared. It is the main form of wealth acquired during our lifetime. Imparting knowledge to others is a positive aspect. It is praiseworthy if offered to those who do not have the opportunity. Here we meet a young man who, at 16, was described by the BBC as “the world’s youngest headmaster”.
Babar Ali, a teacher from Murshidabad, West Bengal, is the founder and headmaster of a school called ‘Ananda Shiksha Niketan’. He is a Public speaker as well as a TED speaker. His goal of “Education for All” inspired many. His biography has been included in many curricula around the world. Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind highlighted Babar Ali and his work in his national address on January 25, 2020.
He completed his schooling at Baldanga C R G S High School and graduated in English from Krishnath College. He received his postgraduation in History and English from the University of Kalyani.
Determined To Provide Education To Denied
When he was nine years old, he noticed children his age working in the fields when he returned from school. Babar Ali felt it unfair and thus established his school and gave classes free of charge.
Anand Siksha Niketan
The name itself suggests the joy of learning. Anand Siksha Niketan is located at Bhabta village in West Bengal and was established in 2002 as he was studying in 5th grade. The School was registered under the West Bengal Society Registration Act of 1961. Babar started the school initially in the backyard of his house. In 2015, they moved into a new building. The School also provides free learning kits, school uniforms, food, and other necessary amenities for its students. His institution offers free and value-based education to students from underprivileged backgrounds.
On Favour Of His Kids
After realising the recognition by local authorities would give his students access to free rice provided by the government at the end of the month, Babar Ali succeeded in getting his school approved by the local authorities.
Inspiration
Babar Ali, a follower of Swami Vivekananda, is determined to continue his efforts to raise the standard of education in his district.
3 H’s
Babar suggests using the 3Hs as a strategy for problem-solving and eliminating any biases. He seeks to prevent prejudices towards any system including religion, by teaching young people the importance of developing their heads [intellect], heart, and hands.
Against His Passion
Babar Ali faced opposition from ignorant people when he began to teach. They wanted kids to labour in the fields rather than educate and send them to school.
Empowering the Education Of Girls
There was gender discrimination and child marriage when he started school. As a result, people there strongly opposed educating girls. Currently, 40% of boys and 60% of girls are enrolled in his school. Educated women, according to Babar, have the power to transform our society.
Honours
In recognition of his efforts, Babar Ali received the 2009 CNN IBN Real Hero Award, the NDTV Indian of the Year Award, and the Rotary India Literacy Mission’s Literacy Hero Award. He was profiled in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list as a “Social Entrepreneur.” Additionally, in 2018, he earned the Education Leadership Award from BBC Knowledge and the Hero of the Nation Award from the Nisha Foundation, sponsored by the Ministries of Women and Child Development and External Affairs of India.
This young man has been teaching the underprivileged since childhood. His dedication and courage, even under challenging circumstances and willingness to provide information, especially to the girls of his community, are admirable. Teaching is his passion and he felt it was his responsibility to teach the underprivileged. Therefore, he provides free and value-based education, educational materials, school supplies, food and other necessities. He believes that serving man is serving God. He began his work with eight children; after 20 years, he has educated more than 8000 students.