Babar Ali
by Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma
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- Main Idea: The inspiring story of Babar Ali, who became the world’s youngest headmaster at age 16.
- Location: Murshidabad, West Bengal (Gangapur village).
- Important Characters: Babar Ali, Nasiruddin Sheikh (his father), Tulu Rani Hazra (fishmonger), and volunteer teachers.
- Key Achievement: Starting a school called "Anand Siksha Niketan" in his backyard for underprivileged children.
- Theme: Power of education, selfless service, and the audacity of hope.
Detailed Summary
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This chapter profiles Babar Ali, a remarkable young man from Murshidabad, West Bengal, who was recognized as the youngest headmaster in the world at the age of sixteen. His story is a testament to the desire for learning in the face of extreme poverty.
Babar Ali’s day starts at 7:00 AM with household chores. He then travels to "Cossimbazar Raj Govinda Sundari Vidyapeeth," where he is a Class XII student. He is the first in his family to receive a formal education. However, it is his life after school hours that has gained international attention. Instead of playing sports, Babar returns to his village, Gangapur, to act as the headmaster of his own school, which serves 800 students.
From a game to an institution
The school, named "Anand Siksha Niketan," is located in Babar’s family backyard. It began as a game of "school-school" when Babar was only nine years old. His friends, who had never seen a school, enjoyed playing the role of students and ended up learning arithmetic. In 2002, this game became an institution with eight students. Over the years, the number grew to 800. Babar was fortunate that his father, Nasiruddin Sheikh, a jute seller, believed that "education is man's true religion" and supported him.
Babar’s school operates in a dilapidated concrete structure and under the open sky. Some children sit in the mud or on rickety benches. Despite these poor conditions, 800 children who are otherwise forced to work as mechanics, day laborers, or maidservants walk miles to attend his afternoon classes for free. The school is now registered with the West Bengal State Government, allowing its students to transfer to local high schools.
A dedicated team and a lasting message
Babar is assisted by a dedicated team. Tulu Rani Hazra, an illiterate fishmonger by morning, acts as a crusading educationalist by afternoon, recruiting students and convincing parents. The teaching staff consists of high school student volunteers, like Debarita, who go to college in Behrampur. Babar believes the "narrow age gap" works to their advantage as they are more like friends, and he "spares the rod" in his school. The story ends by saluting Babar Ali for his "audacity of hoping" and for proving that one person can truly make a difference in the world.