Babar Ali, a 29-year-old from the Murshidabad district in West Bengal, India, has dedicated his life to educating underprivileged children. While many of his peers were still completing their studies or seeking employment, Babar Ali had already established himself as a leader and change-maker. His remarkable journey began when he was just a child, and today, he continues to transform lives through education.
Early Beginnings
Babar Ali was born and raised in a modest household in Murshidabad. At the age of 9, he noticed something that deeply troubled him—while he returned home from school each day, many children in his village were working in the fields instead of attending school. This realization ignited a desire within him to make a difference. Determined to provide an opportunity for these children, he started a small school under a guava tree, teaching his first group of students for free.
In 2009, when he was just 16, Babar Ali gained international recognition when the BBC named him the youngest headmaster in the world. His initiative, called Ananda Siksha Niketan, which translates to “The School of Joyful Learning,” started humbly, but it quickly grew as his passion and dedication attracted more students.
Building the School
Ali’s school, which he founded at a young age, focuses on providing free education to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. His commitment to improving the educational standards in his village has not only uplifted the local literacy rate but has also earned him widespread admiration. Despite the challenges of limited resources, Babar has been steadfast in his belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.
A significant milestone in his journey was when his school became recognized by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education. This recognition brought essential resources, such as free learning kits, school uniforms, food, and other necessities, making it easier for children to attend. Additionally, the West Bengal government provides four kilograms of rice to students who attend school daily, a program that Ali made sure his students could benefit from.
Inspirations and Influences
Babar Ali draws inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, whose teachings resonate deeply with him. Swami Vivekananda’s emphasis on education as a means of empowering individuals and communities has significantly shaped Babar’s philosophy. His goal is to ensure that every underprivileged child in his region has access to education, which he believes is crucial for societal progress.
Reflecting on his early experiences, Babar recalls observing his teachers manage the administrative work at his school. He learned from them how to keep records and manage the logistics of running a school—knowledge that proved invaluable when he later applied these skills to his own school. For Babar, teaching is not just about imparting knowledge but also about inspiring positive change and nurturing future generations.
Empowering the Girl Child
A major focus of Babar Ali’s mission has been the empowerment of girls through education. His own sister was his first student, and this experience reinforced his belief in the importance of female education. In his early days, he faced resistance from the local community, where traditional gender roles often discouraged girls from pursuing education. Many families prioritized sending boys to school, while girls were expected to marry early and assume domestic responsibilities.
Babar’s persistence paid off. Over time, he was able to shift community attitudes, and today, 60% of the students at his school are girls. He firmly believes that educating girls has a transformative effect on society, as they often become the primary educators of the next generation. By fostering a culture of learning for both boys and girls, Babar is working to create a more equitable future for all.
Two Decades of Dedication
As Babar Ali approaches the 20th anniversary of his teaching career, his school continues to thrive. Ananda Siksha Niketan now has a majority of female teachers, and the institution remains dedicated to providing value-based education to its students. For Babar, teaching is a noble profession, one that cannot be compared to any other job. He views educators as the foundation of society, responsible for shaping the doctors, engineers, scientists, and leaders of tomorrow.
Babar’s philosophy goes beyond academic learning. He emphasizes the importance of teaching children values such as kindness, empathy, and a positive outlook on life. His goal is not just to create successful professionals but also to nurture compassionate and responsible citizens.
Looking Ahead
Babar Ali’s incredible journey from a 9-year-old teaching under a tree to a globally recognized educator is a testament to the power of determination and the impact one person can have on a community. His unwavering commitment to providing free education to underprivileged children has not only changed the lives of thousands of students but has also inspired others to follow in his footsteps.
Babar Ali continues to be a source of inspiration, demonstrating that when one is dedicated to a cause, they can overcome any obstacle. His story teaches us that through education, we can fight poverty, break down barriers, and build a better future for all.