Key Characters:
1. Babar Ali – The youngest headmaster and the protagonist.
2. Nasiruddin Sheikh – Babar’s father, who inspired and supported him.
3. Tulu Rani Hazra – Fishmonger turned educational recruiter.
4. Debarita Bhattacharya – Volunteer teacher and a college student.
5. Volunteer Teachers – High school and college students contributing to the school.
Major Themes:
1. Education for All – Advocating free education for underprivileged children.
2. Social Responsibility – Inspiring youth to contribute to society.
3. Perseverance and Determination – Overcoming challenges to bring change.
4. Community Support – The role of collective effort in societal transformation.
5. Empathy and Altruism – Addressing inequality through selfless service.
Key Concepts:
1. Free education and its challenges.
2. Volunteerism and community involvement.
3. The importance of role models in education.
4. Overcoming poverty through learning.
5. Youth-led initiatives and their impact.
II. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each. (2 Marks Questions)
1. Who is the youngest headmaster in the world?
Answer: Babar Ali is the youngest headmaster in the world.
2. At what age did Babar Ali start his afternoon school?
Answer: Babar Ali started his afternoon school at the age of nine.
3. What is the name of Babar Ali’s school?
Answer: The name of his school is Anand Siksha Niketan.
4. Where does Babar Ali live?
Answer: He lives in the Bhapta neighborhood of Gangapur Village in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
5. How many students attend Babar Ali’s school?
Answer: A total of 800 students attend Babar Ali’s school.
6. What is the profession of Babar Ali’s father?
Answer: Nasiruddin Sheikh, Babar Ali’s father, is a jute seller.
7. What is spared in Babar Ali’s school?
Answer: Punishment or “the rod” is spared in his school.
8. What is the meaning of “Anand Siksha Niketan”?
Answer: It means “Home of Joyful Learning.”
9. Who helps Babar Ali recruit students for his school?
Answer: Tulu Rani Hazra helps recruit students.
10. What did Babar Ali’s school start as?
Answer: It started as a game of “school-school.”
11. Why did Babar Ali want to educate children?
Answer: He wanted to educate underprivileged children because many of them couldn’t afford formal schooling.
12. What role did Babar Ali’s father play in his venture?
Answer: His father supported the school financially by providing rice for meals and other resources.
13. Why is Babar Ali’s school unique?
Answer: It provides free education to children who otherwise cannot afford it.
14. How does Babar Ali’s age work to his advantage?
Answer: The small age gap makes him relatable and friendly to the students.
15. What are the responsibilities of the volunteer teachers?
Answer: They teach various subjects to students in different grades.
16. How does Babar Ali manage his time between school and his duties as a headmaster? Answer: He attends school in the morning and teaches at his school in the afternoon.
17. What did the children enjoy about playing “school-school”?
Answer: They enjoyed learning arithmetic and being students for the first time.
18. How does the community contribute to the success of Babar Ali’s school?
Answer: They provide resources, recruit students, and support the initiative.
III. Answer the following questions in about 60 words each.(3 Marks Questions)
1. Who is Babar Ali, and what is his age?
Answer: Babar Ali is a remarkable boy from Murshidabad in West Bengal. At just 16 years old, he is known as the youngest headmaster in the world. He runs a school for poor children in his family’s backyard, providing them with free education, which helps change their lives and offers them hope for a better future.
2. What is the name of Babar Ali’s school?
Answer: Babar Ali’s school is called “Anand Siksha Niketan.” He started this school to help children in his village who could not afford education. Babar began teaching when he was only nine years old, and his school now serves around 800 students, all learning important subjects for free in a supportive environment.
3. How did Babar Ali begin his teaching journey?
Answer: Babar Ali began his teaching journey when he was just nine years old while playing a game called “school.” He pretended to be the teacher for his friends, who had never attended school. They enjoyed learning arithmetic through this game, and over time, Babar decided to turn it into a real school for other children.
4. How many students does Babar Ali’s school have now?
Answer: Babar Ali’s school currently has around 800 students. Among these, about 60 attend regularly, while over 220 are on the roll call. The school has grown significantly since it started, and Babar is dedicated to providing quality education to children who otherwise might not have the chance to go to school.
5. What does Babar Ali’s father do?
Answer: Babar Ali’s father, Nasiruddin Sheikh, is a jute seller. Despite being a dropout himself, he values education highly and believes it is crucial for success. He initially supported Babar’s initiative with his income, enabling his son to start the school for underprivileged children in their village, reflecting his commitment to education.
6. What challenges do families in the village face regarding education?
Answer: Families in Babar Ali’s village face significant challenges when it comes to education. Although schooling is free, costs for uniforms, books, and other school items make it difficult for many families to send their children to school. As a result, many boys work to support their families, while girls often take up domestic jobs.
7. What significant support does Babar receive for his school?
Answer: Babar Ali receives significant support for his school from various individuals and organizations. Teachers, local monks, and even IAS officers help him. They provide resources, guidance, and encouragement to ensure the school runs well. This support has allowed Babar to expand the school and offer more educational opportunities to children in his village.
8. Where do Babar’s students attend classes?
Answer: Babar’s students attend classes outdoors in his family’s yard, under the open sky. There is no formal building for the school. Some students sit on the ground, while others use makeshift benches. This unique setting allows children to come together and learn in a friendly environment, despite the lack of traditional classroom facilities.
9. Why is Babar Ali considered a remarkable person?
Answer: Babar Ali is considered remarkable because he is only 16 years old and runs a school that serves hundreds of underprivileged children. Despite facing challenges, he works hard to provide free education, showing dedication and leadership. His efforts inspire many young people and demonstrate how one individual can create positive change in their community.
10. What motivates Babar Ali to run his school?
Answer: Babar Ali is motivated to run his school because he wants to help poor children in his village receive an education. He knows that many children cannot afford to go to school and believes that education is essential for their future. Babar’s passion for learning and compassion for others drives him to make a difference every day.
11. How does Babar Ali manage his time between school and teaching?
Answer: Babar Ali manages his time effectively by following a strict daily routine. In the morning, he does household chores before going to his school for regular classes. After classes, he dedicates his afternoons to running his own school for children in his village, showing incredible dedication to both his education and teaching others.
12. Why do some children in the village not attend school?
Answer: Some children in Babar Ali’s village do not attend school because their families cannot afford the additional costs for uniforms, books, and other necessary supplies. Many children, especially boys, work to help their families with jobs like mechanics or labourers, while girls may take domestic jobs. This financial burden keeps them from getting an education.
13. In what ways does Babar Ali’s story inspire others?
Answer: Babar Ali’s story inspires others by showing that anyone, regardless of age, can make a difference in their community. His commitment to providing free education encourages young people everywhere to take action. Babar’s determination and positive impact on the lives of many children serve as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make.
14. How can Babar Ali’s approach to education be applied in other communities?
Answer: Babar Ali’s approach to education can be applied in other communities by encouraging older students to take the lead in tutoring younger children. Schools can host community learning events where local volunteers help teach skills to children. By raising awareness about the importance of education, others can also start informal learning centres similar to Babar’s school.
(FROM QUESTION BANK)
I. Answer the following in a word, a phrase, or a sentence each:
1. Who is the youngest headmaster in the world?
Answer: Babar Ali
2. Babar Ali initially started his afternoon school at the age of.
Answer: Nine
3. What was the name of Babar Ali’s little afternoon venture (school)?
Answer: Anand Siksha Niketan
4. Babar Ali hails from the village of in West Bengal.
Answer: Gangapur
5. Where did Babar Ali teach hundreds of students?
Answer: In his family’s backyard
6. Who was the first privileged member in Babar Ali’s family to get a proper education?
Answer: Babar Ali
7. How many students in total learn in Babar Ali’s school?
Answer: 800
8. What do the underprivileged children learn free of cost at Babar Ali’s school?
Answer: Basics and fundamentals of education
9. Who is described as a fortunate soul in his district of Murshidabad?
Answer: Babar Ali
10. The extent of Babar Ali’s home is described as the size of an average.
Answer: City kitchen
11. The name of Babar Ali’s father is.
Answer: Nasiruddin Sheikh
12. Nasiruddin Sheikh was aby profession.
Answer: Jute seller
13. What is man’s true religion, according to Nasiruddin Sheikh?
Answer: Education
14. Who believed that education is man’s true religion?
Answer: Nasiruddin Sheikh
15. How many subjects do the students at Babar Ali’s school study?
Answer: Ten
16. Who initially supported Babar Ali’s venture with his own income?
Answer: His father, Nasiruddin Sheikh
17. Many families could not afford to send their children to school in spite of free education because they still had to pay for.
Answer: Uniforms and books
18. The School ‘Anand Siksha Niketan’ started as a.
Answer: Game
19. The children enjoy playing the game ‘school-school’ because they.
Answer: Both a) Learnt arithmetic, and b) Had never seen the inside of a school
20. Babar Ali gets the children to listen to him because.
Answer: He is close in age to them and treats them as friends
21. According to Babar Ali, what works to their advantage?
Answer: The narrow age gap between him and the students
22. When was Babar Ali’s school institutionalized?
Answer: 2002
23. Who initially provided the rice for the mid-day meals at Babar Ali’s school?
Answer: His father, Nasiruddin Sheikh
24. How many students are on roll-call in Babar Ali’s School?
Answer: 220
25. Babar Ali’s afternoon school is now registered and recognized by the Government of
Answer: West Bengal
26. Who is described as an ‘illiterate fishmonger’ by morning and a ‘crusading educationalist’ by afternoon?
Answer: Tulu Rani Hazra
27. What does Tulu Rani Hazra do when she ventures on her fish-selling rounds of nearby villages?
Answer: She recruits students for the school
28. How many children has Tulu Rani Hazra recruited?
Answer: 80
29. The teaching staff of nine at Babar Ali’s school comprises of.
Answer: High school student volunteers
30. Who is the most educated of the high school student volunteers at Babar Ali’s school? Answer: Debarita Bhattacharya
31. In Babar Ali’s school,are given free for classes I to V.
Answer: Textbooks
32. is spared in Babar Ali’s school.
Answer: The rod
IV. Answer the following questions in about 100 words each (4 Marks)
1.Why did Babar Ali wants to educate the poor and underprivilege children of his neighbourhood?
Answer: Babar Ali realized that many children in his village could not afford formal schooling despite free education due to the costs of books and uniforms. Witnessing their plight, he felt a moral responsibility to share his privilege as the first educated member of his family. His goal was to provide free education to help children escape the cycle of poverty and labour, allowing them to dream of better futures. He believed that education was a transformative tool to change their lives.
2. What was Babar Ali’s daily routine?
Answer: Babar Ali’s daily routine was exceptionally disciplined and dedicated. He woke up at 7 a.m. every morning and completed household chores before heading to school. He travelled by auto-rickshaw and walked five kilometres to attend the Cossimbazar Raj Govinda Sundari Vidyapeeth, where he studied in Class XII. After school, instead of playing or relaxing like other teenagers, he returned to his village and taught hundreds of underprivileged children in his backyard. His afternoons and evenings were devoted to teaching and managing his school, Anand Siksha Niketan.
3. Why were many families unable to send their children to school though it was free? Answer: Although government education was free, families had to bear additional expenses for books, uniforms, and other materials. Many parents, struggling with poverty, prioritized earning a livelihood over education. Children were often expected to contribute to family income by working as labourers, herders, or domestic helpers. Girls, in particular, were tasked with household chores or working as maids. These financial and societal barriers made it difficult for families to send their children to school, despite the availability of free education.
4. How did Babar Ali’s afternoon school grow out of a game of ‘school-school’?
Answer: Babar Ali’s school began as a childhood game. He would pretend to be a teacher while his friends, who had never been to school, acted as students. During these games, Babar taught them basic arithmetic and other subjects, which they enjoyed. Gradually, more children joined these sessions, and the game turned into a serious initiative. In 2002, the informal setup was institutionalized as Anand Siksha Niketan. Over time, the school grew in size and gained recognition, offering free education to hundreds of underprivileged children.
5. What was the role of various people in the development of Babar Ali’s school?
Answer: Babar Ali’s school flourished due to the support of numerous people. His father, Nasiruddin Sheikh, provided rice for meals and financial aid. Local Ramakrishna Mission monks, IAS officers, and even police officers contributed resources. Tulu Rani Hazra recruited students during her fish-selling rounds. Volunteer teachers, mostly high school students, devoted their time to teaching. The government later supported mid-day meals and recognized the school. This collective effort ensured the sustainability and growth of Anand Siksha Niketan, transforming it into a symbol of hope for the village.
6. How does Babar Ali get the children to listen to him?
Answer: Babar Ali uses his small age gap with the students to his advantage. Being close in age, he can relate to them as a friend rather than an authoritative figure. He creates a friendly and approachable environment, which encourages students to feel comfortable and enthusiastic about learning. Instead of strict discipline or punishment, he emphasizes kindness and camaraderie, fostering mutual respect. This method not only makes learning enjoyable but also strengthens the bond between him and the students, ensuring they stay attentive and motivated.
7. How is Babar Ali’s school different from other schools?
Answer: Babar Ali’s school, Anand Siksha Niketan, is unique because it operates without a traditional infrastructure, offering free education to underprivileged children under the open sky or makeshift shelters. The school is run by volunteer teachers, many of whom are high school students themselves. It accommodates children who work during the day, holding classes in the afternoon. Despite limited resources, the school focuses on accessibility and inclusivity, providing education to those who might otherwise miss out. Its community-driven model and personal approach set it apart from regular schools.
8. Is Babar Ali’s initiative of starting a school a runaway success? Comment.
Answer: Yes, Babar Ali’s initiative is a remarkable success. Starting with just a handful of students, his school now serves 800 children, offering them free education and a chance to escape the cycle of poverty. The school is recognized by the West Bengal government, and its students are eligible to transfer to other high schools. Beyond academics, the school has inspired community involvement and highlighted the importance of education. Babar’s story has garnered global admiration, proving that determination and compassion can overcome significant challenges.
9. How is Babar Ali an ideal role model to other students?
Answer: Babar Ali is an inspiring role model because of his selflessness, perseverance, and dedication to social causes. Despite his young age and limited resources, he prioritized the needs of others over his personal comfort. His commitment to educating underprivileged children demonstrates compassion and responsibility, encouraging other students to contribute to society. By balancing his studies and teaching, he proves that age and circumstances are not barriers to making a difference. His efforts show that even small actions can have a transformative impact on the world.
10. What were the difficulties that Babar Ali initially faced in his efforts to teach the poor/underprivileged children of his neighbourhood? How was it overcome?
Answer: Babar Ali faced several challenges, including limited resources, convincing parents to send their children to school, and managing his time between studies and teaching. The lack of infrastructure and materials made teaching difficult. He overcame these challenges with support from his family, the community, and local organizations. His father provided initial financial aid, while others contributed resources like rice for meals and teaching materials. Babar’s perseverance, along with the collective effort of volunteers and supporters, helped him establish and sustain his school, Anand Siksha Niketan.
11. Does Babar Ali’s initiative prove his concern for the underprivileged children?
Answer: Babar Ali’s initiative undoubtedly reflects his deep concern for underprivileged children. Despite being a privileged member of his family with access to education, he recognized the plight of children in his village who lacked this opportunity. He dedicated his afternoons to teaching them, turning his backyard into a school. His efforts to make education accessible, even in the face of challenges, show his empathy and commitment to social justice. Babar’s actions emphasize his belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.
12. In spite of being a privileged member of his family, how is Babar Ali’s concern for the underprivileged children revealed?
Answer: Though Babar Ali had access to formal education, unlike many in his village, he didn’t take his privilege for granted. Instead, he used it to uplift others. His concern for the underprivileged was evident in his decision to start a free school in his backyard. He spent his afternoons teaching children who couldn’t afford education, providing them with books and learning materials. Babar’s efforts to bridge the gap between privilege and poverty highlight his dedication to ensuring that every child has a chance to learn and succeed.
13. Babar Ali’s venture to start an afternoon school is a tale of remarkable grit and determination. Elaborate.
Answer: Babar Ali’s journey is a testament to his extraordinary grit and determination. At just nine years old, he began teaching neighbourhood children in his backyard. Despite limited resources, societal challenges, and his own academic responsibilities, he persevered in his mission to educate the underprivileged. Babar faced skepticism and financial constraints but overcame them with community support and personal resolve. His school, Anand Siksha Niketan, now serves hundreds of children and has gained official recognition. His unwavering commitment to education has transformed lives and inspired countless others.
14. What are the various stages of growth of Babar Ali’s afternoon school?
Answer: Babar Ali’s school began as a childhood game of “school-school” with a few neighbourhood children. By 2002, it became a formal initiative, Anand Siksha Niketan, with Babar teaching underprivileged students in his backyard. Over time, the number of students grew, and volunteer teachers joined to support his efforts. The school expanded its curriculum to include multiple subjects and began offering free learning materials. It eventually received government recognition, enabling its students to transition to other high schools. Today, the school stands as a beacon of hope for the community.
15. How is the success of Babar Ali’s school reflective of the change in the society’s attitude towards education?
Answer: The success of Babar Ali’s school highlights a shift in societal attitudes toward education. Initially, many parents were hesitant to send their children to school, prioritizing work over learning. However, Babar’s persistence and the growing impact of Anand Siksha Niketan gradually convinced families of the value of education. Community members began supporting his initiative, and more children enrolled. The school’s recognition by the government underscores a broader acceptance of education as a transformative force. Babar’s work demonstrates that even traditional mindsets can change with consistent effort and results.
16. ‘Education is man’s true religion,’ as believed by Babar Ali’s father. How did Babar Ali put this into practice?
Answer: Inspired by his father’s belief that “education is man’s true religion,” Babar Ali dedicated himself to spreading knowledge. He understood that education could uplift individuals and communities, breaking the cycle of poverty. Babar practiced this philosophy by teaching underprivileged children for free, turning his backyard into a school. His commitment to providing education transcended financial and social barriers, making learning accessible to those who needed it the most. Babar’s efforts reflect his deep conviction in the transformative power of education, embodying his father’s ideals.
17. What were the difficulties that Babar Ali initially faced in his efforts to teach the poor/underprivileged children of his neighbourhood? How was it overcome?
Answer: Babar Ali faced many challenges, including lack of infrastructure, financial constraints, and resistance from families who prioritized work over education. Additionally, balancing his studies with teaching was a demanding task. These difficulties were overcome through collective efforts and determination. Babar’s father supported him financially, providing rice for meals and teaching supplies. Volunteers joined as teachers, and community members contributed resources. Overtime, the school gained government recognition, which further bolstered its credibility and growth. Babar’s perseverance and the community’s support turned these challenges into opportunities.