From a distance, it seems like an intense village council meeting is taking place in a classroom of a school in Punjab’s Bathinda district. But upon closer inspection, the true scene emerges. Elderly men and women have gathered here with a shared purpose: the pursuit of literacy and education.
Many missed the chance for schooling in their younger years due to poverty and other challenges, but now, with determination and a thirst for knowledge, they are reclaiming their right to education.
The Bebe Bapu School in Baloh village of Rampura tehsil has become a sanctuary for men and women who, after a lifetime of illiteracy, are now learning to read and write for the first time. This heart-warming initiative is led by Rajwinder Kaur, a 28-year-old determined to ensure that no elder in her village is limited to a thumbprint for lack of education.
What began as a humble endeavour has blossomed into a vibrant community effort. Today, nearly 80 elders attend classes at the school, eager to sign their names and read the sacred texts that have eluded them for decades.
One such student is Mahinder Singh, an 85-year-old who spent his childhood herding cattle instead of attending school due to his family’s poverty. Now, with a pencil in hand, he beamed with pride as he shared his accomplishments.
Watch: Right to education: Where there is a wall, there is a way
“I can sign my name and read headlines from the newspaper. I have even learned to count to 100 and read the first stanza of Japuji Sahib,” he said with a sense of triumph. Despite some playful jabs from fellow villagers, he remains undeterred, driven by his newfound passion for learning.
Golden years, new beginnings
The villagers have rallied behind Rajwinder’s vision, and their commitment is evident in every aspect of the school. The school operates with a unique reward system. Every elder who learns to sign is gifted Rs 100, a gesture that symbolises both achievement and dignity. Classes are held in three shifts — morning, afternoon and evening — ensuring that everyone has a chance to attend regardless of their daily responsibilities.
Rajwinder shared how the initiative has exceeded her expectations. “When we started the school, we didn’t expect such interest from the elders. But they come to class, braving the heat and the cold, and their dedication is inspiring,” she said.
For Jaswinder Kaur, a 75-year-old student, the ability to sign her name has been life-changing. “I used to feel embarrassed when I went to the bank and saw others signing while I had to use my thumbprint,” she recalled.
Also Read: Teacher inspires school enrolment through films in UP village
Now, with the guidance of her teacher, she has mastered her signature, learned the Gurmukhi alphabet, and can count to 20. Her dream is to read Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s stories one day.
Breaking barriers of illiteracy
Bebe Bapu School’s success is a collective effort, supported by Baloh Seva Society, which provides Gurmukhi books, pencils and notebooks free of charge. The school’s classrooms, located on the upper floor of the village library, are equipped with modern benches, offering the elders a comfortable space to learn.
Mahinder Kaur, another student, reflected on the lack of education in her family and the societal pressures that kept her from attending school as a child.
“There wasn’t a single literate person in our home, and parents hesitated to send girls to school back then,” she said. “But now, thanks to Bebe Bapu School, I finally have the chance to learn. I look forward to the day when I can read Gurbani from the scriptures.”
For Rajwinder, the mission is personal and driven by love. “Teaching elders is more challenging than teaching children,” she admitted. “With children, we can be strict, but with elders, we must be gentle. The more love we show them, the more they hold on to learning.”
Also Read: This transwoman empowers children through education
She is confident that with the continued support of the village, the school will achieve its goal of making every elder literate.
What began as a small spark has grown into a lantern of light, proving that it’s never too late to learn. The school’s success has drawn attention from neighbouring villages, with people curious to know more about seniors finding a second chance at education in Baloh.
Also Read: Community transforms education in rural MP
The lead image on top shows 28-year-old Rajwinder Kaur with her students at the Bebe Bapu School in Punjab’s Bathinda district. (Photo by Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir)
Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir is an independent journalist based in Punjab.
