In a small tribal hamlet nestled in the Ayodhya Hills of West Bengal, a housewife named Arati Mandi has become a symbol of hope for underprivileged children. Despite limited resources and no formal teacher training, Arati has taken the initiative to educate local children who have either dropped out or never enrolled in school. Under a simple shed beside her home, she runs daily classes using handmade charts, slates, and an old blackboard. Her students come from remote areas, some walking kilometres just to attend her informal school.
I’m writing about this story because it reflects a silent revolution happening in the corners of India that often go unnoticed. While debates on education policies dominate headlines, it’s these local, individual-led efforts that show real change. Arati’s work reminds us that passion can overcome poverty, and action does not always wait for government support. It’s important to highlight such stories because they inspire others to contribute in small ways. Especially in rural and tribal regions where dropout rates are high, grassroots educators like Arati are helping bridge the learning gap.
How Arati Mandi Began Her Mission
Arati, who belongs to the tribal Sabar community, never got a chance to complete her own schooling. But when she noticed children in her village loitering around or working in fields, she decided to do something. With no classroom, she cleared out space near her house and began teaching them the basics—Bengali alphabets, numbers, and simple science and social studies.
She started with just five children, but word spread quickly. Today, more than 30 students attend her daily sessions. She encourages their parents to send them regularly and not involve them in household or labour work. While she doesn’t charge any fee, some villagers occasionally contribute chalk or notebooks when they can.
Challenges She Faces Daily
- Lack of basic teaching materials like books, pens, and furniture
- No formal recognition or support from any educational authority
- Balancing housework, farming chores, and teaching every day
- Convincing reluctant parents to prioritise education
Despite these hurdles, Arati continues to teach with the same spirit, saying, “If I can change even a few lives, it’s worth it.”
Local Support and Future Hope
Recently, a few local youth and volunteers have stepped in to help her run the classes. Some have even promised to bring donated books and clothes for the children. A few NGOs are also planning to visit the village to understand how they can help formalise this effort and provide proper infrastructure.
People in the nearby villages now refer to her as “Arati Teacher” and speak proudly of her work. If more such models are supported and scaled, many tribal children across the country could get a real chance at education.
