Every Saturday, in the quiet village of Fangane in Maharashtra’s Murbad district, a most delightful sight unfolds: a group of grandmothers, draped in bright pink nauwaris and clutching red school bags, march cheerfully to class. These women, aged between 60 and 94, are not escorting grandchildren — they are the students. And their school? It’s called Aajibaichi Shala — the Grandmothers’ School.
Launched on Women’s Day in 2016, this one-of-a-kind initiative was the dream-child of local teacher Yogendra Bangar, sparked by a moment of quiet reflection. During a village festival, a few elderly women confided in him about their lifelong regret: never having stepped inside a classroom. That simple conversation sowed the seeds of something extraordinary.
With the support of the Motiram Dalal Charitable Trust, and the generosity of a local farmer who offered a spare room, the school came to life within just a month — complete with blackboards, slates, benches, and even uniforms.
Before the pandemic, the grandmothers attended class five days a week, diligently learning to read, write, and solve basic math — all in Marathi. Now, their sessions have shifted to every Saturday, but the energy remains unchanged.
Their teacher, Sheetal More, beams with pride as she shares,
“Their grasping power is slow, but their enthusiasm is unmatched. They keep trying until they get it right.”
For these women, many of whom once felt invisible in their own homes, signing their names instead of using a thumbprint isn’t just a skill — it’s a declaration of identity and dignity. The ripple effect has been powerful: young people in the village now see their grandmothers as role models, and even elderly men have started joining literacy programs.
The impact of Aajibaichi Shala has gone far beyond Fangane. Media outlets from Germany, Canada, France, and beyond have spotlighted the initiative. It has also earned a place in the Limca Book of Records, celebrating its pioneering spirit.
Student Sunanda Kedar, now 73, puts it best:
“We never thought going to school would bring us so much respect and happiness. I hope schools like ours open across the country.”
In a world obsessed with speed and youth, Aajibaichi Shala is a gentle, joyful reminder that it’s never too late to learn, or to dream again — especially when you’re walking to school in a pink sari with your head held high.
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