When the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to shut, thousands of children across India were left without access to education. In the remote Bagdabra forest of Murshidabad, West Bengal, this crisis was especially severe for tribal children like Biplab, a class 8 student whose education came to a standstill due to a lack of online access.
Amidst this uncertainty, Professor Angshuman Thakur, a Bengali literature professor at Prof Syed Nurul Hasan College, stepped in with an extraordinary solution. In 2021, he founded Anirvana Gacher Iskul—an open-air school nestled under the shade of neem and mango trees.
A Classroom Without Walls
Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s philosophy of holistic education, Angshuman designed the school to blend traditional learning with creative pursuits. Children engage in academic subjects alongside activities like drawing, clay modelling, music, and environmental awareness, fostering both intellectual and artistic development. His innovative teaching methods link textbook lessons to nature, making learning more interactive and relevant.
What started with just five children has now grown into a thriving educational space for over 105 students from kindergarten to class 12.
A Self-Sustaining Model
Unlike conventional schools, Anirvana Gacher Iskul operates on community donations and Angshuman’s personal savings. With a nominal fee of Rs 300 per child per month, the school remains accessible to families who otherwise struggle to afford education.
“Through this initiative, we aim not just to educate children but to uplift the entire community. We are instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in these students, which will help transform their villages,” says Angshuman.
Beyond Basic Education: A Vision for the Future
To ensure children don’t have to choose between formal schooling and his initiative, Angshuman runs the school before regular school hours, allowing students to benefit from both.
His long-term dream? An eco-friendly campus with a library and computer lab, providing students with the tools they need to compete in a rapidly evolving world.
Through one teacher’s dedication, a community once on the brink of educational neglect is now blossoming with hope and opportunity—all under the shade of trees.