Ahmed Ali, 82, a rickshaw puller from Karimganj in Assam, was forced to abandon his education due to poverty. However, this made him even more determined to devoting his life to ensuring that no child in his village who wishes to attend school is forced to drop out because of a lack of funds or access to schools. Bit by bit over 40 years, Ali has established nine schools: three lower primary, five middle schools and a high school in Madhurbond and nearby areas.
Ali built his first school in 1978, and he aims to have at least ten schools in his area, and also wants to establish a junior college as soon as possible, so that students in the area are not forced to stop studying after completing Class 10, and do not have to travel long distances to study further.
Ali earned his money as a rickshaw puller, and also by working in other sectors in Guwahati, including in construction work. Of his 36 bighas of land, Ali donated 32 bighas to establish schools. He said that initially, he struggled to set up the schools without aid from the government. He funded the first school through the sale of a plot of land, and with contributions from other villagers. “I had to make the walls and other necessary things with the support of villagers and my well-wishers. Later the government assisted the schools,” he said.
Ali’s inability to attend school always disturbed and pained him as did the effects of illiteracy on people’s lives. “Illiteracy is a sin, the root cause of all ills. Most families face problems because of lack of education,” feels Ali.
Ali’s service to the community was highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his recent monthly radio address. Krishnendu Paul, MLA from Patharkandi in Assam recently felicitated Ali for his efforts, and announced that Rs. 11 lakh had been allocated from the multi-sectoral development programme fund under the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs to be put towards the Ahmed Ali High School. Ali’s three sons have all attended school and college.