85-year-old Mahinder Singh begins a new chapter of his life, one he had long thought impossible. A life spent herding cattle and battling the harsh realities of poverty left no room for education in his childhood. Yet, today, with a heart full of determination and eyes glimmering with hope, Mahinder Singh steps into Bebe Bapu School—a place where dreams take flight, no matter the age. Born into a family that struggled to make ends meet, Mahinder Singh’s childhood was devoid of schoolbooks and classrooms. Instead, his days were spent in the fields, tending to cattle to support his family. The desire to learn simmered within him for decades, buried beneath responsibilities and the weight of circumstance.
Now, at an age when most would be content reflecting on their past, Mahinder Singh is creating a future he never thought he’d have. At Bebe Bapu School, nearly 80 elders like him are rewriting their narratives. They sit together, heads bent over notebooks, learning to read, write, and even solve basic math problems—skills that had once seemed out of reach.
Mahinder Singh’s greatest joy lies in learning to sign his name. "For years, I felt incomplete. Signing my name—it’s more than just letters; it’s my identity," he says, his voice heavy with emotion.
The catalyst behind this extraordinary initiative is a 28-year-old teacher whose passion for education transcends the barriers of age. Patient and encouraging, this young mentor has created an environment where these elders feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving what was once unimaginable.
The school is more than just a classroom; it’s a beacon of hope. It is proof that the thirst for knowledge knows no age limit and that dreams deferred can still find their moment.
Mahinder Singh’s journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of resilience and the transformative magic of education. As he practices writing his name with trembling but determined hands, he reminds us all that it is never too late to pursue a dream, no matter how long it has been waiting.
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. Led by Rajwinder Kaur, this 28-year-old is determined to ensure that no elder in her village is limited to a thumbprint for lack of education.
What began as a humble endeavour by Rajwinder Kaur 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.
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.
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.”
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.
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