Mangaluru, May 27, 2025: The students of St Aloysius PU College had the privilege to meet Mr Babar Ali, renowned as the youngest headmaster in the world, and share his inspiring journey of determination, compassion, and commitment to education in a session organised in association with the Ramakrishna Mission.
Mr Babar Ali, a young educationalist, gained international recognition at the age of 16 when CNN IBN featured him in its Real Heroes programme and the BBC conferred upon him the title of ’the youngest headmaster in the world.’ His remarkable achievement of establishing a school, Anand Shiksha Niketan, in his backyard in rural Murshidabad, West Bengal, at the mere age of nine, has transformed the lives of thousands of underprivileged children of Bhabta community. The Karnataka government has lauded his achievement by making his story a part of the I PUC English textbook. It was an honour to have Mr Babar Ali in the campus.
Addressing the students of SAPUC, army veteran and representative of the Ramakrishna Mission, Shri Bellala Gopinath Rao, in his introduction to Mr Babar Ali, spoke about Swami Vivekananda’s vision of education and urged the students to take inspiration from him. He also appreciated Mr Babar Ali for the transformation that his venture has brought about.
Babar Ali, in his address, emphasized the power of one individual in bringing about change, despite the limitations of age and resources. Mr Ali encouraged students to be socially conscious, take initiative, and to never underestimate their ability to make a difference. This youth icon’s humility and simplicity are as inspiring as his struggle to make his dream of imparting free education to the underprivileged come true. He explained how Swami Vivekananda’s vision strengthens his resolve to empower youth and prepare them to become change-makers like him.
Students were thrilled to interact with Mr Babar Ali, asking insightful questions about his challenges, motivation, and his vision for the future of education in India. Present on the occasion also was Mr Shajith from the Ramakrishna Mission.
St Aloysius PU College will cherish this special occasion. The visit served as a powerful reminder that true leadership is about service, courage, and commitment to the betterment of others.