Just 20 km from Alipurduar lies the serene village of Mendabari, nestled amidst lush forests, cascading rivers, and rich wildlife. This picturesque village is slowly gaining recognition as an offbeat tourist destination in West Bengal. However, Mendabari’s appeal goes beyond its natural beauty; it is also emerging as a model of rural development, exemplified by the new free school established by the Ranjganj Maa Sarada Shishu Tirtha, a society dedicated to the service of education.
A decade ago, the Dooars region of West Bengal had limited educational opportunities. Even towns like Cooch Behar and Alipurduar lacked quality schools, leaving the villages even more deprived. To address this gap, Biswajit Jha and his wife Dr. Sanjukta Saha made a life-changing decision in 2013. They left their prestigious jobs to establish the Ranjganj Maa Sarada Shishu Tirtha Charitable Educational Society. Their dedication and vision led to the founding of Epic Public School in Cooch Behar in 2017, which quickly became known for providing quality, holistic education.
Buoyed by the success of their first school, the couple realized the need to extend their efforts to rural areas. Mendabari, a small village in the Kalchini block of the Alipurduar district with a population of roughly four thousand, presented an ideal opportunity. They established a free school for the tribal children of the village, addressing a critical need for education in this remote area. Beyond the school, the society also runs a free football coaching academy and a dance training center, nurturing both the physical and artistic talents of the children.
With the growing demands and enthusiasm among the children, the society is now developing a dedicated school building. This new facility will offer regular classes along with a library, a computer training center, a proper dance academy, and a football coaching school, providing a comprehensive educational environment.
When asked about his motivation, Jha reflects on his own village upbringing, where he lacked guidance for his career and education. “I had a village upbringing where there was no one to guide me on my career or education. So, when I saw the children, I felt they deserve better, and that was my motivating factor,” he explains.
Similarly, Dr. Saha, when asked if she misses her high-paying job, responds with a heartfelt sentiment: “Money has a price, but the smile of the children is priceless.”
As this village continues to grow and develop, it sets an inspiring example for other rural areas, highlighting the profound changes that can be achieved through education and community support.