Patna: A grassroots education initiative in Bihar aimed at providing free schooling to underprivileged children and promoting women’s leadership has marked its fourth anniversary, with organisers highlighting its growing reach and community impact.
Gargi Pathshala, part of the wider Let’s Inspire Bihar campaign, now operates dozens of centres across the state, offering free education to more than 2,500 students, according to organisers.
Celebrations were held across multiple centres on Thursday, with students welcoming guests and participating in cultural performances and exhibitions. The event also included the distribution of uniforms, school bags and study materials to children, supported by partner organisations.
Addressing attendees, Vikas Vaibhav, an IPS officer and chief patron of the campaign, drew parallels with India’s historical traditions of education, where teaching was seen as a selfless service. He said women involved in the initiative were continuing that legacy by contributing to society without expectation of reward.
The programme has expanded significantly since its launch in 2022, when it began with three centres in Patna. It now includes 33 centres across 18 districts, of which 28 are run by women, organisers said. These centres are spread across districts including Patna, Begusarai, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and Gopalganj.
Vaibhav urged greater community participation to ensure that no child is excluded from education, warning that gaps in access could hinder the state’s long-term development. He also called for the initiative to be extended to every panchayat and urban ward in Bihar by 2028.
Organisers said the programme has increasingly relied on community-led efforts, with women playing a central role in running centres and mobilising local participation. The campaign has also built a large digital network, connecting more than 360,000 people through messaging groups.
Preeti Bala, national head of the Gargi chapter, described the initiative as “a movement for social awakening”, while Neha Singh said its progress reflected “collective dedication and selfless service”.
Parents attending the event spoke of the programme’s impact on their children, while students took part in performances marking occasions such as Buddha Purnima. Those excelling in academic and extracurricular activities were recognised during the ceremony.
The anniversary concluded with a community meal, symbolising what organisers described as a shared commitment to education and social change.
