‘Gargi Pathshala Turns Three’: Bihar’s Women-Led Learning Revolution Gathers Momentum

Patna: In a celebration of grassroots education and women-led change, the third anniversary of Gargi Pathshala — a flagship project under the Let’s Inspire Bihar initiative — was marked on 1 May at B.D. Public School, Patna. The event saw participation from women educators and community leaders from across the state.

Founded in 2022 with just three centres in Patna, Gargi Pathshala now operates 26 free learning centres across 14 districts, with 21 led by women. The initiative provides free daily education to underprivileged children, powered entirely by volunteer women educators.

Addressing the gathering, Vikas Vaibhav — IPS officer and founder of Let’s Inspire Bihar — praised the unwavering dedication of the educators. “The spirit of Gargi Vachaknavi lives on in every volunteer working to enlighten young minds,” he said. “If every panchayat and urban ward takes responsibility, a developed Bihar is within reach.”

Vaibhav emphasised the link between education and development, warning that without inclusive learning, Bihar’s youth cannot meaningfully contribute to its progress. “We must rise above caste, gender and ideological barriers. Our mission is to ensure no child is left behind.”

He also highlighted the urgent need for an entrepreneurial revolution. “Bihar has 90 million people under 30. The government alone can’t create 90 million jobs. We must foster job creators, not seekers.”

Despite Bihar having the lowest per capita income in the country, Vaibhav pointed to its 14.5% growth rate as a sign of hope — but stressed that sustainable progress hinges on social unity, women’s leadership, and economic innovation.

The Gargi Chapter has also launched Gargi Kala Kaushal Kendra to train women in self-employment skills, further cementing its role as a social and intellectual force.

Rahul Kumar Singh, Chief Coordinator of the campaign, announced plans to expand to every district in Bihar. “This is more than a movement — it’s a mission to restore Bihar’s legacy and reimagine its future,” he said.

The event featured addresses from several dignitaries, including B.D. Public School founder S.B. Rai, educationist Dr. B. Priyam, and former college principal Dr. Poonam Chaudhary — all of whom lauded the initiative for redefining empowerment through education.

With slogans like “Now every child will be skilled, because Gargi Pathshala is in your town!”, the movement continues to inspire a new vision for Bihar: inclusive, educated and led from the grassroots.