In the remote hills of Purulia district, West Bengal, a tribal village named Jilingsereng stands as a quiet testimony to the power of education and faith. Located around 25 kilometres from the nearest town and hidden 15 kilometres off the main road, the small hamlet is home to about 60 Santhal families. Life here is simple—mud houses, tin roofs, and forest surroundings shape the community’s daily rhythm.
Yet each morning, something extraordinary happens. Around 100 young children, aged two to eight, gather outside a modest two-room school building made of mud and tin. Standing neatly in rows, they sing India’s national anthem together. Leading them is Mrs Murmu, a local woman, mother, and teacher who has become a beacon of hope in this forgotten place.
Since 2020, Mrs Murmu has offered free education to every child in the village. With no formal salary or school infrastructure, she teaches with dedication while also caring for her children and managing household tasks. Her husband supports her quietly, farming a small plot of land using traditional methods to provide for their family.
“We will be doctors, engineers, officers,” she tells the children during morning assembly. “Yes, we will be!” they repeat, their voices full of hope for a brighter future.
A visiting video blogger captured this heartfelt story, expressing deep respect for Mrs Murmu’s efforts. He was moved to tears after meeting her husband in the fields, who confirmed that the work of teaching the village children is done entirely by his wife without any outside help. He said, “If our children can dream of something bigger, that’s enough for us.”
Though Jilingsereng lacks electricity, clean water, and nearby healthcare, the village has found a kind of light in this school. With limited mobile signal and no formal support, learning continues each day through the dedication of one woman and the hopes of many children.
“If we wait for others, our children may grow up without ever learning to read,” Mrs Murmu shared. “So I began with what we had—our hands and our hope.”
Supporters inspired by her work can reach out through the number 9382396722. Donations of books, school supplies, or financial help can strengthen this vital effort.
In a world where many stories are lost in the noise, this small village reminds us: when one mother dares to teach, a whole generation can rise.
Adapted from Matters India.
