In a heartwarming tale that’s melting social media, a weekend school for grandmothers in Fangane Village, Maharashtra is turning silver-haired learners into symbols of lifelong curiosity. Launched in 2016 by teacher Yogendra Bangar and a local trust, Aajibaichi Shala (Grandmothers’ School) now enrolls about 30 women aged 60 to 94, shattering stereotypes one alphabet at a time.
“Learning isn’t just for the young,” the initiative whispers through viral videos, showing these “aajis” giggling over lessons and sharing stories in a safe sisterhood space. Classes kick off weekends, weaving education into their busy lives of household chores and family duties. Reading, writing, and basic math—milestones that mean swapping thumbprints on official papers for proud signatures. Many, who missed formal schooling due to early marriages and farm work, now beam with confidence, scribbling notes and solving sums under Bangar’s patient guidance.
The buzz exploded online after a clip of the school surfaced, racking up shares with messages like “Age is just a number—education is timeless.” It’s spotlighting India’s rural gender literacy gap, where women lag far behind, and inspiring copycat classes in nearby hamlets.
