While Babar has been running the Ananda Siksha Niketan in village Bhabata since 2002, Ashutosh Ghosh started Suryoday Vidyapith in 2008 — a year after he left Babar’s Siksha Niketan. Ali’s school has about 800 students from Classes I to VIII and Ghosh’s has about 268. Ghosh appeared for the examination from Bhabta Azizia High Madrasah, while Ali was a student of Beldanga CRGS High School. “I did not take any private tuition as we are averse to the whole idea of paying money for education. In my school, no student is asked to pay,” said Ali.

Interestingly, even as their higher secondary examination was on, the duo ensured the classes at their respective schools continued. The higher secondary examination were held from 10 am to 1 pm and the schools were run in the evening.

“Even during my higher secondary examination, the school was not closed. Classes were conducted daily from 3 pm till late in the evening,” said Ali.

Ghosh added: “The involvement with the school did not affect my studies. Despite people insisting that we close the schools before the higher secondary examination, we kept the school running.” The duo now desires to study English honours from a college in Behrampore.

“I have my school to look after and therefore I will have to take admissions at a nearby college,” said Ali, who scored 341 marks put of 500 in the examination.

For Ashutosh, his future study plans are relative to his baby project. “I will take up English honours. Once I have a grasp of the subject, I can teach the same to the students of my school,” said Ghosh, who scored 312 marks out of 500 in the examination.