Baatighar, a student voluntary organization, began its journey near Barishal University campus. Photo : BSS

BARISAL, Sept 13, 2025 (BSS) - "Let light spread over the dreams lost in darkness, Let the lamp of education shine in every child's eyes." with this motto, Baatighar, a student voluntary organization, began its journey near Barishal University campus. 

Started from the hands of a few passionate students of the Department of Political Science of the university, it was founded through the dedication and compassion of its initiator Asha Moni, co-organizers Ummay Seratunnesa, Hisratun Haque Neha, Mithila Farzana Keya, and six others young students. 

The journey of Baatighar began with the aim of supporting the Manta community, who spend their lives afloat on rivers, especially focusing on their children and women. Today, around 40 children living near Amin Colony of Kornokathi village in Barishal Sadar Upazila are receiving literacy lessons from the members of Baatighar. 

Many of these children had never attended school or held a book before. Now, Baatighar is placing these tools of education within their reach. Not only children, but women from the Manta community-whose education was disrupted due to economic hardship and social barriers-are also learning again through the classes run by Baatighar.

Baatighar's co-organizer, Umme Seratunnesa, said "Our dream is simple, yet profound to realize the 4th goal of the Sustainable Development Goals, quality education. We want no child or woman to remain in the darkness of illiteracy. It is this light of education that will free them from discrimination and open the doors to a new world of possibilities."

To make learning enjoyable rather than solely textbook-based, Baatighar arranges music, poetry, recitations, and plays. As a result, the children are not only studying but also gaining confidence through cultural practices. 

Beyond education, Baatighar also works for the physical and mental well-being of the children. Its members maintain regular contact with families and guardians. 

In many cases, poverty and a lack of awareness had led to instances of child abuse. Through parents' counselling, guardians are now becoming more aware and have pledged to treat their children with care and affection. In this way, Baatighar is also working to bring both children and women back into the social mainstream.

Co-organizers Hisratun Haque Neha and Mithila Farzana Keya remarked, "The Manta community has long been victims of discrimination. In every sphere of life, they remain excluded. We want to break down this wall of inequality. Our purpose is to ensure that the Mantas receive the same opportunities as everyone else in society."

University teachers, particularly from the Department of Political Science and other departments, are also associated with the organization. They provide guidance and financial support to help Baatighar sustain its activities. With their assistance, children are receiving free books, notebooks, pens, and other essential educational materials.

Organizer Asha Moni said, "We dream of building a world of equality. To achieve this, people from every class and profession must come together into the mainstream. Out of our responsibility to the state, we have taken this initiative to bring the marginalized back into society. In the future, we plan to expand the scope of this work even further."

The light of Baatighar may still be a small flame, but that flame has the power to grow and spread illuminating the dream of equality, the gift of education, and the promise of a more humane world.