Root of mission alokbartika—
10th grade no book access 

A Vision-Changing Leader in Education, Culture, and Community Transformation

Dr. Partha Saha is a visionary educationist, social reformer, and cultural leader who has redefined the meaning of education in contemporary India. Widely recognised as a change-maker in the fields of community education, book movement, and tribal empowerment, he is best known for transforming classrooms into communities and books into instruments of social change.

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FOUNDER

1. Alipurduar AAPONKATHA, Tarai-Dooarser Vasha, Sahitya, Adibashi Sanskriti Sanrokshon, Gabeshana o Chorcha Kendra, Registration No. - S0034893 of 2022-2023

2. Boigram Panijhora, First book village of West Bengal, Kalchini Block, Alipurduar, Established 24 august, 2024

3. ΑΑΡΟΝΚATHA Tribal Museum and culttural  parctice and research center Museum, 2025
   
   4. Mission ALOKBARTIKA
   2021

Dr.Partha Saha
i)Asst.Teacher,Damanpur High School ,Alipurduar, ii)Secretary,Aaponkatha,Alipurduar 
iii)Independent Tribal Language of Dooars Researcher, Resource Person and Social activist. 
iv)Founder of 1. Alipurduar Aaponkatha 2. Book village Panijhora 3.Anponkatha Tribal Museum 4. Mission Alokbortika Alipurduar, West Bengal, India. 

PERSONAL DETAILS 
Name : Dr. PARTHA SAHA Gender : Male 
Fathers Name : Sri Pronoy Saha Mothers Name : Smt. Shilpi Saha Category: General 
Differently able: No 
Marital status : Married Nationality : Indian 
Religion: Hindu 
Date of Birth : 05-07-1987 Addhar No. : 3135 1892 5092 Language known: Bengali, English, Hindi 

COMMUNICATION DETAILS Address: Binay Bhusan Saroni Ward No. 19 Alipurduar Municipality Court Cara, Alipurduar West Bengal
Pin 736122 
Mobile : Mobile 9832563014

CAREER:
The career of Dr. Partha Saha is as bright as the Sunrays.He is a responsible teacher and restless to develop educational qualities of students.Since the corona period he has been continuously working on the youth to turn them towards books introducing community libraries through the Books Village, Panijhora, Alipurduar,under" Alokbortika " and thus enlighten the lives of youth.He has introduced numerous projects for the wellbeing of the students.Reading has been joyful in his class for fun-reading session and the engagement of co curricular activities during classes.These help to increase enrollment and decrease dropouts in his school.He has been certified by SSM for reducing dropouts and spreading education.School Management System has been improved for his restless works and innovative ideas,implemented in education."Alokbortika " ,the enlightenment of Tribal Education is one of his most popular projects . Awareness campaigns on different burning problems and leading to the solution, Women Empowerment, Self Defence workshops, extra and co-curricular activities for students' mental development are the short listed tasks done regularly by him,are milestones of his career.

This wonderful  teacher has done a remarkable job to increase enrollment of the school and decrease dropouts, which is noted as historical measures of his career.At the very beginning,he started to visit the dropouts to their places in his recreation periods of school time and started to motivate them to take admission in school, making them aware of the importance of education in life as well as of different govt schemes to support their education and lives ,that can help them to step forward.Soon,he won the confidence and hearts of the students and he became successful to turn them to school as well as books.His project "Alokbortika " is one of his most successful projects for the wellbeing of the students.Implementation of extra curricular activities in education has added the necessary spices to it.Gradually the enrollment increased and the number of dropouts reduced.The Book Village, Panijhora is the burning example of reducing dropouts.

A Vision-Changing Leader in Education, Culture, and Community Transformation

Dr. Partha Saha is a visionary educationist, social reformer, and cultural leader who has redefined the meaning of education in contemporary India. Widely recognised as a change-maker in the fields of community education, book movement, and tribal empowerment, he is best known for transforming classrooms into communities and books into instruments of social change.

A Vision-Changing Leader in Education, Culture, and Community Transformation

Dr. Partha Saha is a visionary educationist, social reformer, and cultural leader who has redefined the meaning of education in contemporary India. Widely recognised as a change-maker in the fields of community education, book movement, and tribal empowerment, he is best known for transforming classrooms into communities and books into instruments of social change.

A Vision-Changing Leader in Education, Culture, and Community Transformation

Dr. Partha Saha is a visionary educationist, social reformer, and cultural leader who has redefined the meaning of education in contemporary India. Widely recognised as a change-maker in the fields of community education, book movement, and tribal empowerment, he is best known for transforming classrooms into communities and books into instruments of social change.

A Vision-Changing Leader in Education, Culture, and Community Transformation

Dr. Partha Saha is a visionary educationist, social reformer, and cultural leader who has redefined the meaning of education in contemporary India. Widely recognised as a change-maker in the fields of community education, book movement, and tribal empowerment, he is best known for transforming classrooms into communities and books into instruments of social change.

Aaponkotha 

Apanakotha is a non-profit organization. Dooars is a museum of multilingualism and anthropology. Due to various geographical, historical, socio-economic reasons as well as the impact of globalization, the traditional diversity of Dooars has come under deep crisis. Even then, some people from different communities are trying hard to keep their own traditions, culture and languages ​​alive. Various institutions, individually or sporadically, are helping to take that effort forward.
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Even then, the 'Apankatha' center has been established to preserve the diverse language, literature, local history, and culture of the Dooars, as well as to make it accessible to future generations and researchers through practice and education. 'Apankatha' has been working on this issue for the past three years.

In addition, efforts are being made to introduce books to everyone, including children and adolescents, in backward areas. Because books can make people aware, eliminate all kinds of deprivations and help them understand their rights, as well as lead them to a better life. 'Alokbortika', a project of 'Boimahal Apnakatha', is a small library for children.

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Vision

To build an inclusive society where education, culture, and human dignity empower communities to become authors of their own future.

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Mission

To preserve indigenous languages and cultures

To democratise access to education and knowledge

To promote research rooted in community life

To empower women, children, and youth through learning

To connect grassroots voices with academic and policy platforms

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Core Areas of Work

1. Community Education & Knowledge Access

Aaponkatha works closely with Mission ALOKBARTIKA and Book Village Panijhora to:

Run community libraries and reading centres

Support school-going and dropout students

Organise reading sessions, mentoring, and tutoring

Promote adult literacy and lifelong learning

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2. Tribal Language & Cultural Preservation

One of the most significant contributions of Aaponkatha is in the field of endangered tribal languages.

Documentation of twelve endangered indigenous tribal languages

Publication of dictionaries, primers, folk texts, and research books

Certification and recognition by Alipurduar District Administration

Oral history documentation of elders, storytellers, and cultural bearers

Promotion of mother-tongue awareness

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3. Research & Academic Support

Aaponkatha functions as an independent research and documentation centre:

Provides resources for university students and researchers

Hosts field-based research on language, culture, and society

Supports dissertations, theses, and academic publications

Collaborates with national research institutions

The Aaponkatha Research Centre is considered a valuable field resource for scholars across India.

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4. Aaponkatha Tribal Museum

Under the NGO, Dr. Saha established the Aaponkatha Tribal Museum, dedicated to:

Preserving artefacts, tools, manuscripts, and folk objects

Archiving tribal history, rituals, music, and traditions

Creating awareness among students and visitors

Promoting cultural pride among indigenous youth

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5. Publications & Knowledge Dissemination

Through Aaponkatha Publications, the NGO:

Publishes research books, magazines, and educational materials

Supports first-time authors and community writers

Produces literature on tribal language, culture, and education

Connects academic research with grassroots realities

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6. Social Awareness & Community Development

Aaponkatha actively works on:

Health and hygiene awareness

Nutrition and child welfare programmes

Women empowerment and self-defence training

Prevention of child marriage

Tobacco-free youth campaigns

Environmental awareness and green initiatives

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Organisational Structure & Team

Aaponkatha functions through a participatory and collaborative model, consisting of:

Educators and researchers

Youth volunteers and students

Community elders and cultural practitioners

Writers, artists, and activists

Partner NGOs and institutions

Dr. Saha leads not as an authority figure but as a mentor, facilitator, and fellow learner.

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Leadership Approach of Dr. Partha Saha

Community-rooted leadership

Field-based engagement over desk-based planning

Ethical research and respectful documentation

Empowerment over charity

Long-term sustainability over short-term projects

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Impact

Revived interest in endangered tribal languages

Created educational pathways for hundreds of children

Built a trusted bridge between communities and institutions

Established a credible grassroots research ecosystem

Strengthened cultural confidence among indigenous youth

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Conclusion

As the Founder of Aaponkatha NGO, Dr. Partha Saha has transformed social work into social partnership. His work ensures that education, culture, and research are not imposed from above, but grow organically from within communities.

Aaponkatha stands today as a living archive, learning space, and movement of voices, guided by Dr. Saha’s unwavering belief that real development begins when people are heard, respected, and empowered.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION
1.MP WBBSE 2002 Mc William Higher Secondary School 
2.HS WBCHSE 2004 Mc William Higher Secondary School 
3.UG NBU 2007 BENGALI (H) Alipurduar college 
4.PG NBU 2009 BENGALI North Bengal University 1000 
5.NET UGC 2010 BENGALI 6.B.ED NSOU Alipurduar B.ed Tanning College 
7.P.HD RAIGANJ University,2021  in BENGALI
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Present (from 2021) :Assistant Teacher, Damanpur High School, Kalchini, Alipurduar.

PUBLICATION

A) BOOK

1. Dibyendu Paliter Chotogolpo: Jibonbikshon o Shilpangik Sopan, Kolkata, June 2021

2. Utterbanger Adibasi Mech Lokokotha Edited with Promod Nath, Sopan, Kolkata, 2022

3. Uttorer Analochito Diary, a collection of un-explored documents-Beyond Horizon Publication, Alipurduar, February, 2023

4. Uttarbanger Adibasider Kalome AAPONKAТНА, Edited with Promod Nath, Sopan, Kolkata, August, 2024

B) CHAPTER IN BOOKS

1. Bangla chotogolpe patita nari-Bangia sahitya samsad, Kolkata, 2018

2. Dibyendu Paliter Chotogolpo: Satayantra nirman, Sopan, Kolkata, 2020

C) ARTICLE IN JOURNAL

1. Pratibader Kontho: Mahasweta Devir Golpo, Hijal, ISSN 23498013, Alipurduar, WB, June 2010

2. Chena Dampotyer Ochena Chobi: Dibyendu Paliter Golpo, Alor Sakin, ISSN 2347341X, Coochbehar, WB, Sep 2016

3. Ostitter Biponnota: Dibyendu Paliter Golpo- Hijal, ISSN 23498013, Alipurduar, WB, June 2018

4. Ek Pashla Bristi

5. Dangor ai

6. Dangor ai

7. Dangor ai

EDITOR

1. Tepantorer Math, Shishu Kishor Patrika, Alipurduar

2. Ebiong Probohoman, Stanioltihas, Sanskriti, Vasha, Sahitya Bisoyok Patrika

3. Aaponkata (Multilingual litararay Magazine main focus Tribal language)
     Alipurduar

FOUNDER

1. Alipurduar AAPONKATHA, Tarai-Dooarser Vasha, Sahitya, Adibashi Sanskriti Sanrokshon, Gabeshana o Chorcha Kendra, Registration No. - S0034893 of 2022-2023

2. Boigram Panijhora, First book village of West Bengal, Kalchini Block, Alipurduar, Established 24 august, 2024

3. ΑΑΡΟΝΚATHA Tribal Museum and culttural  parctice and research center Museum, 2025
   
   4. Mission ALOKBARTIKA
   2021

Seminars, Webinars, Conference, Workshops

1. Dibyendu Paliter Uponysahe Samajer Sikhitta Manuser Skshiar Mullyahina ICPR sponsored periodical lecture & one day international seminar on commoditization of knowledge and the role of discourses of humanities, Vivekanda college, alipurduar, 15 march 2019

2. Khandita swadhinatar ha ha kar; National Seminar on 1947-Pretyasha & Prapti organized by IQAC VIVEKANANDA COLLEGE, Aupurduar, WB, India. In collaboration w Geographical Society of WB., Date - 19th Jul

3. Rabindra, Prabundba: sampradayikata, samm National Seminar, organized by Dept. of be Falakata College, Aupurduar, West Bengah. sponsored by UGC.

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Book Village Panijhora:

Book Village Panijhora
“Little drops of water make the mighty ocean”. The first droplets have been gathered at Panijhora of Alipurduar by Aponkotha, a local NGO, and they hope that a groundswell of droplets transforms into an ocean of passion for reading books and literature among the students and youth of Alipuarduar.

Panijhora, a small hamlet of just 72 families, comprised of different ethnic tribes like Garo, Rava, Mech, Oraon, Dukpa, Munda, Kharia and Rajbanshi, and a total population of 320 persons was chosen due to the wholehearted enthusiasm of all the residents towards the project. The Book Village concept envisages a hamlet where all residents are made functionally literate and have access to books through mini home libraries connected to a central library having more than 2000 books. The books in the libraries are rich in local information, history and subject related to their livelihood. comics for kids, books for Competitive Exams, Age old stories and so on. There are also provisions for people to visit the village and read books on the banks of the stream flowing besides the village

Thus, the project takes a holistic approach to the overall development of this picturesque hamlet, near the historic and tourist spot of Rajabhatkhawa, by striving for 100 % literacy, mainstreaming of drop out students, plastic pollution free and tourism attracting Model Village, such that this endeavour transforms this hamlet into a tourist spot and generates self-employment for the local people.

Aponkatha approached the District Magistrate with their proposal and seeing the uniqueness and utility of the idea, the project was taken up under District Mineral Foundation (PMKKY) and executed through PBSSM (Paschim Banga Samagra Shiksha Mission). However, it is to be mentioned here that without the wholehearted enthusiasm and hard work of the local people and the members of Aponkatha, this project would not have seen the light of day.

The Book Village was formally inaugurated by the District Magistrate, Smt R. Vimala, IAS, on 31st August 2024 in a colourful and varied programme at the village. This inspirational forest village had set on example and all are welcome to Panijhara to see & read the good collection of books kept here.

*1.Natural beauty of Panijhora Village:* 

PANIJHORA is a small village situated in Alipuduar District. The name of the village implies the natural beauty of the place. The vast green forest of Rajabhat khawa G.P. greets you warmly at the entrance to the village. The village, only with 296 inhabitants,is situated amidst the forest and here lies the secret of its natural beauty. Towering trees with extended boughs,bushes and hedges,even the velvet green grass soothes your eyes. There is a small stream flowing beside the village. The village is named after this beautiful stream because, according to the local dialect  ' PANI' means ' WATER ' and ' JHORA' means ' SMALL STREAM ' . The simplicity and purity of the children and the villagers add  feathers to its natural beauty. The only Primary School is the centre of amusement for the children of the village.
    In a nutshell, mother nature has poured out the treasure of beauty in this village. If you visit once,you would definitely fall in love with the village.

*2.  INTRODUCTION OF TRIBAL INHABITANTS AND THEIR PROFESSION* 

         It goes without saying that, not only the positional characteristic, but also the habitat of four unique language group people makes the village Panijhora remarkable. In this village, tribes like oraons, Garos, ravas , Bodos, Dukpas, Mundas, Kharias including Rajbanshi and other backward classes and people of General caste live together amiably. Wonderful correspondence between nature and human beings can be seen here. This area is lagged behind from socio-economic aspects. The maximum number of children and teenagers are first generation learners in this village. Vehicle expenditure of every single day to continue study is just a luxury to them.

 *3.  Flashback: After the Corona period increase of Dropouts- a new start to find a way to get rid of it.* 

         During the Corona period , none of the students could head towards school and this caused an increase of Dropouts . As a result they engaged themselves in different types of physical works to earn livelihood and therefore they became child labourers. Besides, trafficking offences became strongly active through different means of temptation. At this crucial point of time, a new effort begins to turn these children and teenagers into books. Dr. Partha Saha , a teacher of Damanpur High School is the person behind this work. He is the Secretary of the well known welfare organization named AAPONKTHA. This organization is continuously working to preserve and nourish the languages , literature and history of the tribes of Duars as well as to turn lagged behind children of the district Alipurduar towards the world of books. New initiative-Tiny library and after that the mobile library naming Alokbortika was firstly  introduced to this locality to create and increase love for books among them. And later on the Alokbortika takes a new apron, that is today’s Book village. 

*4.  Seeking co-operation from the District Administration:-* 

        From the organization APONKTHA, the president Sri Promod nath , Secretary Dr. Partha Saha and other members, initiate a discussion with District Magistrate and Additional District Magistrate with overall plan to create the book village. The District Administration gives assurance to be there by all means as well as accepts this plan as a Pilot project. 

*5.  Beginning of the Project:*       

          Now the time arrives to work according to the plan . Through repeated discussion with the villagers and proper action according to the way planned for continuously two months, village  Panijhora  is tried to be transformed into Book Village Panijhora. Two teachers- Avishek Bandopadhyay and Ranjit Barman of the local primary school have taken important part in this effort. A team of volunteers consisting of fourteen literate boys and girls of the same village is engaged to assist in this programme. Team 'Bosudhoiba Chitralekha' starts working in order to embrace the books to create school oriented lives, to wrap the entire village with the paintings and slogans for the purpose of making Buxa forest range plastic free habitation. One central library beside the primary school and 15 small libraries are created and these small libraries take up space amidst the homes , shops, home stays of the village. You may find out nearly 3000 books over important study material for the children along with books on stories, poems , essays, science, comics, biographies and autobiographies and what not! Six libraries among these would be available for visitors too. Not only the children of the village, but also the elders have extended their hands to help in this project . In a word , the entire village is absorbed deeply in the overwhelming dream to experience a change in social life by taking shelter under the colourful shade of Books. 
    The journey of Panijhora Book Village begins from here onward holding the strong hands of the honourable District Magistrate R. Vimla.

How Panijhora Village transformed into Bengal’s first ‘book village’
Alipurduar: 
Panijhora, a small village nestled in the Buxa Tiger Reserve of Alipurduar district, has been officially designated as Bengal’s first ‘book village’ by the district administration. This unique initiative, inspired by similar projects in Maharashtra and Kerala, aims to turn Panijhora into a literary hub for tourists visiting the Dooars.

Located 12 kilometres from Alipurduar town, Panijhora is home to 291 residents from 71 families, representing various communities such as Nepali, Dukpa, Garo, Mech, Rava, Munda and Oraon. The idea to transform Panijhora into a ‘book village’ was conceived by a local voluntary organisation and brought to life with support from the district administration. The village was officially launched as a ‘book village’ on Saturday.

The village now features 15 small libraries, each housed in local residences, as well as a central library. Visitors are encouraged to explore these libraries and enjoy a wide range of books, creating a unique experience for those who love reading. Local artists have also contributed by painting murals on the walls of homes, depicting scenes related to reading and literature. The central library was established with the help of Chinmoy Dhar, manager of the Majherdabri Tea Estate. District Magistrate R Vimala praised the initiative, stating: “There is no substitute for reading. The success of this project reflects the dedication of Panijhora’s residents and the passionate volunteers from Alipurduar. We hope Panijhora becomes a cherished destination for all visitors and that the village continues to flourish.”

Village resident Parul Minj expressed her excitement, saying: “This initiative will bring positive changes to our village. It’s wonderful to think that people from across the country will visit us and tourists will have access to books about North Bengal and the Dooars.”

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