Assam rickshaw puller honoured for building schools for underprivileged students, invited to Republic Day celebrations

Ahmed Ali, an 87-year-old rickshaw puller from Khilarbond village in Patharkandi, Sribhumi district, Assam, has been invited to participate in the central celebrations of Republic Day, a fitting recognition of his extraordinary contribution to education.  

Despite his humble background and limited means, Ahmed Ali transformed the lives of countless children in his remote village by establishing nine schools over the years. Poverty deprived him of an education, but his determination to ensure that no child in his village faced a similar fate inspired him to take action.  

In 1978, he established his first school in Madhurbond, selling part of his land to fund its construction. Over time, he donated 32 bighas out of his total 36 bighas of land to build additional schools. To sustain the schools financially, he worked tirelessly—pulling a rickshaw during the day and chopping wood at night.  

Ahmed Ali’s story gained national attention in 2018 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded his efforts during the “Mann Ki Baat” radio program. The Prime Minister described him as a remarkable example of the aspirations and dedication of India’s common people, highlighting his selfless efforts to make education accessible to underprivileged children.  

This Republic Day invitation acknowledges Ahmed Ali’s relentless pursuit of educational equity and his inspiring role in shaping a brighter future for his community.  

Among the honoured guests, over 135 individuals from Assam, including women, youth, farmers, and entrepreneurs will join the celebrations. Their presence symbolizes the inclusive spirit of the event and the recognition of their contributions to society.

Overall, around 10,000 special guests from across the country, representing diverse backgrounds, have been invited tho this grand celebration.

In addition to witnessing the Republic Day Parade, these special guests will have the opportunity to visit prominent landmarks in Delhi, including the National War Memorial and the PM Sangrahalaya. They will also interact with various Union Ministers, further enhancing their experience.