Tata’s enduring legacy in education will continue to shape the lives of madrasa students for generations to come
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Beyond his illustrious career in the business world, Ratan Tata made significant contributions to societal reform, particularly in the realm of education. One of his most notable efforts is his initiative to modernise madrasa education in the country through the Tata Madrasa Trust, a pioneering project aimed at transforming educational opportunities for Muslim children in madrasas across the country. This initiative was inspired by the findings of the 2006 Sachar Committee report, which highlighted the dismal state of education within India’s Muslim community, the country’s largest minority group.
The Sachar Committee report painted a bleak picture of educational exclusion within the Muslim community, revealing that the literacy rate among Muslims was just 59.1%, well below the national average. Even more alarming, a quarter of Muslim children aged 6-14 were out of school, and only 23.9% reached matriculation compared to the national average of 42.5%. These findings underscored the urgent need for educational reforms, particularly within madrasas, which serve as primary educational institutions for many Muslim children, especially in rural and marginalised areas.
Ratan Tata’s response to this educational crisis was the creation of the Tata Madrasa Trust. Its mission was clear: to bridge the gap between traditional religious education and the modern curriculum by introducing subjects like mathematics, science, and technology into the madrasa system. This approach sought to equip Muslim students with a balanced education that maintained their religious identity while also preparing them for broader participation in the country’s socio-economic landscape.
The Tata Madrasa Trust focused its initial efforts on madrasas serving children from underprivileged and marginalised backgrounds. These institutions, particularly in rural areas, often represented the only access to education for many students. By introducing activity-based learning and integrating technology into the classroom, the trust aimed to make education more engaging and effective. “We wanted to create an environment where students could excel in both religious and secular subjects,” said a trust spokesperson.
A cornerstone of the initiative has been teacher training. Many madrasa teachers, traditionally trained in religious subjects, lacked the tools to teach modern disciplines effectively. The trust provided training in student-centred and project-based learning approaches, equipping teachers with the necessary skills to teach subjects like mathematics and science interactively. This shift in teaching methods allowed students to apply their knowledge in practical ways, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject.
One of the most significant achievements of the Tata Madrasa Trust’s programme occurred in Uttar Pradesh, where over 10,000 students across 50 madrasas participated in a large-scale experiment to modernise the curriculum. In Varanasi and Jaunpur, the introduction of modern courses and teaching techniques transformed the educational experience for thousands of children.
Madrasa Jamia Darul Uloom Hanafia in Teghra village of Uttar Pradesh is one example. The madrasa, which serves 119 students — 50 of whom are from Hindu families — exemplifies how the programme has fostered communal harmony. “Our aim was not just educational reform, but also to build bridges between communities through education,” said one of the madrasa administrators.
One inspiring story from this madrasa is that of 14-year-old Vishnu Prajapati, the son of a farmer, who won the title of “Best Urdu Student.” Dissatisfied with the quality of education at his government school, Vishnu’s father enrolled him in the madrasa, where he thrived academically. “The madrasa offered me an opportunity to learn not just religious subjects, but also subjects like mathematics and science, which will help me in the future,” Vishnu said proudly.
The success of the madrasa reform programme in Uttar Pradesh has been profound, prompting the trust to expand its efforts. By 2013, the Madrasa Improvement Program (MIP) reached over 100,000 children in underserved regions. Between 2013 and 2018, the programme extended to Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, benefiting more than 45,000 students. A key feature of the expansion was the focus on gender equity, with a significant number of girls enrolled in these modernised madrasas.
A major milestone in the Tata Madrasa Trust’s journey was the establishment of 75 model madrasas, which serve as examples of how traditional and modern education can coexist. These institutions not only offer high-quality education but also encourage students to pursue higher education and professional careers. The model madrasas have become beacons of success, proving that madrasas can be centres of academic excellence while maintaining their religious roots.
“These model madrasas have set a benchmark for other institutions,” said a local education officer. “We are now seeing more and more madrasas adopting a similar approach, which is a testament to the success of Ratan Tata’s vision.”
One of the reasons for the programme’s success has been the strong partnerships between the Tata Madrasa Trust, local NGOs, and community organisations. In Varanasi, the trust partnered with the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, while in Jaunpur, it collaborated with the Azad Shiksha Kendra. These partnerships were crucial in mobilising resources, training teachers, and involving local communities in the reform process.
“The collaboration with local NGOs has been instrumental in building confidence within the communities,” explained a representative from the trust. “It’s not just about top-down reform; it’s about empowering local communities to take ownership of the changes.”
By working closely with madrasa management committees, teachers, and parents, the Tata Madrasa Trust has ensured the sustainability of the programme. This community involvement has been a key factor in the success of the reforms, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to the programme’s long-term goals.
The integration of religious and modern education has also had a broader impact on social cohesion. In madrasas like the one in Teghra, where Hindu and Muslim students study together, the programme has helped break down communal barriers and promote a spirit of unity. “Our children now see education as a means of coming together, not as something that divides us,” said a parent from the village.
This focus on communal harmony aligns with Ratan Tata’s broader vision of using education as a tool for social reform. “Ratan Tata’s efforts have shown that education can be a powerful force for bringing communities together,” said a local community leader. “His vision for madrasa reform has not only improved educational outcomes but also promoted peace and understanding between different religious groups.”
As the Tata Madrasa Trust looks to the future, it remains committed to expanding its efforts across India. The success of the programme has demonstrated that madrasa education can be modernised without losing its core religious values. “Our goal is to continue building on what we’ve achieved,” said the trust’s spokesperson. “We want to reach more children, introduce new subjects like STEM, and ensure that madrasa students are prepared for the challenges of the modern world.”
Digital learning, vocational training, and entrepreneurship are areas the trust plans to explore further as it continues to evolve its programme. By incorporating these elements into the curriculum, the trust hopes to open up even more opportunities for madrasa students, enabling them to pursue careers in a wide range of fields.
