Kabir Pathshala by Swati Ghosh , Ashok Sarkar [Hardcover]

"Patha Bhavan" was institutionally founded in 1901, though it was initially known as Brahmavidyalaya. The name "Patha Bhavan" came much later. "Shiksha Satra" was established in 1924 at Shantiniketan, initially as a school for orphaned children. Rabindranath Tagore arranged for the creative integration of nature and environment with the education of boys and girls at Brahmavidyalaya. When Shiksha Satra was founded, Tagore prioritized the elements of rural life and livelihood, enabling village boys to receive practical education.

This book excellently discusses the institutional history of these two schools, the broader societal struggles, the evolution of Tagore's educational philosophy, and the nature of alternative education. Patha Bhavan and Shiksha Satra continue to inspire those who work with alternative education in India today. The history of these schools is intertwined with the thoughtfulness of an eternal poet.