Debkishore Chakraborty / Kolkata

Baharul Islam’s first brush with kindness as a child shaped the entire course of his life.

One day, he noticed an elderly woman struggling with heavy belongings. Without hesitation, he carried them all the way to her house.

That simple act of compassion became the seed of what he calls his “addiction to altruism.” It remains just as strong today.

Over the years, Baharul has grown into a man who consistently placed humanity above personal gain, embracing social service with sincerity and courage. Once a boy from Balipur in Hooghly district, today he is a familiar and respected figure across West Bengal.

Baharul Islam planting a sapling

Inspired by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s words—“Dream is not what you see in sleep, dream is what keeps you awake”—Baharul has pursued his biggest dream: the establishment of a Mission School. With 45 bighas of land already secured, including one bigha donated by Baharul himself, construction began two years ago. The school is expected to open its doors in 2024.

Baharul credits its creation to the vision of noted social worker, industrialist, poet, and writer Sheikh Aftabuddin Sarkar. “He was the inspiration,” Baharul recalls. “From the beginning, he has been our President and even gave the organization its name.”

Baharul Islam

For Baharul, the motivation behind Sajag Manch was clear: “There are many social organizations already, so why one more? The answer is simple—human suffering and injustice pierce our hearts. We felt we must at least try to do something, however small. We started with our own resources, and perhaps that is why people trust and love us today.”

However, his journey was not without challenges. Baharul’s vocal protests against injustice invited threats from local political goons, forcing him to leave Hooghly for Kolkata. With the support of his father and his determination, he set up a bookbinding and printing business while continuing his studies at Rammohan High School until Higher Secondary.

The turning point, however, was his deepening association with Sheikh Aftabuddin “Chacha,” whose mentorship gave Baharul’s mission direction.

Soon, more people joined him—his sister, childhood friends, and other like-minded souls. Together they expanded Sajag Manch’s reach. Under Baharul’s leadership, the group distributed iftar meals and winter clothes in Purulia’s Junglemahal, extended relief during the COVID-19 lockdown, and reached door-to-door with supplies for 300 families.

Even in the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan, they ensured that families could celebrate Eid with dignity.

Their efforts inspired many. Entrepreneurs and philanthropists came forward—Sheikh Ekramul Haque of Balipur donated an office space and community hall, and even purchased ten oxygen cylinders in 2021.

His childhood friend Mir Samrat contributed from Ahmedabad, while others such as Sheikh Intazul Hossain Bapi, Sheikh Misbaul Haque, Sheikh Fazlul, Sheikh Salauddin Mallik, Sheikh Bablu Ali, Sheikh Noor Mohammad, Professor Dr. Moinul Rahman, and educationist Mirza Anisur Rahman joined the cause.

Sheikh Firoz Ali donated one lakh rupees for interest-free loans to help struggling families gain self-reliance.

Baharul Islam with an unidentified person

Under Baharul’s stewardship, Sajag Manch became a lifeline. They organized free oxygen distribution during the pandemic, blood donation camps, educational support, dispute resolution, and monthly health check-ups led by Community Health Officer Anowara Parveen. Industrialist Sheikh Altafuddin Sarkar sponsored free gynecological care, while special coaching support was arranged for underprivileged students.

Baharul believes that genuine service comes from acknowledging society’s hard realities, not just emotions. During last year’s floods in Khanakul, Medinipur, and Howrah, the group provided nearly two lakh rupees worth of relief supplies.

Despite his public commitments, Baharul is a family man. The eldest of three brothers and one sister, he balances his responsibilities toward his wife, parents, and two children while preserving traditional values at home.

Criticism and resistance, he says, are inevitable when one works for the greater good. “To stop because of opposition is cowardice,” he remarks. “The only reply to criticism is action.” Yet he also believes in reconciliation, choosing to embrace even his critics for the sake of humanity’s larger mission.

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Guided by Sajag Manch’s motto, “Rise the hand of humanity,” Baharul Islam carries a simple but profound message: between birth and death, the time we are given must be used in service of others—because no work is greater than human service.