Salma Public School was setup in 1993 by Professor Zahoor Siddiqui and his wife Nishat Saiyada in his ancestral home in the village of Rataul; district Baghpat, western Uttar Pradesh.
Prof. Siddiqui taught history at Delhi University, and was also active in university teacher politics as a liberal, nationalist, Republican. While he lived in Delhi, he understood village society intimately – he was especially conscious of the dire need for a modern, secular and affordable primary education for village children who otherwise were unable to go to school due to their deprived backgrounds. On his retirement, the couple sold their house in Delhi to construct classrooms and employ staff in 1993, and the school started with 30 students and two teachers. Nishat was at that time a teacher in a Delhi government school, and she gave up her job to join Prof. Siddiqui in running the school.
“علم ، ادب ، اخلاق ، ترقّی · इल्म, अदब, अख़लाक़, तरक़्क़ी · Ilm, Adab, Akhlaaq, Taraqqi — Knowledge, Discipline, Character, Progress”
Rataul, Baghpat District
Students Supported
Staff
Years
Enrolled
Today, 24 years later, SPS is a government recognized school with 500 children enrolled from Nursery to class 5 learning Math, English and Hindi; and 15 women teachers many of whom were once students of the school. 40% of the students are girls, 90% are Muslims and almost all come from families that are at or below the poverty line. Most children find even the minimal monthly fees of Rs 200 a burden, though the school ensures they do not drop out by allowing late payment of fees and counseling parents who want to withdraw their children. The desperate struggle for a livelihood – daily wage laborers, vegetable hawkers, tailors, and teashop workers – usually takes precedence over their children’s education. Prof. Siddiqui and Nishat often dip into their monthly pension and savings to support the schools finances.
Salma Public School was established with the aim of addressing educational gaps faced by children from underserved backgrounds. Over the years, Salma Public School has grown through the support of volunteers, educators, and partner organisations, steadily expanding its reach and impact.
Parents, teachers, and community members share their experience
We didn't just build a school — we planted a seed of hope. Every child who walks through our gates carries the potential to transform not just their own life, but the future of our entire community. Nishat and I sold our home in Delhi because we believed that these children deserved the same chance at education as any child in the city. Thirty years later, seeing our former students return as teachers — that is our greatest reward.
The couple who sold their Delhi home to build a school in a village
Former History Professor at Delhi University. Sold his Delhi home in 1993 to return to Rataul and establish the school. Has dedicated over 30 years to transforming rural education.
Former Delhi government school teacher who gave up her position to co-build SPS. Manages day-to-day operations and teacher development programs.
Leading the school's academics and student welfare
Leads academic planning, curriculum delivery, and student welfare at SPS. Ensures the school's educational standards remain aligned with NEP and NCERT guidelines.
Guiding the school's growth and outreach
Supports the school's strategic growth, partnerships, and governance.
Contributes to the school's digital presence, partner outreach, and long-term sustainability planning.
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"I was just 15 when Nishat Ma'am called me to help open this school. I have been teaching here for over 30 years now."
"When a government job offer came for me, my husband and I together chose Salma - and I am proud of that decision to this day."
"I am proud to be teaching in the same school where I first learned to read and write."
"Nishat Ma'am and Zahoor Sir gave up government jobs to open a school for children like me. Because of them, I could study."
"In 13 years of teaching here, I have never felt like an outsider. This school is a family."
"Sheeba Ma'am gives everyone a chance to show their talent - she gave me mine."
"Zahoor Sir and Nishat Ma'am gave up government jobs for the children of this village - that kind of dedication is an example in itself."
"Joining Salma gave me a boost of confidence I did not expect - here, teaching is not just a job, it is a joyful journey."
"The best part about Salma is its sense of belonging - everyone here is like family."
"I have always loved being in school - and now I get to bring that feeling to the children I teach."
"Salma gave me a solid foundation - and now I am building on it as a teacher in the same school."
"Nishat Ma'am gave up the comforts of Delhi and came to Rataul when there was not even proper electricity or water here - and her hard work is shining in Rataul today."
"Salma is not just a school to me - it is a part of my heart, alive with memories, emotions and dreams."
"This school gave me patience, diligence, and the ability to keep learning - values I now pass on to the children I teach."
"I try to not repeat my mistakes, to keep learning something new, and to pass that on to the children."
"Sheeba Ma'am brought me here - and I want to keep learning from her and giving back to these children."
"Class 5 children challenged me at chess - and played me to a standstill. That is the joy of Salma."
"Zahoor Sir - my uncle, and the man who founded this school - his name is still among the most respected in Rataul. I am here to continue what he built."
"When Zahoor Bhai gave up his comfort for this school, I decided I would stand by him too - and I have never regretted it."
"Even now, at seventy, Asgari Aapa arrives every day - taking attendance, carrying water to teachers, passing messages between classrooms."
"No institution can stand on one person's shoulders alone - Asha too is a pillar without whom Salma's existence would be incomplete."
"Nisha lost her mother, grew up bearing responsibilities no teenager should carry - and yet she shows up every day with honesty, dedication and a dancer's grace."
"Salma gave me work, dignity and a place where everyone feels like family - after everything I had been through, that means the world."
To provide quality, affordable education rooted in strong values and modern learning methods to children from some of the most socially and economically marginalized communities in rural western Uttar Pradesh.
A future where every child in rural India — regardless of background, gender, or economic status — has access to an education that honors their heritage while preparing them for tomorrow's world.
The principles that guide everything we do
Education is the most powerful tool for transformation. Every child deserves to learn, question, and grow.
Respect for elders, kindness to peers, and good manners form the bedrock of a child's character.
Strong moral and secular values guide our students to become compassionate, honest, and responsible individuals who respect all faiths and communities.
We prepare children not just for exams, but for life — building confidence, creativity, and critical thinking.
A safe, well-equipped campus designed for young learners
Government recognized school
Purpose-built classrooms with proper ventilation
Library with Hindi, English & Urdu books
Dedicated activity and assembly hall
Playground for sports & physical education
Safe drinking water facility
Remedial education center (after school hours)
Annual sports day & cultural programs
Regular parent-teacher meetings
School transport for nearby villages
Parents, teachers, and community members share their experience
Children taught me more than I could teach them. This school is a living example of what love and dedication can build.
I stayed because it felt like home. I was a student here, and now I teach here. This is where I belong.
My daughter now reads confidently in English and Urdu. She learns to live with pride and peace. This school changed her life.
I've seen the change this school has brought to Rataul. Children who would have dropped out are now dreaming of becoming doctors and teachers.
Whether you want to enroll your child, volunteer your time, or support the school financially - we welcome you with open arms.
