German Jewish EducatorS Legacy Rediscovered at Jamia Milia Islamia
Delhi, India – A remarkable story of cross-cultural dedication and unwavering commitment is resurfacing at jamia Milia Islamia, as researchers and students rediscover the profound impact of Gerda Philipsborn, a German Jewish woman who dedicated her life to the institution and became affectionately known as “Aapa Jaan” – elder sister - to generations of students.Philipsborn’s story, largely untold for decades, highlights a unique chapter in India’s educational history and the power of shared ideals in the face of colonial rule and rising global conflict.
Philipsborn’s dedication to Jamia, founded in 1920 as a beacon of autonomous Muslim education, resonates powerfully today as the university navigates contemporary challenges and reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and social justice. Her contributions to pedagogy, especially her focus on holistic child development and girls’ education, continue to inform the institution’s ethos. The renewed interest in her life comes as Jamia seeks to preserve and celebrate the diverse influences that shaped its identity, offering a vital lesson in interfaith harmony and the enduring legacy of individuals who championed education as a force for social change.
In the 1920s, Philipsborn became involved with the founders of Jamia Milia Islamia, engaging in discussions about their vision for educating Muslim students free from British control.She journeyed to Delhi in 1932, joining the institution formally in 1933 after it had shifted from Aligarh in 1920 and then to Karol Bagh in 1925. Trained in early childhood education, she took charge of the nursery and primary sections.
Her influence extended beyond the classroom. Philipsborn collaborated closely with Zakir Husain, contributing ideas that later influenced Gandhi’s Basic Education program, articulated by husain at wardha in 1937.She regularly wrote for Payam-e Ta’lim, Jamia’s children’s magazine, and quickly became a beloved figure within the Jamia community.
Philipsborn’s work centered on student well-being, encompassing health, hygiene, clothing, and diet. She integrated arts and crafts into the curriculum and fostered student expression through letter-writing initiatives like Payam-e Biradari. Despite a modest salary, she pledged a lifetime of service, actively promoting opportunities for girls’ education at a time when such opportunities were scarce.
The outbreak of the Second World War dramatically altered her life. As a German national in British India, she was deemed a security risk and interned at the Purandhar camp in Maharashtra in 1940. Despite the arduous conditions and developing a gastric ulcer that impacted her health, she continued to advocate for others, assisting Jewish refugees both in Delhi and within the camp. Though she eventually returned to Delhi, her health never fully recovered, and she succumbed to cancer. Dr. Margrit, in her writings, immortalized Philipsborn’s dedication and the profound impact she had on Jamia Milia Islamia.