Shob Shombhob: A book chronicling lives transformed by Quantum
NN Desk:
With over a hundred stories of resilience, Quantum Foundation’s “Shob Shombhob” reveals how a pioneering school in remote Bandarban is shaping the youth of Bangladesh through a transformative blend of education, meditation, and sports
The recent anti-discrimination movements have once again highlighted the capacity of Bangladesh’s youth to bring about change. The drive to break every barrier is part of youth’s essence, and with that fearlessness, Generation Z in Bangladesh has shown their belief that “anything is possible.” The new anthology, “Shob Shombhob” (“Everything is Possible”), captures inspiring tales of victory from over a hundred young Bangladeshis whose lives have been transformed. Compiled by Quantum Foundation, “Shob Shombhob” offers an insight into the struggles and successes of young people nationwide.
One may wonder how these individuals’ lives changed so dramatically. The answer lies with one educational institution: Quantum Cosmo School and College, located in Lama, Bandarban.
Believing that talent knows no boundaries, the Quantum Foundation established this unique educational centre in 2001, driven by the vision of its founder, Shahid Al Bokhari Mahajatak. With only seven children in its early days, Quantum Cosmo School and College now nurtures over 2,500 students from 22 ethnic backgrounds, guiding them in the practices of meditation, yoga, academic excellence, and sports. Many students, orphaned or from financially challenged families, arrived at the school as young as four or five, while others joined at various stages of their schooling, including at the college level.
The emphasis on holistic development has shaped their identity, with children from this institution, affectionately called “Quanta,” embodying the school’s belief that each individual is a “quantum of light.” These students receive training in mindfulness, sportsmanship, and rigorous academic studies, shaping a vision to become the “best” in their field. This goal has propelled many graduates to prestigious public universities. In national competitions, such as the Children’s Parade and Band Contest, Quantum Cosmo’s students won top accolades five consecutive times between 2015 and 2019, with the school also achieving the title of best-performing sports school from 2017 to 2020.
“Shob Shombhob” offers readers glimpses into Bangladesh’s grassroots struggles, the daily life of marginalised communities, and the challenges posed by issues like debt, tobacco farming, drug addiction, illiteracy, superstitions, and digital dependence. Through these real stories, readers journey through Quantum Cosmo School’s 23-year history, recounting its mission to make the impossible possible. Founded in remote Bandarban, Quantum has become a “humanitarian mega-society” that fosters health, discipline, and resilience.
Readers of all ages will be inspired by the stories within “Shob Shombhob”, each a testament to the power of youth and a reminder that “everything is possible.” The nearly 400-page book, priced at 500 taka, is available for purchase online.
With Bangladesh experiencing a demographic dividend and youth comprising a significant portion of its workforce, it is imperative to nurture these individuals not only with academic knowledge but also with moral integrity, humanity, and a positive outlook. Physical, mental, and social wellness are essential for fostering well-rounded, ethical individuals. This is a time for Bangladesh to invest in creating healthy, capable citizens, which could be supported by integrating holistic wellness and total fitness curriculums from primary to university levels.
As the pace of life accelerates in Bangladesh, the country faces challenges with technology and social media fostering dependency and eroding traditional values. With improved living standards, some age-old customs, values, and etiquette are being lost, creating a gap in the cultivation of virtuous, principled individuals. Educational institutions increasingly prioritise certification over character development.
True prosperity will only be achieved when Bangladesh’s underprivileged can live without fear and oppression and build a society free from exploitation. Bangladesh’s youth, empowered with knowledge and compassion, have the potential to lead the nation towards prosperity, upholding its traditions, familial bonds, and social heritage. As we strive towards a healthy economy, let us also strive towards a society of healthy, moral individuals.
In this spirit, “Shob Shombhob” offers readers a definition of goodness and purity: “A good person is one with integrity and purity; what is good and beneficial is pure, and what is evil and harmful is impure. Truth, beauty, and benevolence are purity, while falsehood, corruption, and malice are impurity. Justice and humanity are purity, while injustice and inhumanity are impurity.”
“Shob Shombhob” has been published by Mayeesha Tabassum of Quantum Foundation, with cover art by Shanto Khiang and edited by Shariful Islam and Ukya E Marma. The book, priced at 500 taka, will be available from September 2024.