Gerda Philipsborn: Forgotten German-Born Reformer Who Helped Build Jamia

In a quiet corner of a Muslim graveyard in Delhi, one particular tombstone stands out. It is marked with an inscription in Urdu, but the name beneath it belongs to a German-born Jewish woman – Gerda Philipsborn. The epithet "Aapajaan," meaning "elder sister," accompanies her name. This striking sight is all the more intriguing considering the context in which it exists. The graveyard is the final resting place of the founders of Jamia Millia Islamia, one of India's leading universities that emerged from the country's independence movement. Its students have been politically active for decades, participating in protests, including those against the controversial citizenship law introduced by the government in 2019.

A Name Lost in History

The presence of a German Jew so deeply connected to this institution raises questions: How did Philipsborn, a woman from a distant and dissimilar background, become a significant figure at Jamia? The answer, as historian Margrit Pernau explores in her book Jamia's Aapa Jaan: The Many Lifeworlds of Gerda Philipsborn, lies in an unlikely friendship and a quest for purpose that drew Philipsborn across continents, reports BBC.

Despite her significant contribution to Jamia Millia Islamia, Philipsborn remains relatively unknown among the students today. Syeda Hameed, a prominent historian and activist, highlights the need for her story to be told. She emphasises that translating works on Philipsborn into accessible formats is essential for future generations to understand her impact.

Philipsborn’s journey to India began in 1933, when she followed three Indian men she had befriended in Berlin. These men – Zakir Husain, Muhammad Mujeeb, and Abid Husain – were studying in Germany and would later play central roles in shaping Jamia and India’s political history. Zakir Husain went on to become the third president of India in 1967. Philipsborn's bond with these men was extraordinary for the time, as cross-national friendships, particularly between a woman and three men, were rare.

Gerda Philipsborn: A Life of Purpose Before India

Before making her journey to India, Gerda Philipsborn had already led a life marked by a deep commitment to education and social service. Born into a privileged family, she was well-educated and trained as an opera singer. However, her true passion lay in teaching and social work. She established her own kindergarten in Berlin and worked in the Jewish People’s Home, demonstrating her belief in the transformative power of education.

Philipsborn was also involved in several other educational initiatives. She supported the Ben Shemen Youth Village project in Palestine, which aimed to provide agricultural education to Jewish youth. Her dedication to promoting creativity and intellectual growth was further evident in her work with the Berlin asylum organization for refugee children. She championed artistic expression through projects like her picture book Children’s Zoo, which taught children the art of origami.

The Vision for Jamia and Philipsborn’s Role

The founders of Jamia Millia Islamia were not just focused on building a university but were also driven by the desire to shape India's freedom movement. During the 1920s and 1930s, very few universities existed in British India, and fewer still were independent of government funding. The men envisioned Jamia as a place where Muslim boys and girls could receive an education that would prepare them to contribute to India's liberation struggle. Additionally, they aimed to foster unity between Hindus and Muslims and promote a sense of love for the motherland.

These ideals resonated deeply with Philipsborn, who had experienced the turbulence of war, industrialisation, and growing anti-Semitism in Europe. Born into a wealthy family in 1895, she understood the plight of the oppressed and was motivated by a desire to bring about change. As her friends left Berlin to dedicate themselves to building Jamia, she too decided to follow them, despite the difficulties she knew she would face in an impoverished and politically charged India.

Overcoming Barriers: A Woman’s Struggle for Acceptance

Philipsborn’s decision to move to India was not met with immediate approval. Zakir Husain and Muhammad Mujeeb both expressed concerns about how a young, unmarried European woman would fit into Jamia’s environment, where traditional customs such as purdah (the seclusion of women) were still practiced. Nonetheless, Philipsborn persisted, and upon arriving in India, she quickly integrated herself into the community.

She began teaching at Jamia's primary school, using the skills she had acquired while teaching in Germany. Her methods of making education enjoyable were well-received, and soon, she was appointed the warden of a hostel for children. It was in this role that she earned the affectionate title "Aapajaan."

Philipsborn became more than just a teacher—she was a caregiver and a guide. She personally attended to the children’s needs, even performing menial tasks like washing their hair. Her nurturing presence made her indispensable to the children, who often turned to her when they were sick or distressed.

Championing Women’s Education and Empowerment

Philipsborn’s influence extended beyond the classroom. Additionally, Philipsborn was a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment. She encouraged Jamia’s girls and women to take an active role in society. As part of the editorial team of Payam-e Ta'lim, Jamia's children’s journal, she regularly contributed articles that spotlighted women’s hobbies and encouraged girls to write and express themselves. Her contributions fostered a sense of creativity and self-confidence among Jamia's female students.

Additionally, she played a vital role in supporting the founders of Jamia. Philipsborn helped them raise funds for the university, prepared speeches, and became a trusted advisor on educational and political matters. Her dedication was unwavering, even when her personal circumstances became dire.

Struggles During War and Imprisonment

Philipsborn’s commitment to Jamia faced its greatest challenge during World War II. As tensions between Britain and Germany escalated, German nationals in British India were increasingly viewed with suspicion. In 1940, Philipsborn was arrested and interned in a camp, where she endured harsh conditions. Her status as a Jewish woman also put her at risk of being deported to Nazi Germany, where Jews were being persecuted.

Despite the grim environment, Philipsborn continued to serve others in the camp. She organised events to lift the spirits of her fellow internees and provided care to those who were ill. However, her health deteriorated during this time, and she developed a gastric ulcer that eventually turned cancerous.

Legacy of Aapajaan

After her release from the internment camp, Philipsborn returned to Jamia, but her health had been irrevocably damaged. She struggled to maintain the same level of activity but continued to contribute through her writings for Payam-e Ta'lim. In April 1943, at the age of 48, Philipsborn passed away. She was laid to rest in Jamia's graveyard, far from her homeland but surrounded by those who loved her.

Gerda Philipsborn’s legacy lives on in the corridors of Jamia Millia Islamia. A hostel and a daycare centre bear her name, a testament to the lasting impact she had on the institution and the lives of those she touched.

Though her story is still not widely known, her role as "Aapajaan" remains an integral part of Jamia's rich history, symbolising a life dedicated to education, empowerment, and freedom.