At the age of 21, Uttam Terron from Assam was as ordinary as anyone. But his life changed when he saw some children playing in the mud instead of going to school.
To teach these children, he converted his shed into a classroom and started teaching them for free. Later in 2003, with Rs 800 in his pocket, the BSc graduate turned his classroom into a non-profit school called Parijat Academy.
When the word spread, many parents started sending their children. Today, the 47-year-old along with 22 trained teachers are providing free education to nearly 400 children in 20 villages.
Uttam built the Parijat Academy on his ancestral property. The school conducts classes from Nursery to Class 10 affiliated to the Assam State Board. There is also a hostel for children from remote areas.
Apart from imparting formal education to children in Assamese, Hindi, English, Social Science and Mathematics, the Institute also teaches various crafts to underprivileged children to achieve high proficiency. They are given training in computer learning, sewing, handloom, sports and dance.
Uttam receives support from individuals and organizations to run the school. But it hasn’t been easy. He also collects pencils, old school bags, old books and green vegetables and rice from people to run his school.
He says, ‘Only through education can the poor live a dignified life.
Check out her inspiring work here:
Edited by Pranita Bhat