Friends,
I want to share with you a thought which has motivated me and few friends to work on the topic of child education.
There is no need to go into the details or numbers , we all are aware about the skewed income in our country. Every year I hear my own engineering college increasing its fee many times. Sometimes, I wonder if I was required to pay today's fee structure - how feasible was it for my parents to fund my education !!
I strongly believe , education is the only way to help somebody make a sustainable future. If the person is able to graduate in a stream of his choice - for sure he can provide for himself and his family and ensure his kids will have better oppurtunities to choose from. It is most unfair , to miss out on such oppurtunities because of lack of money to fund the college fees.
All of us are truly blessed to be earning very good amounts of money on a regular basis. We fail to appreciate this - but when you observe how people with irregular source of income have to live their life - a realization of being lucky sets in. It did to me. It is also an oppurtunity for us to help students .. who are equally intelligent , equally capable to realize their own dreams.
Few friends discussed about this - and over a period of time , we are now in a position to better articulate our views on this topic. The fee structure for professional courses in India is such , that among ourselves I feel no-one can completely fund the 3 year or 4 year course. We plan to create a community where all of us contribute small amounts of money - which makes it comfortable for all of us - but collectively the money adds up to make for the fee for students who cannot afford to pay their fee.
The purpose to develop this as a community is to avoid any exclusivity. We are not looking for friends who can contribute 1,00,000 or similar amounts !! It would be easier to get few such "high worth" people and get the work done. But we feel - that is not a sustainable model. Instead, we wish many people to join us - with any amounts of contribution which they feel comfortable with. It is similar to how drops of water add up to make an ocean. Our collective contribution is worth much more than sum of our individual efforts. For example, to pledge 500/1000 rupees every month is not very difficult for most us. We spend this much money for a movie or dinner. But when added up , this is sufficient to provide an oppurtunity to change life for one student.
I know 1961-batch Thapar senior, who runs a school scholarship program. One of the students has got very good results in his engineering entrance examination. I am confident he will secure admission from a reputed college. There is no way his parents can pay for the fee. We made a deal with him - he is to get the marks enough to secure an admission , and we will secure the fee from him. He has done his part, and it is time for us to do ours. For this , I request your contribution.
On my part, I assure you complete transperancy. I will share with you the fee reciepts and student progress at regular intervals.
I am writing to you , with confidence that you will think about it this point.
If you wish to be part - please call me / email me
Always, your suggestions , experiences are most welcome. Do provide your viewpoint,
I am not very good with words, so if you wish to know more details - please call me.
