Some two kilometers away from Qutub Minar stands the Lado Sarai office and school of Sahaj Sankalp- a non-profit started by an NRI. The small place has computers, books, interactive CDs and most of all an aura of possibility and enthusiasm.
In these changing times of hustle-bustle and instant gratification, there are few who set out against the tide of selfishness. Like many others, doctors Rajeev and Anjali Nagpal were also cruising in their medical profession. One fine morning, they decided to take a vow.
This instinctive pledge was- Sahaj Sankalp. With its inception in 2001 at a New Delhi suburban flat, Sahaj Sankalp aims to educate the deprived and underprivileged children of India. About three hundred kids, of 4-14 years age have benefited from the organization in the last six years.
A visit to their Delhi office is an experience with a difference. It is all about straddling two visibly demarcated worlds. Children are engrossed in their studies observing 'pin-drop' silence. A stranger's entry brings shy yet curious smile on their faces. There are surprises.
Like an ultra-small four year old sitting in front of a computer. While the child tries to make sense out of the simple software- Paintbrush, the other boys and girls, recite a prayer as they gather.
Dr Rajeev Nagpal, a pediatrician from London simply puts it as "giving back to society" as he reminisces how the couple had decided to initiate the good work. Some days before leaving for London, over a cup of coffee, the whole concept of 'Each One Teach Five' was brain-stormed.
With their umbilical cord intensely connected to the country, the young Nagpal couple headed back to their country with a sense of responsibility and loyalty. Today after seven years, the NGO stands better and stronger.
Sahaj Sankalp instructs the needy toddlers through a unique idea known as 'Bal Grah'. The Hindi word meaning Child's Home requires a housewife with proficient qualification and requisite conviction to come forth for the cause.
This teacher called the 'Noble Mother' has to select poor kids from her neighborhood and fill the void of a mother in their lives. From admitting in school and teaching them in make-shift drawing room classes, they began with fifteen children in Delhi and Mumbai.
"In the beginning when I dealt with my patients, I realized that certain amount of general awareness and knowledge could save them from serious ailments," opines the AIIMS alumnus.
He reaffirms that education singularly can ensure at least thirty years of survival, besides other plural benefits in the struggle against harsh realities of subsistence. The USP of 'Balgrahs' is its holistic human resource.
An efficient team constituting doctors, educationists and engineers is directing its funds and force in the right way. Schools have been created in 14 cities such as Mumbai, Agra and Lucknow.
Computer knowledge, nutritious food, infrastructure and infotainment at nominal fees, are offered to convert them into conscientious citizens. Greeting cards with Santa Claus, diyas for Diwali and landscapes with snowman are printed by the group. Talented children like Vidya and Anmol painted these drawings with their own tiny hands.
These cards are sold to generate resources and instill a streak of self-empowerment in them. Other paradigms like Sagar of Lucknow who were devoid of any formal education have proved their mettle. Sagar, 21 is now an engineering student, with vigor to return the debt to society.
Talking of the problems Dr Rajeev says, "There are no government grants or donors forthcoming. There is suspicion among people relating to NGOs and it is a tough task persuading parents to send their children."
Still they are not discouraged and their 'sankalp' (pledge) to give every child the right to grow up as a 'sahaj' (simple and natural) human being stands triumphant.
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