Our Success Story
SAMRIDDHI LEARNING CENTRE
From Garbage Bags to Graduation: The Transformative Impact of Samriddhi Learning Centre
“Why, Mother, why are there no school bags, why are there garbage bags?“
The seeds of change are often sown in the most unlikely of places. For Samriddhi Learning Centre, that seed was a question posed by a young boy named Sandeep, battling blood cancer. Witnessing children his age carrying garbage bags instead of school bags, he asked his mother,
“Why, Mother, why are there no school bags, why are there garbage bags?
“His dream, born from this stark reality, was simple yet profound:
“One day, no child will bear garbage bags; they will be replaced by school bags. All slum children will become engineers and doctors.”
Sandeep’s words struck a deep chord with his mother, Mrs. Nipra Majumdar. Though Sandeep’s life was tragically cut short, his dream lived on in her heart. Driven by a mother’s love and a son’s vision, Mrs. Majumdar established the Sandeepon Music and Educational Society.
The Society’s members ventured into the impoverished slums of Vaishali and Seemant Vihar in Ghaziabad. They found children aged 5 to 12 trapped in a cycle of poverty, forced to scavenge and perform arduous labour. Despite their hardships, these children harbored a hunger for knowledge. The Society responded by providing food and education, nourishing both their bodies and minds.
In 2009, Sandeep’s dream took concrete form with the establishment of the Samriddhi Learning Centre, meaning “Prosperity.” Starting in a humble park, Mrs. Majumdar began educating these underprivileged children, teaching them basic etiquette, hygiene, and cleanliness. This marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation. Children who once knew only hardship began to embrace cleanliness, respect, and the joy of learning.
As the Centre grew, it moved to a rented space and expanded its educational offerings from nursery to grade 5. Over the past 17 years, Samriddhi has touched the lives of over 2,500 children from the slums, offering them a pathway out of poverty and towards a brighter future. The Centre provides not only education but also essential resources such as books, stationery, uniforms, and mid-day meals, all made possible by the generosity of individual donors and the dedicated members of the Sandeepon Society.
Samriddhi’s impact extends beyond academics. The Centre fosters holistic development by offering programs in music, dance, yoga, taekwondo, sports, computers, art, and drama. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Samriddhi provided crucial relief by distributing food to families in need, adhering to social distancing norms. The Centre also organizes regular medical checkups, including eye and dental care, ensuring the well-being of its students.
The success of Samriddhi is evident in the achievements of its students. More than 1,100 girls have received an education, and 73 students have been admitted to government and private schools, completing their tenth-grade education with the support of sponsorships. Notably, 20% of these students have gone on to graduate from IGNOU, a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering support of Samriddhi. Many of its alumni have secured stable and fulfilling occupations, breaking the cycle of poverty and contributing to society.
Samriddhi Learning Centre stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love and a son’s dream. It is a story of transformation, where garbage bags are replaced by school bags, and where the children of slums are empowered to become engineers, doctors, and so much more. The Centre continues its mission to reach the maximum number of underprivileged children, giving wings to their dreams through the gift of education.
