Vision
Our vision is to build the necessary infrastructure, engage skilled teachers, and impart quality education in areas where it is non-existent.
We began this endeavor in Uttarakhand after the devastating floods of 2013, which brought life to a standstill. Recognizing that children were the silent victims of this disaster, we extended our support to their families and education. Over the years, we have established tuition centers, computer centers, and libraries to supplement formal education.
Motivation
While working with children, we identified significant gaps in the education provided by government-run institutions. Schools in remote areas often lack basic amenities, have inadequate infrastructure, and face a shortage of qualified and motivated teachers. Many teachers avoid rigorous tenure due to the region’s challenging terrain, while others lack the necessary skills for effective teaching.
These shortcomings directly impact children’s education, resulting in learning disparities compared to students in urban areas. Additionally, issues such as inadequate sanitation facilities in government schools have led to high dropout rates, particularly among girls.
We realized that supplemental efforts like tuition centers alone are insufficient. Quality primary education, with proper infrastructure and skilled educators, can be a game-changer and lay a strong foundation for children’s future learning.
Kashika Public School
Location
Our school is located in Kumarkot Village, 50 km from Uttarkashi on the Uttarkashi–Buda Kedhar highway. The area, close to the Indo-Tibetan border, serves seven villages and approximately 2,700 families, primarily poor and lower-middle-class farmers. KASHIKA Trust owns 2 acres (8,093 sq. meters) of land exclusively allocated for the school and its amenities.Infrastructure and Facilities
The school is being developed with six classrooms, a community hall, kitchen, library, residential quarters, administrative office, modern toilets, and sports facilities. We began regular classes on April 15, 2024, with 15 students, along with 40 children attending our after-school program. The growing demand for admissions underscores the need for expansion. To meet this demand, we have initiated the construction of three additional classrooms, covering a total area of 2,488 square feet at an estimated cost of Rs. 49,76,000. The project aims to provide better facilities, meet government approval requirements, and ensure a nurturing environment. Construction is progressing well, with foundation and structural work underway. The remaining Rs. 39,00,000 needed for completion (Groud floor finishing) must be secured to meet our goal of finishing the project by April 2025.How You Can Help
We humbly invite you to support this noble endeavor. You may consider:- Sponsoring a classroom,
- Contributing to the school building in memory of a loved one,
- Offering any monetary or material support.
Educational Framework
The school follows a rigorous curriculum with English and Samskritam as mediums of instruction. Yoga and meditation are integral parts of the curriculum to foster holistic development. To maintain a personalized approach, class sizes are limited to 20–25 students, with a total strength of 60–80 children. The school also provides lodging for deserving children and teachers and runs a full-fledged kitchen to serve wholesome meals daily. The educational system is led by Mr. Shantanu Tripathi and Mrs. Sandhya Tripathi, an IIT Mumbai couple offering their time and expertise voluntarily. Their commitment to quality education is helping shape the future of these innocent Himalayan kids.Acknowledgment of Support
This project has been made possible through the generous support of:- Shri Savitri R. Rajan Ji,
- Sri Gowri Shankar Ji,
- Shri Robert Shankera Moses Ji of Namarupa Bandhava,
- Sri Vaidhyanatan Ramachandran Ji,
- Sri Moniya Ji,
- Lee and Tony Davis,
- Swami Kashi Ji
We welcome your support in the form of monetary contributions, volunteering, or material assistance. For inquiries or to contribute,