The Beginning

The initial motivation was to spread education among the under-privileged children. Every morning they were lovingly persuaded to learn the three R’s under the shade of roadside trees. Earlier, the children were reluctant and parents apprehensive, but gradually their trust was gained. A particular stretch along the now busy E. M. Bypass pulsated with the chorus of children chanting lessons in tune with their lone teacher.

Transition

That was more than a decade back. The urge to found a Society to alleviate the distress of the under-privileged children was born. Gradually the idea evolved in the context of socio-economic backwardness of the people around Madurdaha. The initial concern was children’s basic Education, which later turned to their Health. Frequent absence from open-air classes due to sickness prompted measures to improve their health that led to Self-Reliance serving the dual cause of education and health.

The local people were uneducated and mostly daily wage-earners. Their living conditions were not congenial for spread of basic education and health. They needed support. The impetus to organize a society to transform the dream into reality was felt. Thus was founded ‘Dakshini Prayash’ in the year 1994 with statutory approvals and people started streaming in.

The Society touched the lives of Madurdaha people in general. The local club offered space to continue teaching so that classes were not disrupted during the monsoon. Free tutorial school was then started. The benefits resounded in Government-run Primary and Higher-Secondary schools. EarlIer, the children in those schools were failures and drop-outs, but with tuition they acquit themselves creditably in those schools.