“Education is the passport for tomorrow, because future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom. India is a country with more than one billion people and only one third of the population can read. India has embarked its name amongst the top ten nations where children are out of primary level education. One of the main reasons behind this is poverty. Looking after the members of family by earning a livelihood and to obtain education, simultaneously is next to impossible for many children, hence they drop out at an early stage. Payal Roy is one such messiah or angel who is turning such impossible dreams into reality, through “Shiksha”. It is rightly said that the roots of education are bitter but the fruits are sweet.
She is one happy soul who is transforming the face of Education in India with one kid at a time and she believes in the power of education to transform human life and fate at the end of the day. The way she interacts with kids in her great endeavor that is Shiksha, she reminds us of the great reformers like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King who used to preach the same principles like she does. She is one fierce soul who is determined to achieve greatness and let’s read her inspiring story in the interview down below.
In conversation with Payal Roy | Founder | Shiksha
1) Hey! Payal, It’s nice to have you on board. Tell us about yourself.
Hello readers, this is Payal Roy, a 23-year old masters degree holder in Science and I hail from Jabalpur. I’ve always had a special passion and connection for education and helping the under-privileged and in the same quest I founded ‘Shiksha’ which has given my life a direction and helped me to serve the society.
2) What is ‘Shiksha’ all about ?
‘Shiksha’, literally means Education. I started it in 2016 with only 37 children. It was started with a vision of educating poor kids. Now, many have volunteered themselves to teach and over 150 children are being educated here.
3) What was that noble drive that initiated you to begin this ?
Each time I see people disobeying the rules, not helping each other, hurts me a lot. Therefore I decided to bring about a change from within the roots, through the citizens of tomorrow, the children. I started educating them to help them emerge out as good human beings.
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4) What is the mission of “Shiksha” ?
- Every child should get connected to a school.
- We prepare them at psychological, intellectual and social levels to be on par with the world.
- In-still tolerance, selfless attitude and develop unbiased outlook in every walk of life.
5) What reforms do you wish to bring about in the society ?
I believe that lack of proper education is the root cause for many social problems. I feel that people thoroughly enjoy their rights but fail to perform their duties. I believe in being the change we wish to see in ourselves.
6) How well was your initiative accepted by your family ?
Initially my parents were a bit skeptical about my decision. They were worried about me, managing my studies and the initiative at the same time. Gradually they saw the impact I created with my commitment towards children. And now they were genuinely happy and proud.
7) What is that one dose of inspiration that keeps you going ?
If I decide to do any work, I stand and abide by it till it gets accomplished. The fact that these children are going to be well informed and good human beings one fine day, keeps me going no matter how many hardships I face during the course of my journey.