Education for Underprivileged

Couple of years ago, I was having a conversation with a gentleman and he has a wonderful idea to educate underprivileged youths. He was talking about educating poor kids through individual contribution of well off people in Dalit community. According to him, each person should take responsibility to educate at least one student." He baptized the idea as “Each one to teach one.” The idea sound pretty great!!! 

Probably K R Narayanan would not have become the president of India if he hadn't got scholarship assistance from J.R.D. Tata. Same applies in the life of Dr. Ambedkar as well. There are millions of such people, born and probably yet to be born - deprived of the opportunities at birth and hence require a little push. In fact, there is no difference between poor and rich person. Both are gifted with endless potential. Just that the former is more likely to suffer because of the cash-nexus system we have. Sadly, most of the times these poor creatures can't even get a chance to know what they are made of - let alone harnessing it! The talent remains untapped!! 

There's no denying that the state in some ways must set some conducive environment – where mind is without fear - where people's talents can blossom - irrespective of the class they belong to. We fret it might be too much to expect from a country like Nepal. The political turmoil it is mired in, its tone deaf stance to the economic agendas and the obscurity in social inclusion policies all attest to this fear. 

In this backdrop, can't there be something which we can act on our own efforts to spark a change in our community? Certainly yes! Your power, talent and a little help can metamorphose the life of at least one student. But it implores an abiding commitment to the principle of goodness and generosity. Allow me to mention here that the people like us, who have accomplished some sort of heights in our careers, must feel a responsibility to assist others especially the ones with a blazing desire for success but fall short of enough opportunities! 

Who knows the new generation of Dalit leadership might emerge out of our earnest endeavors. Many individuals are coming forward to extend their helping hand to poor students. Basanti Sunar is one of them. She is helping a student named Dal Bahadur B K who is originally from Mugu district. He is the most deserving student. They are the true friends for such needy students. We must acknowledge that every life should have equal value.