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Social and Development Research & Action Group

Sushma: From the stress of migration to a skilled artisan!

Sushma lives in an extended family in village Nagla Charndas in Noida. Cramped in a small rented room, the family struggled to meet its daily requirements.
Under the brunt of helplessness, Sushma wanted to earn and contribute money to her family but she lacked marketable skills and resources to begin. Her opportunity arrived when she joined Sarthak skilling & livelihood program currently running in their village. She joined the program and enrolled for the 3 months course in stitching.
Sushma attended the course diligently and she subsequently joined other women for making bags out of old cloth under the livelihood component of Sarthak program. Sushma now earns money and her contribution to family has somewhat eased its financial burden.
Sushma has inspired several other women in her community to join Sarthak to not only become economic contributor to their family but also to contribute to the campaign against No Plastic in our Daily Life!

 
 

Sonam: Spreading Smiles!

Nine year old Sonam lives with her parents in a basti near village Tughalpur in Greater Noida.
Sonam’s mother and father are gardeners. They grow plants with love and care. They love Sonam but somehow ignored the need to enrol her in school.
Last year during community survey, our team identified Sonal as a potential Ugta Suraj child They convinced Sonal’s parents and Sonal was happy to be with other children at the centre.
This year in 2024, Sonal is enrolled in Class Three at Govt. School, village Tughalpur, happily attending the school everyday.

Unbound..the journey of Salma who defied expectations

Meet Salma, from Nagla village who took charge of her life and is writing her own story with her hardwork. She faced significant hardship… Determined to support her family, Salma sought a solution despite lacking formal skills. She discovered the Sarthak Sewing Center, a vocational training institute offering courses in sewing and cutting. Salma enrolled, balancing household responsibilities with her commitment to learning a new skill. Initially unfamiliar with sewing, Salma persevered and, after three months of training, became proficient in sewing, cutting, and bag-making. This newfound skill allowed her to generate a stable income through bag production, enabling her to pay overdue school fees and contribute meaningfully to the household budget. Salma’s financial empowerment not only stabilized her family’s situation but also positioned her as a skilled artisan and role model for other women in her community. Her journey exemplifies the power of vocational training in transforming lives, demonstrating that with determination, persistence, and the right support, financial struggles can be overcome, leading to entrepreneurial success and self-reliance.

Neeraj journey at Ugta Suraj

Neeraj, a bright 9-year-old boy from Bihar, represents the dreams and struggles of countless children from migrant families in India. Neeraj, like many children in his community, was never enrolled in school. Neeraj spent his days playing in the slums, unaware of the opportunities education could offer him. It was during one of their routine surveys that SADRAG’s team encountered Neeraj. Seeing his potential, they spoke to his parents about the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009, which guarantees free and compulsory education for all children between the ages of 6 and 14. Neeraj’s parents, with guidance and support from SADRAG, decided to enroll him at the _Ugta Suraj_ Centre, a community-based learning space that serves as a bridge between out-of-school children and the formal education system. Despite never having been exposed to formal education before, Neeraj quickly adapted to his new environment. His rapid progress and natural curiosity, particularly in sports, have been remarkable. He stands out not only for his academic achievements but also for his empathy and maturity, understanding the struggles his family and others in similar situations face. Neeraj dreams of building a better life for his family—a larger home and improved living standards—and hopes to one day help others like himself. Neeraj’s story is one of hope and resilience, demonstrating how with the right support and resources, every child, regardless of their background, can take the first step toward realizing their dreams.

Ayush: The Journey of Hope

Ayush, an 11-year-old from Ghaziabad, experienced displacement when his father lost his job during the Covid lockdown. Settling in Nagla, Noida, Ayush found himself without schooling. Yet, driven by his mother’s determination, he enrolled in the Ugta Suraj Centre. With unwavering dedication, Ayush honed essential skills and successfully transitioned to Class Four in the Government School of Nagla Charndas for the academic year 2024-25. His journey exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity, offering inspiration to countless children affected by displacement during the pandemic .Ayush’s journey is a beacon of hope for millions of such children who faced displacement and relocation during Covid.

Kajal - A Journey to Financial Independence

Kajal, originally from Bihar, migrated to Noida with her large family in search of better opportunities. Despite her husband’s job, financial struggles persisted due to their family size and the city’s high living costs. Feeling the pressure to contribute, Kajal enrolled in the Sarthak Silayi Centre, determined to acquire stitching skills. Through the three-month program, she mastered stitching and expanded her abilities in candle and diya making. With newfound skills, Kajal secured employment as a thread cutter at DIXON company, significantly improving her family’s financial situation. Her journey from uncertainty to self-sufficiency showcases the transformative impact of empowerment initiatives like the Sarthak Silayi Centre, offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar challenges.

Pooja - A Story of Determination and Empowerment

Pooja, born into modest circumstances in Bihar, India, faced early challenges as the eldest daughter in a family of five. Despite financial hardships, she prioritized education, excelling academically until class 12. Forced to abandon her studies due to financial constraints, Pooja got married at a young age of 20 and relocated to Nagla, where she worked tirelessly to support her family. Embracing household duties while her husband worked as a tailor,Even after 7 years of marriage , Pooja’s determination remained unwavering. Intrigued by a computer center in her neighborhood, she enrolled in classes, mastering programs like MS Word and Excel. Her newfound skills not only enhanced her employability but also inspired her family to prioritize education. Today, Pooja, aged 27, serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of perseverance and education.

Gauresh - A Tale of Resilience and Aspiration

Gauresh, a resilient young man from Village Aghapur, Sector 41, Noida, has faced numerous challenges since the loss of his father 12 years ago. Alongside his mother, elder brother, younger brother, and sister, Gauresh found solace and support through SADRAG’s Vidya Ratan program, dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through education. Joining SADRAG in 2013, Gauresh embarked on a transformative journey, receiving unwavering support from 2nd to 12th grade exams.

His determination bore fruit when Gauresh secured the 3rd position in his class during the 11th grade, earning him a well-deserved award and recognition of his academic prowess. With aspirations to become a doctor, Gauresh remains resolute despite challenges, recently appearing for his 12th-grade exams, where he secured an impressive 79.6% marks.

Gauresh’s story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering optimism, showcasing the transformative power of education and the boundless potential within every individual. As he continues his journey towards becoming a doctor, Gauresh serves as an inspiring beacon of hope for his community and beyond.

Ragini's Journey: From Determination to Dreams at Ugta Suraj

Ragini, a determined 9-year-old with a simple dream of becoming a teacher! Originally from Agra, Ragini and her family moved to Nagla in Noida in search of better livelihood opportunities. Despite the hardships they’ve encountered, Ragini’s journey is truly inspiring.
When Ragini first joined our Ugta Suraj center in 2023, she found it difficult to adapt to the classroom and connect with fellow children. But with her positive attitude and hard work, she quickly learned by observing and following the example of her peers and adapted quickly.

By April 2024, Ragini took an important step towards her dream by enrolling in school. She’s now a regular student and enjoys her school hours, where she’s picking up new skills and growing more confident each day.

Although her family faces financial challenges, with her mom working hard and her dad struggling with addiction, Ragini’s enthusiasm for learning and her cheerful spirit shine brightly. Her dream of becoming a teacher motivates her every day, and we couldn’t be prouder of her progress.
Ragini’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of dedication and hope.

Nakul's Journey to Education

Nakul, 11 years, from a small village near Ghaziabad. His family moved to village Nagla Charndas, Noida for employment, which proved to be tough. The family struggled amidst lack of resources and the pain of adapting to the new location.
Nakul’s education was disrupted due to migration and financial instability. However, Nakul never gave up. He joined Ugta Suraj and worked hard so as to get in a school. After a year of learning, we enrolled him in the neighborhood government school. He is attending the school during 2024-25.
Nakul dreams of joining the Indian Army in the future. His transition to formal schooling opens up new opportunities and sets the stage for achieving his goals. Nakul’s perseverance and progress are commendable, and his journey underscores the importance of education and resilience.