Virtual assessment of beneficiaries has given us more insights and perspective about their family's overall condition. This also provided us with an opportunity to discuss education related matters about their siblings as well. We were able to guide them on a one-to-one basis, in a relaxed environment and at mutually convenient timings. This new way of assessment is an eye opener for us as to how an unforeseen problem can be converted into an opportunity. The Trust has assured the beneficiaries maximum support and consequently decided to increase scholarship amount at every level this year. We have expedited the process of assessment and disbursement of funds to our beneficiaries.

A new initiative, to act as facilitator for providing extra financial support to our beneficiaries through relevant Government Schemes / NGOs / other trusts, has been started this year. We are apprising them about various central and state government scholarships / loan schemes in the field of education and also providing them with last mile connectivity in terms of procuring documents, filling online forms, etc. We have also provided details of other NGOs / trusts which are supporting education of underprivileged students through scholarships / loans. This year around 1000 students have benefitted from various such schemes.

Due to COVID-19, teaching has been shifted from physical classrooms to online mediums. Students are studying through different gadgets – mostly through mobile phones. For students pursuing higher degrees, it becomes increasingly difficult and tedious to study through the smaller screens of mobile phones for long hours. The Trust has been trying to support as many students as possible through distribution of laptop, desktops and smart phones.

It becomes difficult for students to adapt to English medium in college/higher studies as most of them study in vernacular languages in school. Hence, the Trust has been conducting regular classes (webinars in the wake of Covid-19), providing special guidance and counseling for overall personality development of beneficiaries, with the help of experts.

To enlarge the pool of experts and mentors for our beneficiaries, we have been trying to collaborate with organizations and individuals from all over the country for mobile / virtual mentoring. We have also got associated with a Social Initiative group consisting of IIT–IIM alumni who have worked for more than 30 years in big corporations at senior positions. Their diverse experience in various fields and the passion to mentor under privilege students to make them job ready has been immensely helpful for our beneficiaries.

A working committee of Trust Alumni has been formed to encourage participation of past Trust beneficiaries. The purpose of forming this group is to connect with all alumni, encourage them to participate in trust activities and refer other meritorious and needy students to the Trust office, helping enlarge the pool of beneficiaries. As of now, the committee has connected with more than 300 alumni and many of them are very enthusiastic to guide and support present beneficiaries.

As we continue to grow, we make sure that we strictly adhere to our following core guiding principles - No discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, Personal assessment of beneficiaries, Continuity of support, Upholding self-respect of beneficiaries and Zero administrative expenses.

I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for the consistent support provided by our well-wishers, donors, alumni, volunteers, collaborating organizations to enlarge our beneficiary pool and serve them in best possible manner.

Pradeep Kothari

Chairman, Board of Trustees