Compassion in Action Saksham Bal Vikas Sanstha

IN 1993, INDUSTRIALIST couple Gagan and Neelu Sharma were deeply moved seeing children on the streets of Gurgaon with no place to go for learning or to play in.

- Krishan Kalra

They started Saksham (self-reliant) in a small house where all kids were welcome; they were also being taught basic hygiene like baths. People liked the idea and joined hands to help and the team of two soon became a community with common passion and purpose. Within 10 years, Saksham moved to spacious premises, with adjoining sprawling lawns, in Sushant Lok. Their first employee Ram Kumar is nostalgic about the humble beginnings and – 30 years later – continues to cook a delicious hot lunch for students and staff.

In 2004, their first batch of five appeared for NIOS Level B (Grade 5) examination conducted under the SNS Foundation, as Saksham was not yet accredited. They had classes till Grade 5 and there were about 100 students. Initially, parents in the slums needed persuasion to send their children but the incentives of a free education, buses and lunch won them over. The aim was to ensure that all 5th grade pass-outs get admission in government schools.