“A Beacon of Hope for Aspiring Women: Transforming Lives Through ‘Ashayein’ Project”
In Vadodara, the Anand Ashram Charitable Trust has been instrumental in assisting underprivileged girls in pursuing higher education, as part of their ‘Ashayein’ project.
Over the past seven years, this initiative has extended its support to more than 1,200 deserving students, enabling them to chase their dreams and create brighter futures.
Many of these young women have not only shown determination in their pursuit of education but have also undertaken part-time jobs to contribute to their families’ well-being.
K.S. Chhabra, the Managing Trustee of Anand Ashram Charitable Trust, emphasized that their efforts align with the government’s “Beti Padhao” and women empowerment initiatives. The trust seeks to identify and aid those students facing genuine financial constraints, ensuring that help reaches those who most need it.
Success Stories Illuminate the Impact
One such inspiring success story is that of Gayatri Shrikhande, a dedicated student pursuing an M.A. at MSU Baroda with aspirations of becoming a Marathi teacher. Gayatri, a gold medalist in Marathi from MSU, presently teaches at an M.C. High school in Salatwada, with a mission to preserve and promote the mother tongue.
Purvi Mahant, a 23-year-old, is the daughter of a rickshaw driver and faced numerous challenges to reach her current point in her academic journey. Despite financial struggles, she successfully completed her graduation and post-graduation at MSU, now working to support her father.
Vandana Purani, aged 19, tragically lost her father in 2021 after his prolonged battle with illness. As the elder sibling, she took on the responsibility of her family. Vandana balances part-time work with her studies to assist her mother, who provides cooking services in households. The support from Anand Ashram has been instrumental in stabilizing their lives.
A Pledge to Empower Future Leaders
K.S. Chhabra expressed the trust’s commitment to continuing their mission by covering university fees for girl students through the ‘Ashayein’ project. Recognizing that girls are the future leaders and drivers of tomorrow’s growth, the trust lends a helping hand to those aspiring to higher education. Their selection process carefully considers the candidate’s determination, financial situation, family circumstances, and academic performance. This effort is a testament to their dedication to supporting government initiatives aimed at educating and empowering girls, ensuring that those in need receive the assistance required to pursue their dreams.
