In the summer of 2008, while attending the NSS (National Service Scheme) session, the students were asked about an easier, accessible method to serve the society. An attendee student’s reply was “to teach underprivileged kids in the neighbourhood areas”.
Srishti Gupta, the attendee, worked upon the idea given by her later with her friend Suman Beniwal. They formed the group Padhaku under which they started teaching four kids of the staff members of Hansraj College.
In the last four years, the group has become an indispensable part of the college’s NSS team. Students from the college work as volunteers to teach kids about academics as well as recreational activities. And the number of kids coming to study now also includes the ones coming from nearby slum areas like Chandrawal and Malkaganj area beside the kids of college staffs.
Padhaku works under the NSS unit of Hansraj College and is functional from August to February (excluding the University vacation).
Suman, who is now completing her Masters in Mathematics, says that it was a pleasant experience working for the community. “It was a satisfying feeling to serve the society,” says Suman, who is not officially involved with Padhaku at the moment but keeps visiting when the classes are on.
However, the present head of the group, Nikhil Sehra, a final year B.Com (Hons) student, says that getting associated with the group has been a learning experience. “Looking at the achievements of the group, we want to work more for the society. In the last four years, the number of students coming to study has gone up to 40. The number of volunteers has reached 30 and counting. Three students after studying with the Padhaku team have got admission in the Computer Science (Hons) of Hansraj College,” says Nikhil.
There are more feats achieved by the group. Four students (a Class 9 student and three Class 7 students) changed their medium of study from Hindi to English in 2011 and a girl passed with an A-Grade last year. With focussed work, Padhaku has even got an access to the classrooms of Hansraj College. “The college authority has allowed us to take afternoon class in the college premises,” remarks Nikhil.
The group now aims to accomplish more goals. They have now become open to volunteers from outside Hansraj as well. “And we are amazed by the response we have got,” says Nikhil.