We Are Building A Better Future, One Student at a Time – Sushma Singhvi

EE News Desk Oct 22, 2024

Singhvi, Founder of Gunjan Foundation reflects on her journey, the challenges faced and her vision for the foundation

Sushma Singhvi, founder of Gunjan Foundation, has spent nearly two decades transforming lives through her dedication to providing quality education to underprivileged children. Established in 2004, the Gunjan Foundation operates as a non-governmental organization (NGO) with a mission to uplift underprivileged sections of society through education and skill development.

In this interview, Singhvi reflects on her journey, the challenges faced and her vision for the foundation.

Excerpts:

It’s been nearly 20 years since you started the Gunjan Foundation. How has the journey been so far?

The journey was difficult in the beginning. Initially, we struggled to get people to understand the importance of what we were doing. We did face challenges, but the passion to achieve our mission kept us going. Over the years, we have been recognized for our efforts, receiving the Gold Certificate of Excellence and being named one of the top 10 effective NGOs in India. Today, we have three chapters in Delhi, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad.

What have been some of the most significant milestones for the Gunjan Foundation?

There have been many, but a few stand out. One of our early successes was a seminar we conducted on mind pollution, which received significant media attention. More recently, we were named one of the top 10 NGOs in Delhi by a leading organization. We’ve also expanded significantly, opening three chapters in Delhi, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad. Another big milestone was when we were recognized as one of the top 10 effective NGOs in India by Brand Henko.

Can you share any personal stories of how the Gunjan Foundation has impacted lives?

There are several stories that bring me immense pride. One example is a girl who, with the help of our foundation, got admission into one of the top engineering colleges in India. Many of our students have gone on to pursue higher education, with some attending IIT and other prestigious institutions. We also provide all facilities, from schooling to higher education, to ensure these students succeed.

What are the current challenges faced by NGOs, especially in terms of sustaining operations?

One of the biggest challenges for NGOs is attracting and retaining good staff because we can’t offer the high salaries that corporates can. Finding people who are dedicated to the cause but willing to work for a lower salary is tough. Another challenge is dropout rates, particularly among girls, as parents often pull them out of school to marry them off or send them back to their villages. Thankfully, this has reduced over the past 7-8 years, and more students are coming to us for education.

How has the role of government and corporate support evolved in the NGO sector over the years?

In my experience, getting government support is not as easy as people think unless you have political connections, which I did not. We never took government funds, as I didn’t agree with many of their policies, and I was strict about maintaining my principles. However, the government has supported us in other ways, such as providing FCRA approval and other necessary clearances. On the other hand, PSUs, MNCs, and corporate entities have been very supportive. We have received funds from many corporates over the years, and that has been a significant help.

What steps can NGOs take to attract top talent?

It’s difficult because NGOs don’t have the resources to offer competitive salaries. But I believe awareness is key. The media needs to highlight the good work NGOs are doing to attract the right people. Another important area is skill development, especially in English. At Gunjan, we’ve introduced online classes to improve our students’ communication skills, which has made a significant difference.

What is your vision for the Gunjan Foundation over the next two-three years?

We have plans to expand to more cities and start new projects like the Mindspart project, which focuses on improving maths and English skills. Many of our students, despite scoring well in other subjects, struggle with maths. So, we want to address that gap. My vision is to continue expanding the foundation, providing quality education and ensuring that we make a lasting difference in the lives of underprivileged children.