Draft:Dr Akelabhai Progressive Foundation

Dr. Akelabhai Progressive Foundation was founded in Gopalganj District, Bihar. It completed its registration in 2016. The NGO aims to bring about awareness regarding education in the rural and remote areas of Bihar as well as many other states in the country. Bihar is one of the least literate states in the country, with literacy rate peaking just above 60%.the orthodox society and rigidness among social classes, castes as well as issues of gender discrimination give way to unwillingness in people for receiving education. The patriarchy, age old social laws and frightening crime rate are still found in major cities of the state as well. The NGO wishes to fight against all of these social evils and believe in using education as a weapon. The NGO plans to promote the health of the people in rural areas, especially for the weaker and economically poor sections by providing medical/health camps, health awareness programmes, yoga camps, setting up of medical institutions, setting up dispensaries and providing ambulances and mortuaries. Along with this they also plan to establish an institution or trust for the welfare of the victims of natural calamities and to provide food and shelter to the needy persons from time to time. The NGO also emphasizes on skill development and wishes to move in par with the world by aiming to conduct training and skill development programs such as software development, computer programming, communication, IT, research training and development programs and award certificates. Throughout their years of working, they have done commendable work in the field of education by providing quality education and training in the fields of arts, science, literature, commerce, music, sports, health, physical education etc to students across all age groups. They have always believed in using education as a medium through which standard of living can be improved. The NGO wishes to bring about a change through physical, mental, spiritual, educational and social development of an individual and of a society as a whole. They have impacted thousands of lives within the span of many years and are constantly in the pursuit of giving back much more to society. The state of Bihar has a low level of literacy. The literacy ratio among men and women also differs by a great extent. There is very little awareness about education. Women are often subjected to gender discrimination. Due to orthodox values, very few women are allowed to work or receive education. They are dependent on their husbands or other male family members for financial and social support. Most women are married off at a very young age and spend most of their lives doing household chores and taking care of the family. In order to tackle this problem and be a moral support to these women, the NGO devised a plan to provide basic education to women so that they could at least read and write. However the incessant patriarchy paved way to many obstacles. In a community where women had to consult their male family members regarding every single need of theirs, seeking permission to receive education looked like an impossible task to achieve. Many women backed out due to this fear. The NGO took the responsibility of making an effort to convince families. Later after it received a good number of participating women, they began their programme. Women were thrilled to step out from their monotonous routine and start something new. A number of women later went on to develop certain specialized skills as well. The NGO also helped in providing them with a platform where they could showcase their skills and craft, make their first earnings and begin their journey of financial independence. Dr. Akelabhai Progressive Foundation has been organizing a cultural festival each year since 2005 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Gandhiji. Every year, in association with its sister NGO Purvottar Hindi Academy and several other organizations such as Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti. The event is conducted over a span of one month, beginning from the 8th of September to the 6th of October each year. The objective of this event is to promote the ideals and philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and encourage people to be inspired by his lifestyle. A platform is provided for all students to participate in various socio-cultural activities such as drawing, storytelling, essay writing and a quiz based on Gandhiji's life. Over 1600 students from 15 schools came together and participated in the competitions. Students were enlightened about Gandhiji's life story by some of the expert speakers. Values of nonviolence, peace, determination, simplicity, self-belief, leadership and freedom which were an integral part of his personality were instilled in the minds of the students through various stories, plays, songs and poems. The inauguration ceremony was held in Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Shillong. The Guest of honor, IPS Officer, Mr. AK Mathur lit the holy lamp to begin the event of an auspicious note. Throughout the span of one month several activities were held in different schools. A day-long performance was also organized at Assam Rifles Public School on the 2nd of October. This event proved to be very successful in bringing about awareness of education, social values and Indian cultural history in the minds of the young generation who would then grow on to become intellectuals who would represent the country. From the Founder’s Diary The founder of not one but two very successful NGOs, Dr. Akelabhai established the Dr. Akelabhai Progressive Foundation in Bihar and the Purvottar Hindi Academy in Meghalaya. Born and brought up in Bihar, he completed his Graduation from the University of Bihar. He was keen to continue his further education and pursued his Masters as well as PhD in Hindi language from North East Hill University (NEHU), Shillong (Meghalaya). He then went on to research in Radio writing and speech delivery. His curiosity and efficiency in Hindi language secured him a job as a Radio Jockey for the Purvottar Seva, Akashvani of the Prasar Bharati which is India's official broadcasting agency. He interacted with several known personalities and social workers while interviewing them on air. One of these interactions led to a conversation that inspired him to start his NGOs. Many doctors and hospital directors were a part of the interview lineup. While speaking to a Gynecologist, Dr. Monika Agarwal, she commended his work and asked to expand his arena to more states of the country where people live in worrisome conditions. The doctor threw light upon the saddening lives of people in Bihar who live in a dim shadow of illiteracy, lack of employment, lack of good health care facilities and low economical and social growth. This conversation motivated Dr. Akelabhai to start up this NGO in Gopalganj, Bihar and help people raise their standard of living. Although he now lives a retired life, his enthusiasm and dedication towards his work is evergreen. His efforts and knowledge have earned him numerous laurels. He is the recipient of a National Award ‘Bharatendu Harishchandra Purashkar’ from I & B Ministry, Government of India for his book entitled “Radio Sahitya aur Patrakarita” and more than 60 regional and state awards.

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