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| Self-sustainable AADHAAR knowledge center at Multai, India |
Now as then, the contribution of the UT's employees from the money allotted for their Christmas gift has been a major financial source of the nuts and bolts of the knowledge center.
The small town of Multai and its vicinity are inhabited primarily by tribal people. Though rich in forests, biodiversity and water resources, this is one of the most backward areas in central India. The new knowledge center is aimed at improving the living standards of the tribal people by providing access to books and educational software for children, whose parents very likely are unable to write their own name even in their mother tongue. The center has four computers (donated by other sources), a book bank, a library and a photocopier, the latter three bought using the money donated by the UT faculties of CTW, GW and TNW. It is really a boon to these children who can avail this opportunity to learn by reading books that complement their academic curriculum and by learning to use computers.
The AADHAAR think tank has been contemplating a self-sustainable model for its knowledge centers for quite some time. According to this model, a knowledge center should be able to manage its expenses all by itself from the second year of its existence. The new knowledge center at Multai is a forerunner in the sense that it will use the photocopier to generate some revenue, thereby creating a small business unit within its premises. If successful, this model could be developed further and implemented in future knowledge centers.
AADHAAR is involved in a host of other social and charitable activities besides its efforts to educate underprivileged children. It is worth mentioning that a part of the fund from the UT was used to support SWABHIMAAN, an organization for orphaned or quasi-orphaned young girls in Bangalore, southern India. To quote the chairperson of AADHAAR, Pramod Agrawal, `Thanks to the generosity of the UT, we are able to work on several charitable projects simultaneously. We hope the financial support from the UT will continue this year as well as in the years to come.'
In addition to its current charitable endeavors, AADHAAR is gladly willing to guide any non-governmental organization (NGO) working for socio-charitable causes, in any country. This is a golden opportunity for like-minded UTers who want to contribute to the betterment of their homeland, to benefit from AADHAAR's experience. Contact Agrawal at [email protected]; or visit the website: www.aadhaar.com
