Illiteracy is one of the major roadblocks in India’s path to eliminating poverty and achieving sustained economic growth. It is often the root cause of issues plaguing our society i.e. rapes, unchecked population growth and poor standards of living, all of which have hampered India’s progress..
Round Table India (RTI), an active member of the worldwide organisation of Round Table International, (a non-political, non-sectarian, non-profit NGO that comprises of young achievers in the age group of 18-40 ) have taken it upon themselves to alleviate these social malaises through education of the masses.
RTI adopted a common national project called ‘Freedom Through Education’ with a mission to build school infrastructure for underprivileged children across the country.
As on date, they have built around 5,377 classrooms and 2,172 schools across India, benefiting around 6.2 million children. The funds for this project have been raised through various sources such as self-contribution, fundraisers and CSR tie-ups with various local and international corporate, governments and NGOs.
RTI also claims to have built an average of a classroom a day for the past 10 years.
At a recent event held in Pune, RTI appointed Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff as their brand ambassador. Addressing the gathering, Shroff said, “I am proud to be associated with RTI and I am thankful to them for bringing me on board for such a noble cause. They have made their brand ambassador a boy who couldn’t seek education due to lack of money and resources.
“I wish such initiatives were taken when I was a kid. After passing 11th grade, I didn’t have money to pursue further education, said Shroff.
My mother used to sell her saree and utensils to pay our school fees. My ‘aai’ has been my best teacher and she taught us the stark reality of life. RTI is giving opportunities to students who want to study but cannot afford to.
“The thought of opening a classroom everyday across India is itself a great thing. Everybody should come forward and help in any possible way to make someone’s life beautiful,” he adds.
RTI chairman – Area 15 TR Avinash Agarwal, said, “In mid-September, RTI will be laying the foundation stone for three new schools near Pune which I am really happy about. Education has always been on top of my list and it is extremely important. We at RTI take this matter very seriously and what better way to start then by helping in educating children,” he adds.
Kiran Dubey, who made her debut in the acting world with Indian soaps such as ‘Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki’ , also supports this cause was present at the event.
Reach her at loveleen@pune365.com or tweet @KaurKaur18
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