In Raipur’s Tikarapara area, a quiet revolution in education has been taking place for nearly five decades. Since 1975, Vikas Parishad, a local private organisation, has been running a school that not only provides academic learning but also builds a foundation of values and hope for underprivileged children. The school, known as Nutan School, educates nearly 1,000 children, many of whom come from nearby slum areas. Around 300 of them receive completely free education, ensuring that no child is left behind because of financial hardship.
I wanted to write about this school because it stands as a shining example of how compassion and commitment can create lasting social change. In a time when many families struggle to afford even basic education, initiatives like this prove that private organisations and individuals can play a powerful role in bridging inequality. The story of Vikas Parishad’s school shows that education is not just about books—it’s about giving children confidence, purpose, and the belief that they can change their future. It’s a story that reminds us how community-driven education can transform entire generations.
A School with a Mission Beyond Academics
Founded in 1975, Vikas Parishad (Nutan School) began with a simple vision — to make education accessible to every child, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. Today, it runs classes from nursery to Class 12 and serves as a second home for around 1,000 students.
According to Kirodimal Agrawal, Director of Education and Career Guidance at Vikas Parishad, “Most of our students come from struggling families. Some are children of daily wage workers, street vendors, or small labourers. We ensure that financial challenges never stop them from learning.”
The school’s strength lies in its inclusive approach. It not only provides free education to nearly 300 children but also helps them with uniforms, books, and meals. Teachers here focus equally on academics, values, and personal growth — ensuring that students develop both knowledge and character.
Building Confidence and Character
At Nutan School, education goes beyond textbooks. The teachers focus on shaping students’ mindset and moral values. Activities like debates, storytelling, music, and art are integrated into daily routines to build confidence and creativity among children.
Students are also encouraged to participate in community and environmental projects. Through these activities, they learn about teamwork, empathy, and social responsibility. For many of these children, who come from families with little access to structured education, the school becomes their first exposure to organised learning and mentorship.
Agrawal shared that the school places strong emphasis on discipline and self-awareness. “We want our students to grow up as responsible citizens who understand the importance of kindness, honesty, and hard work,” he said. This value-based approach helps children see education not just as a means to a job, but as a way to live with dignity and purpose.
The Power of Free and Inclusive Education
Free education has become the lifeline for hundreds of families in Tikarapara and nearby slum areas. For parents who cannot afford private schools or tuition fees, Vikas Parishad offers a ray of hope.
Many of the students are first-generation learners. Their parents, often illiterate, see education as the only way for their children to escape poverty. The school’s teachers frequently visit families to motivate them to continue sending their children to class, even during times of hardship.
Beyond academics, Nutan School provides emotional and moral support. Teachers act as mentors, guiding students through personal challenges. Some alumni, who once studied for free, now work as professionals and volunteers, giving back to the school that once supported them.
A Model Worth Replicating
The success of Nutan School highlights how community partnerships can strengthen the education system. By combining social responsibility with local involvement, the model ensures long-term sustainability.
There are several ways such initiatives can be expanded:
- Encouraging corporate and community partnerships to fund free education programmes.
- Government support through grants or recognition for schools providing education to marginalised children.
- Skill and vocational training for older students to prepare them for employment opportunities.
- Alumni networks to mentor and inspire current students.
If more organisations adopt this model, India could make faster progress toward universal education, especially in urban poor and rural regions.
Voices of Hope
For the students of Nutan School, education has opened doors to dreams they once thought impossible. Many have gone on to pursue higher studies and secure stable jobs. Their stories stand as proof that given the right environment and encouragement, every child has the potential to succeed.
Parents too express immense gratitude. For them, the school is not just an institution—it’s a lifeline that offers their children a chance to live differently. “If this school wasn’t here, my son would be working with me at the construction site,” said one parent. “Now, he talks about becoming a teacher.”
