Tag Archives: Press

Bicycle distribution at Vidyasthali School

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On Saturday, 20th March 2021, 49 students of VidyasthaliKanar Inter College, Maliahbad received bicycles. The event was organized on behalf of the mutual fund company Canara Robeco as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR] to empower our young learners. The Cluster Head – Sales of Canara Robeco, Mr. Rishi Dhawan along with some members of his team, Anusha Sharma, principal of Vidyasthali School was present at the event.

Aman Pal a Class 9 student said,“Now that I have this cycle, I will reach my school on time and not bother about public transport.”

“I am thrilled to have bicycle. I don’t have to walk long distance or ask people to drop me to school. I can now easily come to school without depending on others” says a very happy Shagun of class 10.

VidyasthaliKanar Inter College, is a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation which is the rural unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation, Lucknow. Based in Block Malihabad and engaged in the education of students from 55 villages, it is an institution which follows a unique pedagogy. Here students learn what it means to become a truly democratic citizen.

This social initiative will help students overcome transportation issues, which at times become great impediments to furthering education.

SHEF and Dr Urvashi to be feted for commendable work during pandemic

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Dr Urvashi Sahni and Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) will be honoured by PHD Chambers of Commerce with Astitva Samman 2021 for their commendable work done in the time of COVID-19 with special focus on girl’s education and gender equality. The event will be held virtually on February 12, 2021.

Dr Sahni, founder and CEO SHEF “I am very happy that SHEF’s work has been lauded and would like to thank PHD Chambers of commerce for recognising the work. We continue to respond to the immediate needs and support girls and the most vulnerable among us.”

SHEF under the leadership of Dr Sahni has provided 162,296 meals to migrant labour communities, 29,000 face masks, 7345 dry ration kits and connected 944 children from marginalized communities to online education.

Astitva Samman Award 2021 is organised by the Women & Child Committee of PHD Chamber’s Family Welfare Foundation. The Astitva Awards were initiated by the Women & Child committee of PHD Family Welfare Foundation to recognize organizations, NGOs and corporations where women have the potential to demonstrate their entire phenomenal and leadership skills.

Urvashi Sahni among Asia’s most impactful philanthropists

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Dr Urvashi Sahni has been named in the Asia’s Most Influential Impact List 2020 published by Tatler Magazine. Dr Sahni shares this honour alongside the likes Ratan Tata and Azim Prermji.

The article in the magazine, which has now been in publication for over 300 years, reads, “With our December issue, Tatler introduces an ambitious new directory of the most influential individuals who are defining the future of Asia. While forthcoming features in 2021 will focus on style, culture and taste, we begin with a subject that is at the heart of our brand—philanthropy. Here are the most impactful philanthropists from around Asia who are making a positive change this year”.

On being asked how she feels about the recognition, Dr Sahni said, “I am astonished and very humbled to find my name there. I feel I don’t belong in the same league. However what is heartening is that Study Hall Educational Foundation’s work is being recognized not just in India but world over. This recognition is another motivation for us to continue the work we have been doing for over 3 decades now.”

Dr Urvashi Sahni is a social entrepreneur, women’s rights activist, and educationist, who has been active in the field for more than three decades, with many pioneering innovations to her credit. She is a leading expert in school governance, curriculum reform, and teacher training with a special focus on girls’ education, gender equality and Democratic Citizenship. She believes that Education should include a strong focus on teaching democratic values of equality and fraternity. 
She founded Suraksha (a women’s rights organisation), DiDi’s (a social enterprise for sustainable livelihoods for women), and is the founding president and CEO of SHEF. Over the last 3 decades, Dr. Sahni’s work, through SHEF and its schools and outreach initiatives, has impacted more than 100,000 teachers and 5 million children, most of whom are girls from disadvantaged communities.

Additionally, Dr Sahni is an Ashoka Fellow, a non-resident fellow at the Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution, U.S.A., and a former member of Rajasthan’s Chief Minister’s Advisory Council. In 2017, she was declared the Social Entrepreneur of the Year India by the Schwab-Jubilant Bhartiya Foundation and joined the international fellowship of Schwab social entrepreneurs.  She is also a co-founder of Catalyst 2030, a global network of over 600 Social Entrepreneurs engaged in expediting the SDGs globally through their innovations.

A total of 4 philanthropists from India have been named on the list. This includes – Ratan Tata, Azim Premji, Aparna Hegde and Dr Urvashi Sahni.
Meet Asia’s Most Influential: The Impact List 2020https://sg.asiatatler.com/society/asia-most-influential-impact-list-2020#.X8hyP8v7QbE.whatsapp

Daughter of Pan Shop Owner scores 86% in CBSE 12

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Dolly Modi, the daughter of a Pan Shop owner scored 86% in her class 12th Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board exams. She was enrolled in Prerna Girls School in class 4th and got scholarship in 2018 to study in Study Hall School, an English medium school affiliated to CBSE board. Her remarkable academic performance at Prerna was recognized and she was integrated in class 11th, commerce stream at Study Hall School.

Belonging to an economically and socially backward section, Dolly shares with us, “It was very challenging at first, switching from NIOS board to CBSE English medium. I wanted to focus on my goals and that motivated me.” She added, “I am very thankful to my teachers at Study Hall and Prerna for encouraging me and supporting me. My classmates have been always been very helpful and lifted up my spirit.”

Meenaksi Bahadur, principal Study Hall School said, “Dolly is a very sincere student. Despite all the challenges, I have seen her determined to work hard and achieve her goals. And we are proud of her and hope she fulfils her dreams and keep on shining.”

“Dolly has always been a very dedicated girl at Prerna. She has managed to scored such good marks because of her resilient nature and hard work. I am proud of her and wish her all the best,” said Rakhee Panjwani, principal Prerna Girls School.

She aspires to be a senior government administrative officer (IAS) and serve the nation. Her family is very happy with the results and wishes her to excel further in life.

Teachers of Nursery and Primary Teaching Training felicitated

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On 12 March, Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organised the fifth convocation ceremony of Nursery and Primary Teacher Training (NTT). Priya Kakkar, director, NTT welcomed the gathering and shared the success stories of 14 graduating teachers. She added, “this is an apprenticeship model of training that empowers teachers to acquire teaching skills suited to the needs of the children of the 21st century.”

“This program not only provides the teachers with skills and technical training but also transforms them. Teachers have the power to direct change, to mould minds, transform people and the society,” said Dr. Urvashi Sahni, president and CEO of SHEF.

The event started with a dance performance. Poems and stories were presented by the teachers. The teachers were awarded by Dr Sahni and Ms Shashi Prabha. Santosh, a graduate of NTT program said, “This program has boosted my confidence and given new wings to my dreams. I am thankful for all the supports and guidance given to me.”

SHEF also felicitated its teachers working with government schools in Lucknow. SHEF and HCL Foundation partnered with the state government to improve the education and learning outcomes of children in 20 government schools in Lucknow.21 teachers were felicitated for successfully completing one year. A total of 31 teachers have been trained by SHEF.

Saima, SHEF teacher at government primary school shared her experience, “In the last one year, I have learned a lot. The most important accomplishment for me is that we were able improve the learning outcomes of children and we also saw high raise in the attendance. All of this was possible because of the continuous efforts of SHEF team”.

Annual Sports day held at Prerna School: Tiny tots display sporting talent

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The annual sports day of Prerna Girls and Prerna Boys School, a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) was held on 16 February. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Urvashi Sahni, founder and CEO of SHEF.

Children from class nursery to class 3 took part in the program as well as the children of GyanSetu, a unit of SHEF providing education to out of school children, entertained the audience with their performances. The main attractions at this event were March Past, Hurdle Race, Baby Shark Dance, Taekwondo Display as well as GyanSetu children’s Get Ready for School.

Appreciating the efforts of children and teachers on the occasion, Dr. Urvashi Sahni thanked the parents for their support. 

The event had a special competition for parents of children which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The show ended with a grand finale – Vandematram and vote of thanks.

Vidyasthali organises its annual sports day – Confluence

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On 15 February, 2020 Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College, unit of Study Hall Educational
Foundation (SHEF) organised their annual sports day – Confluence. The chief guest of the event was Mr Vaibhav Mishra, ADM Finance and Revenue and the guest of honour was Siya Ram, SHO Malihabad. The president and CEO of SHEF, Dr. Urvashi Sahni was also present at the occasion.

The sports day started with the principal of Vidyasthali welcoming the audience. The chief guest lighting of the torch. The lighting of the torch was followed by an impressive March Past and the oath taking by the Sports Captains of Vidyasthali.

GyanSetu, unit of SHEF that provides education to out of school children also participated in the event. A special competition – Dress your bride was also organised for the parents and event thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.

The event continued with 50 meters and 200 meters races and 400 meters relay races, yoga, dumble drill. A pyramid formation by the girls and boys of class 11th and a dance performance by children of class 5th, 6th, and 7th. The day ended with the prize distribution to all the winners, vote of thanks and National Anthem.

VidyasthaliKanar Inter College felicitates its class 12th students

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On 12 February, 2020 Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College, a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation organized its Convocation Ceremony. Jai Devi Kaushal, MLA, Malihabad was the chief guest on the occasion. The principal of the school Anusha Sharma welcomed the audience and congratulated the students on their success. She also added that over the years, Vidyasthali has become a community transformation hub and there have been zero child marriages in the area in the last three years.

The ceremony started with the academic procession of teachers and students. A hymn was sung by the school choir. The students of class 12th, 2019 batch were awarded.

The ceremony continued with songs and a Nukkad Natak. The students also shared their experience with audience. Harsh Singh, currently perusing his B.com from Study Hall College thanked the teachers and the principal for their support and guidance. He also offered a special thanks to the founder Dr Urvashi Sahni for establishing Vidyasthali.

The Study Hall College organized its first annual cultural fest – Aikyam

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On 1 February, 2020 The Study Hall College, a unit of Study Hall Educational foundation (SHEF) organized its first annual cultural fest “Aikyam 2020”. The director of Study Hall College, Mr. Utpal Mishra inaugurated the annual fest and welcomed the students.

The event started competitions- group and solo singing and dancing, face painting and nukkad natak. The units of SHEF also participated in the event along with many prestigious colleges from the city – C.B. Gupta College, Universal City Convent, Heera Lal Yadav College, etc. The event was further followed by the fete. The fete comprised of the game and food stall along with some commercial stall.

The fest concluded with the prize distribution. Nabeel from CFL grabbed the first prize for solo singing and Pragya from Awadh collegiate grabbed the 1st prize in solo instrumental. In face painting competition SonaliSahu bagged the first place and Viyasthali Kanar Inter College grabbed the first prize of the Nukkad Natak.

Prerna school children give message of unity and equality through sports

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On 29 December, 2019 Prerna Girls School and Prerna Boys School, units of Study Hall Educational.

Foundation organised their annual Sports day. The chief guest of the event was Mrs Vasundhara Kumari Singh. Prerna School’s sports day theme this year was ‘We are equal’. The sports day started with the principal of Prerna School welcoming the audience and lighting of the torch by the head girl and head boy of Prerna School.

The founder of Study Hall Educational foundation Dr Urvashi Sahni congratulated the children and the teachers for their hark work. She added, “Seeing this enthusiasm in the children, it is evident that our boys and girls will move forward together and make the world a better place.”

The children performed a dupatta drill. Girls and boys participated in 400-meter relay race, 100-meter race and 200-meter race. The boys performed a wand drill and class 6 girls performed yoga. The children of Prerna Boys competed in bamboo race.

A pyramid was formed by the girls and boys of Prerna School, giving out the message of equality. Lezium dance by the girls of class 9, 10, 11 and 12 was joyed thoroughly by the audience.

The day ended with prize distribution and vote of thanks.