A film featuring Study Hall Educational Foundation has won the prestigious Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Non-Fiction Special. The film features Prerna Girls School, a unit of SHEF and highlights the organization’s work to empower adolescent girls through education. The YouTube Originals “Creators For Change” also features Michelle Obama and YouTuber Prajakta Koli (MostlySane) with the aim to create a dynamic content moment to spark a conversation around the global state of girls’ education.
Dr Urvashi Sahni, Founder and CEO SHEF says, “All of us at Shef, students and teachers are delighted at this global recognition of our efforts! We hope it leads to an increasing impact of our pedagogy and belief that education is the place to create egalitarian mindsets in everyone! Thank you Girls Opportunity Alliance, Michelle Obama and our own Prajakta Kohli for helping us to amplify our voice and work!”
The Emmy is considered one of the four major entertainment awards in the United States, the others being the Grammy (for music), the Oscar (Academy Award) (for film), and the Tony (for theatre) and is also considered equivalent to Oscars in Television.
Prajakta Koli along with Liza Koshy, an American comedian and YouTuber and ThembeMahlaba (Pap Culture) highlight the work being done globally to help further girls’ education in India, Vietnam, and Namibia.
Our Director of Programs, Mr Anand Chitravanshi featured in an article by Chief Functionary of Men Against Violence & Abuse, Mr Harish Sadani in ‘Loksatta’, Marathi newspaper as a part of his fortnightly column, featuring Men of Substance from across India. The article talks about how Mr Anand Chitravanshi has been instrumental in building gender sensitivity with a critical feminist lens among adolescent boys, enabling them to be a ‘part of the solution’ to the gender problems in Northern India.
In 2006, 6 women members of the Indian Young Lawyers Association, petitioned the Supreme Court of India to lift the ban against women between the ages of 10 and 50 entering the Sabrimala Temple in Kerala. They argued that the practice was a violation of their constitutional rights and questioned the validity of provisions in the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship ( Authorisation of Entry) Rules act of 1965. They won as the Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that women of all age groups can enter Sabarimala Temple. The court ruled thus: We have no hesitation in saying that such an exclusionary practice violates the right of women to visit and enter a temple to freely practice Hindu religion and to exhibit her devotion towards Lord Ayappa. The denial of this right to women significantly denudes them of their right to worship. The verdict was passed with a 4-1 majority. The only female judge, Justice Indu Malhotra dissented. – saying that every individual should be allowed to practice their faith irrespective of whether the practice is rational or logical.
As we know there was resistance to this judgement and a petition to review the judgement was made. On 14th November 2019, the Supreme court Constitution Bench referred the review petitions as well as the writ petitions to a larger bench of not less than seven judges. This review is still pending as there is a difference of opinion even on the decision to review the petition.
The Congress party which claims to be a secular party has now raked up the issue again by promising to make such “violations of tradition” a cognizable offence!! This is clearly an effort to win over the Hindu voters in Kerala.
What angers me as it did Bindu Ammini, the first woman of menstruating age to enter Sabarimala on 2nd January 2019, is the continued insistence on viewing women as bodies and not persons. How does a person become impure? When do men become impure? When do they lose their izzat? Many of us working for women’s rights are also fighting against irrational and regressive practices of considering women’s bodies impure during menstruation, imposing a quarantine on them during this time. We are doing our best to disseminate scientific information about menstruation and positioning it as a natural biological process in women’s bodies, which should be celebrated because it signals the onset of fertility in women. That nothing about it renders her impure, and that women do not expel bad blood from their bodies during menstruation, that it is as natural as any other bodily process.
While we are trying to dispel myths and superstitions regarding menstruation, rescuing their person hood from objectification as bodies, learned women like Justice Indu Malhotra are supporting these very myths!!! Maybe she too needs to be part of our menstrual hygiene awareness camps. The very idea that a woman’s body can be impure is a repulsive impure idea. When and under what circumstances may I ask, is a man’s body rendered impure? Would we declare a rapist man’s body impure for instance? So that he may not enter Durga devi’s temple? Which religious tradition excludes a savarna man, however impure and repulsive his deeds from any temple? For dalit men of course the story is different. They are deemed to be rendered impure by their caste and so seem to warrant exclusion. Again a despicable, impure practice!
Furthermore, shouldn’t our constitution which grants women equal rights and opportunities as a citizen, be the final word on such matters? If we continue to give precedence to religious sentiment over constitutional rights, then women are fighting a losing battle and there will always be reasons to exclude them, to consider them less, impure etc. it is our constitution and our citizenship that grants us equal rights, not our religions – any religion. So Sisters – if you value your right to equality, that many of your sisters fought for, then learn to look at yourselves as citizens first and last, not as Hindu, Muslim or Christian women. Our religions have always short changed us, constructed a perception of us as unequal, subordinate, imposed sexist norms of chastity on us, which men are exempt from and created the inegalitarian mindsets that are responsible for so much violence, abuse and discrimination against women, which has been normalized, naturalized and which receives spoken and unspoken social sanction.
The issue is not just about having the right to enter a temple, it is about equal rights for women, about treating women as persons, about refusing to accept a label of being ‘impure’ at any stage or age of our lives.
Finally – it is about time that women who make up 50% of the countries electorate, start demanding that issues of their safety in their home, on their streets and in their mothers wombs be taken seriously by political parties seeking their vote. Indian women are unequal, unsafe, unwanted and unfree in free India! While Congress is rushing to make barring women entry in Sabarimala an election issue, I don’t see it or any party making women’s safety, right to free mobility, to equality, to inclusion being made an election issue. Women are still waiting for the 33% reservation in Parliament – this inclusion of women has not been seen as deserving to become an election issue for any party, while exclusion of women has!
Celebrating the unique gifts Autistic children are born with, we are sharing stories of significant progress made by children with Autism at DOSTI school. DOSTI is a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), that has been working for the last 16 years to educate special children. DOSTI is among Uttar Pradesh’s first and still handful of schools to integrate children with physical, mental and learning disabilities in the age group of 2-21 years into mainstream education.
April 2 is recognised as World Autism Day and observed annually. Autism causes impairment in development, communication skills and social interaction and is difficult to diagnose before 24 months of age.
Arya was enrolled into school at the age of two where he had difficulty adjusting, but he never opposed going to school or any therapy center. He used to learn new concepts with more time but once he grasped, he wouldn’t make any mistakes in his class work. His mother Anamika says, “The only difference between me and my son is that we look at the world in different ways. His visual learning is very strong as compared to audio learning. The DOSTI team uses such interactive activity-based teaching methods that are helpful and important for Autistic children. This has helped Arya a lot.” She also adds “A child with a different ability uncovers strengths and abilities in you that you never knew you had. Having Arya has made me a stronger and wiser person and I no longer sweat on the small stuff. Perhaps I am the right person that is why God gifted me Arya.
Aarya has good balancing power, a sharp memory and is quite good at mathematics. At DOSTI school, he has shown interest in swimming, skating, cycling, horse riding, painting or singing, and has been performing really well.
Surabhi Kapoor, principal, Study Hall DOSTI, says “Every child has different needs and capabilities. We need to focus on the capabilities and help in their journey of progress and we have great support from our parents which is imperative for the child’s growth.” DOSTI school has an early intervention program and also provides vocational training and therapy to make children with special needs self
reliant.
Satvik Khanduri (14), was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism (HFA) at the age of six. At that time, he was studying in regular school where he did not show any improvements. He was later enrolled in DOSTI School, and through offline and online classes he improved in academics and co-curricular activities. Satvik has won second prize in Uttar Pradesh State skating championship of disabled children. Dr Shivangi katara, Satvik’s mother says, “We were elated when he got second prize. Sports training at DOSTI School, has been a great booster of self esteem and confidence and was a turning point in Satvik’s life. We as parents are happy with continuously improving graphs in all aspects of life and endeavour is to make Satvik self-independent and self reliable.”
Satvik loves sports and can converse well in English and can read story books and newspapers. He loves to participate in poetry recitations competitions. And now he has also started using computers and laptops.
“Arjun was only 18-months-old when he was diagnosed with high functioning Autism also called Asperger’s Syndrome. “Experts have said time and again that the involvement of the parents is one of the most important things for any child. I have always received amazing support from the teachers at DOSTI. But school can only do so much with the time they have. An autistic child needs structure, discipline, and interaction as much as any other child. There’s no question that it takes a child with autism a lot longer to learn almost anything. So I began by reinforcing his school lessons at home and visited his classroom regularly, and if Arjun could do something at school like hang up his bag or eat his snack without help, then I made him do it at home, too,” says Arjun’s mother.
Arjun (12) now enjoys the company of his classmates and also proudly calls one of them his “best friend. It took 3 years of shadowing and a lot of hard work for his mother and his teachers that Arjun is now doing very well at school on his own and requires only minimal assistance from an aide. He has developed a keen interest in painting and music and is progressing well.
He is mostly independent during activities and has an IEP designed by his remedial therapist and me.
The parent requests anonymity
Another student from DOSTI, who is equally intelligent if not more like any other kid of her age. She is an excellent pianist, singer and a music enthusiast. She loves to play with colors on canvas. Her mother, “It’s only her low social interaction which is more to do with low acceptance from people and society around, who treats autism as a taboo. But we need to educate people and raise awareness to create an inclusive space for every child. These kids have one or other special skills which God has blessed them with and as any parents we just need to identify their interest and help them live their passion.”
Since the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic and the closure of schools, DOSTI and its special educators have been helping special children continue learning at home and supporting parents wherever required.
With the right kind of support children with Down Syndrome can excel and achieve their dreams. Meet Sahil, Rishima and Rishi, children with Down Syndrome who have proved that they can’t be stopped.
Sahil (24), an alum of Study Hall – DOSTI was appointed as assistant coach at Study Hall School earlier this month. DOSTI, a unit of Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), that has been working for the last 16 years to educate special children. DOSTI is among Uttar Pradesh’s first and still handful of schools to integrate children with physical, mental and learning disabilities in the age group of 2-21 years into mainstream education. Surabhi Kapoor, Principal, DOSTI, says, “All children are able and capable. At DOSTI, we provide an inclusive and caring environment that focuses on every child and their different needs so that they grow independent and live life to the fullest.” Like Rishima, Sahil and Rishi, there are many special children at DOSTI, who are excelling in academics and other curricular activities with the support of teachers and parents. DOSTI has an early intervention program and also provides vocational training and therapy to make children with special needs self reliant. March 21, is a global awareness day observed as the World Down Syndrome Day. Down Syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement. It can cause varying degrees of intellectual and physical impairment.
Sahil says, “We are not disabled, we are differently abled. We can do anything and everything that others can, maybe slower or with some support but we can.” Sahil, who suffers from Down Syndrome, completed his class 12 in 2019 with 83% and was appointed as the Assistant Coach in Special Olympics Sports and Yoga at Study Hall School earlier this month. “When Sahil was diagnosed with down syndrome 24 years back, his genetic condition did not allow us to dream of such an achievement. But getting the right kind of support and motivation, in his case DOSTI, helped our shy and introverted boy grow into a talented, confident and independent person,” says Sahil’s mother, Dr Bhawna.
Providing support and helping children with special needs, Rishima, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome one week later after her birth was enrolled in DOSTI at the age three. In her third academic session, she was integrated into a mainstream school to test her ability and it turned out well for her. Bhavna, Rishima’s mother says, “My daughter transitioned to Study Hall School in class 1, she became more confident and adjusted well in a normal classroom. I want to thank DOSTI teachers for supporting my daughter and encouraging her.” Moving from a mainstream school, seven-year-old Rishi was enrolled at DOSTI in 2011. After a few years, with the guidance and support of parents and teachers at DOSTI, Rishi made significant progress in practical and social independence, literacy and in spoken language. “Nowadays Rishi is learning photography and also getting training for office admin jobs. He also assists me sometimes in my office after school. He works on MS-Excel, MS-Word and makes PowerPoint presentations. We are so proud of him,” says a very happy Roopesh Agarwal, Rishi’s father. Rishi has participated in different sports activities of Special Olympic Bharat and is fond of computers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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