"Social change by educating the girls"
The Yomiuri Shibmun, 29 th July 2008

It takes five hours by car from New Delhi. Amidst open agricultural field surrounded by rural environment is the modern looking school building, founded by a native of the place who worked for the American giant company, Dupont, as the South Asian head, Virender Singh (68), and named as Pardada Pardadi vocational school for girls.

From Kindergarten to vocational learning, the single school caters to children from 3 to 21 years of age group and has approximately 1000 students. Apart from learning academic lessons, they are also taught about computer and sewing/tailoring. After attending classes, those interested even play softball, but whatever they do, the confidence is clearly visible on their faces.

Eight years ago when the school was established with his retirement money, there were only 45 students. For parents sending girls to school was impossible to think of. Therefore, as an incentive, girls are given Rs. 10/- for each day's attendance which they can withdraw at the time of graduating from the school. This is a unique system in itself. As a result, the number of students attending school has increased.

He decided to change the image of India 20 years ago when in the US he saw a newspaper picture of children rag picking in the slum areas in India. The answer to his thought was- educating the girls in India. Even if one girl is given enough education, in future she will be able to bring up her children with a better vision.

From his years in the company, he had been working to collect resources both from India and America. The dream he saw as a young man, his plan to change India, is beginning to come true gradually.

India has been sending large number of talented people to overseas to work in sectors like IT. Perhaps, 'reverse brain drain' in the form of senior and powerful people like Mr. Singh will lead the social change from grass roots level.