Saroj Kumar Behera’s Sikhya Sathi Empowers Odisha’s Underprivileged Kids
Former headmaster Saroj Kumar Behera has turned his retirement into a mission, founding Sikhya Sathi to support underprivileged children in Odisha. The community initiative partners with doctors, engineers and educators to provide scholarships, study kits and tuition to over a dozen students, aimin…
By Felo News Desk · Published
When Saroj Kumar Behera stepped down from his post as headmaster of BB High School in Kujang, Jagatsinghpur, he didn’t simply retire. Instead, he launched Sikhya Sathi, a grassroots organization that now supports under‑privileged children across four local institutions in Odisha. The initiative has grown from a one‑man effort into a collaborative network of 25 volunteers, including doctors, engineers, retired teachers and local businesspeople.
From Retirement to a Community Mission
Behera, 63, hails from Boriki village in Kujang block. After his formal teaching career ended in October 2023, he recognized that many children in his region lacked basic educational resources. “Every child deserves an opportunity to study and build a future,” he said. “If financial hardship or the loss of parents becomes a barrier, society has a responsibility to stand beside such children.” His vision materialized as Sikhya Sathi, a self‑funded program that pools small monthly contributions from volunteers—ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000—to create a sustainable support system.
Targeted Support for the Most Vulnerable
The group has identified four child‑care institutions for intervention: Sri Lokanath Sikshya Ashram in Paradipgarh, Sishu Ashram and Ashra School in Jagatsinghpur, and Pallishree Mahila Samiti in Kendrapara district. Each institution hosts a mix of children from low‑income families, many of whom are orphans or have lost parental support. Sikhya Sathi’s selection process involves direct interaction with students to assess academic needs, family background and interest in subjects such as English, literature, mathematics and general knowledge.
From each institution, three students are chosen—totaling 12—ranging from Class II to Class IV. The organization supplies them with school uniforms, study kits, and private tuition during their leisure hours. Tutors receive Rs 3,000 per month for two hours of instruction, six days a week. The program guarantees continuous support until the students complete their Plus II examinations.
Funding, Partnerships, and Broader Impact
Monthly contributions from volunteers average Rs 20,000, equating to roughly Rs 2.4 lakh annually. About Rs 2 lakh of this is earmarked for direct educational assistance. The initiative also collaborates with other NGOs to provide relief for cancer patients, families affected by natural disasters, and the elderly. Members have helped with road repairs, supplied relief materials, and donated food to old‑age homes.
Superintendent Anjaneya Acharya of Sishu Ashram praised the initiative, noting that “Sikhya Sathi has selected three poor and orphaned students from our institution for holistic development from Class II to Plus II. The study materials and tuition support during their leisure hours will help them continue their education.”
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Initiative
Behera emphasizes that Sikhya Sathi is not a one‑off charity but a long‑term community endeavor. “The objective is to develop Sikhya Sathi into a sustained community initiative rather than a one‑time charity programme,” he says. By engaging local professionals and encouraging regular contributions, the organization aims to expand its reach and deepen its impact on Odisha’s educational landscape.
Students like eight‑year‑old Barasa Biswas, M Baisakhi, and Rudra Pratap Maiti have already expressed gratitude for the support they receive. Their stories underscore the tangible difference that community‑driven education can make in the lives of children who might otherwise be left behind.
As Sikhya Sathi continues to grow, it sets a powerful example of how retired educators can leverage their experience and networks to create lasting change. By turning personal commitment into collective action, Behera and his volunteers are proving that a school’s true legacy lives on through the children it serves.
Key facts
- Former headmaster Saroj Kumar Behera founded Sikhya Sathi post‑retirement
- The initiative supports 12 students across four institutions with tuition and materials
- Funding comes from community volunteers, averaging Rs 20,000/month
- Sikhya Sathi also aids in healthcare, disaster relief and elderly care
- The program aims for long‑term sustainability rather than a one‑time charity
Why it matters
Sikhya Sathi exemplifies how community-driven education can overcome systemic barriers, ensuring that children from impoverished backgrounds receive the support they need to succeed academically.
Frequently asked questions
How can I contribute to Sikhya Sathi?
Volunteers can donate monthly amounts ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000, or offer professional services such as tutoring or medical assistance.
Which schools benefit from the program?
Sri Lokanath Sikshya Ashram, Sishu Ashram, Ashra School, and Pallishree Mahila Samiti are the current partners.
What is the selection criteria for students?
Students are chosen based on academic need, family background, and demonstrated interest in core subjects.
How are tutors compensated?
Tutors receive Rs 3,000 per month for providing two hours of tuition, six days a week.
Is the initiative open to other regions?
While currently focused on Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara, the model can be replicated elsewhere with community support.
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “Odisha's Saroj Kumar Behera: The Head Maestro of education”
