One man’s mission to help others

It is said that you can do anything you set your mind to. Iliyas has been disabled since childhood but his passion has made him an inspiration to society.

Source: Gaurav Vaishnava

The resident of the town of Basti in the Indian state Uttar Pradesh, says he wanted to contribute to society ever since childhood.

'When I thought about giving something to society, I felt that giving education to children is the best medium,” Ilyas told SBS Hindi, “so that the picture of future society can be improved.'

Source: Gaurav Vaishnava

Three years ago Iliyas mentioned his wishes to some of his friends, who also expressed a desire to work with him.  Through that meeting of minds they set up a school for economically disadvantaged children.

His efforts were welcomed by locals.

Initially it was somewhat slow to take off, but today the school is educating 95 children.

Now, there are four teachers who don’t receive a salary and come to the school in their spare time.

Source: Gaurav Vaishnava

“Children are not very good at studies, but gradually their situation is improving,” one teacher says, “and we are also excited to see the result."

Iliyas hopes that with increasing numbers of children at the school more volunteer teachers will join them to give these children an education.