Girls should receive an education first and become financially independent.
Girls should receive an education first and become financially independent.
Divya Saraswat is an educator and the founder of The Kids Primary School in Udaipur. She has been running her school for the past thirteen years.
Apart from her school, Divya is also associated with social work and is a member of various organizations, such as the Vipra Foundation, the Rashtriya Mahila Jagriti Manch, the Zila Vidhik Pradhikaran, and many more. She also runs her own NGO and foundation named ‘Charu”-The Helping Hand’ to support underprivileged children and empower women in need.
Divya provides financial aid to underprivileged girls for their education. She also works for the promotion of girls’ education in rural areas, where access to quality education is limited. Divya envisions a future where every girl has access to scholarships, ensuring they receive a proper education and can reach their full potential. Additionally, she aims to collaborate with local communities and government agencies to raise awareness about the importance of girls' education and advocate for policy changes that prioritize equal educational opportunities for all.
Describing her journey, Divya says she started her school with one support staff member and five students. With her dedication, creative teaching style, and passion for education, Divya was able to attract more students and expand her school. She believes that education is not just about academics but also about empowering girls to become confident and independent individuals.
In social work, Divya initiated plantation drives and community clean-up events, engaging the local community in sustaining the plants. Recognizing the positive impact on the environment and the sense of ownership it instilled, she expanded her efforts to focus on environmental sustainability. Divya now educates people about environmental protection and advocates for eco-friendly practices, striving to create a greener and healthier community.
Speaking about her hardships, Divya says that during the COVID pandemic, unfortunately, she lost her daughter. This tragic event devastated her and tested her resilience. One day she met an underprivileged girl who was asking for help on the streets. Seeing the girl's struggle reminded Divya of her own daughter and inspired her to start a foundation to support underprivileged children. She now dedicates her time and resources to providing education, healthcare, and necessities to those in need, ensuring a brighter future for them. Channeling her grief into determination, Divya is committed to honoring her daughter's memory by advocating for a better, more sustainable world for future generations.
Divya worked for years with various NGOs that work for underprivileged girls and older people, gaining valuable experience and knowledge about the challenges they face. She also worked for the Human Rights Cell, which works for women who are victims of domestic violence. Through her work with these organizations, Divya witnessed firsthand the immense hardships and injustice that marginalized groups endure on a daily basis. This further fueled her passion and commitment to fight for their rights and create lasting change in society.
Remembering her childhood, Divya says struggle has been part of her life since her birth, as both her parents were blind. She has seen her parents, who were music teachers, overcome numerous obstacles and daily life challenges. Their determination to pursue their lives despite disability taught Divya the importance of resilience and perseverance. Witnessing their strength, she developed a deep empathy for marginalized communities and a strong belief in the power of advocacy and activism.
Divya still cherishes the sweet memory of her mother, who, despite her disability, never let it hinder her ability to love and care for her family. Divya remembers how her mother learned to cook from her within a short period of time and became an incredible chef, proving that determination and adaptability can overcome any obstacle.
Discussing her accomplishments, Divya shares that she's received numerous honors and accolades from various organizations, including the recent Global Achievers Award. She considers people recognizing her work and finding inspiration in her journey as the greatest reward.
For women who want to make a difference in society, Divya suggests ignoring the negative voices and stereotypes that may try to hold them back. She believes that staying true to oneself and pursuing one's passions with determination and resilience is key to making a lasting impact.
When asked about her role models, Divya says that with every step, we meet new people who influence our lives and shape our perspectives. She doesn't have any specific role models, but she learns from everyone and strives to improve herself.
Divya's success is guided by patience, aligning actions with goals, maintaining positive company, and adhering to truth. She deems patience as crucial for overcoming obstacles and staying goal-focused.
Divya believes education plays an important role in achieving success, but experience is equally valuable. She understands that knowledge gained through education provides a strong foundation, but it is the practical application of that knowledge in real-life situations that truly enhances one's abilities.
If she gets a time machine to go back in time, Divya would do higher studies, as she got married at a very young age and didn't get the opportunity to go to college. Hence, she would go to college and live out her college days.
Divya advises the youth to contribute to society by participating in social work and volunteering for causes they are passionate about. She believes that by actively engaging in community service, they can make a positive impact and create a better future for themselves and others.