A Cluster Head at an NGO, Sanjay Singh Yadav has over a decade of experience improving educational access for underserved communities. He has served as an English professor and an administrative leader, earning the prestigious Phoenix Award for his dedication. Passionate about teamwork and skill development, he inspires youth to embrace opportunities through Pratham, positively impacting countless lives.

Sanjay Singh Yadav serves as the Cluster Head at the Pilani centre of Pratham Education Foundation, a prominent NGO dedicated to educational development. With over a decade of experience in the social sector, Sanjay Singh has consistently contributed to impactful initiatives, working passionately to improve educational access and quality in underserved communities. His long-standing commitment reflects a deep dedication to social progress and transformative education.

Sanjay Singh shares that Pratham Education Foundation, an NGO established in 1992, has been committed to advancing education and skill development across India. Initially, Pratham’s volunteers, then known as "Balwadi" workers, provided basic education to children in slum areas, starting in Dharavi, Mumbai, under the guidance of board member Mr. Madhav. With a strong focus on education, Pratham launched the Annual Status of Education and Research (ASER) to assess and improve the educational levels of children in rural areas, alongside organising small teaching camps.

In 2005, Pratham expanded its efforts to include skill development, particularly for youth aged 18 to 30. Partnering with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), they launched vocational courses aimed at equipping young people with practical skills for the workforce. Aurangabad became the central hub for training in the hospitality sector, initially supplying skilled manpower to the industry. Today, Pratham operates nearly 22 hospitality centres nationwide, providing youth with job training and placement assistance.

Singh currently leads the Pilani centre, where young adults receive tailored training and are supported with placements in three to five-star properties across India. Pratham’s model covers four critical modules: mobilisation, training by THSC-certified instructors, placement, and post-placement support. The team also addresses concerns related to food and accommodation, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive pathway for youth entering the workforce. Recently, Pratham placed 60 to 70 students in Qatar.

Sanjay Singh Yadav further explains the structured approach of Pratham Education Foundation’s training process, which is divided into four essential modules. The mobilization team actively seeks out youth in targeted village areas, encouraging them to join the training programs and directing them to the nearest centre. The center team, consisting of THSC-certified trainers and academic in-charges, then delivers industry-specific training tailored to meet current requirements in the hospitality sector.

Meanwhile, the placement team coordinates with industry partners to secure job openings and connects qualified students with these opportunities. Once students are placed, the post-placement team follows up to ensure they are settling well, addressing any issues they may face. The ultimate goal, Singh emphasises, is to elevate the students' standard of living, providing them not only with job skills but also with long-term stability and growth.

Sanjay Singh recalls a unique childhood shaped by frequent relocations due to his father's service in the army. Originally from Eta in Uttar Pradesh, he was born in Jaisalmer, and his education spanned various locations, including a village, Punjab, and Bhopal. In the tenth grade, he initially opted for the commerce stream but later switched to science, following his father’s wishes. Sanjay went on to pursue Engineering in Electronics & Communication from Rajiv Gandhi Technical University, Bhopal.

During his studies, he excelled in a challenging subject, Basic Electrical Engineering (BEE), in which he topped the university and earned recognition for his achievement, which remains a proud moment for him. He was also awarded the title of "Mister Eve" at his college freshers' as well as in farewell. In his professional life, his dedication has been honoured with the prestigious Phoenix Award, marking his highest achievement to date.

Sanjay Singh reflects on the challenges he encountered throughout his career, noting that perseverance has been his guiding principle during difficult times. He joined Pratham Education Foundation in 2012 as an English faculty. Shortly afterwards the academic in-charge left, and his seniors entrusted him with the role’s responsibilities. This unexpected transition was demanding, as he had to manage the centre's operations without prior experience in administration. Nevertheless, he remained committed, balancing multiple roles as academic in-charge, English faculty, loan recovery officer, and administrator, all while giving classes.

His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. His ability to juggle these responsibilities earned him recognition from his seniors, eventually leading to a promotion as assistant centre head in Bhopal. His steadfast commitment and resilience ultimately saw him rise to the position of centre head, a role he embraces with pride.

His message to students is one of resilience and self-belief: he urges them not to be discouraged by the perceived difficulty of any subject. Instead, he encourages students to dive in and explore topics for themselves, explaining that when you put in genuine effort, you often start to enjoy the learning process. “Don’t let others’ opinions convince you that a subject is too hard,” he advises. “Tackle it with your own determination, and you’ll discover your own ability to understand and succeed”, says Sanjay Singh.

Singh’s role model is his father, a retired army officer, from whom he has learned invaluable life lessons. His father’s influence instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, which led him to become the discipline prefect at his army school and achieve a remarkable 100% attendance record from sixth to twelfth grade. His father’s habits of punctuality and time management also shaped Sanjay’s approach to life. One example that left a lasting impact was his father’s habit of keeping a diary to note down tasks and responsibilities. Inspired by this practice, Sanjay Singh adopted this habit in his professional life, finding it valuable for staying organised and on track.

The song "Hum Honge Kamyab" serves as a significant source of motivation for Sanjay, resonating deeply with him. He believes in the power of the word “Hum,” which symbolises teamwork and the collective strength that comes from working together to achieve success. Sanjay makes it a point to internalise every line of this song, allowing its message to inspire his actions and mindset. Additionally, the film "Chak De India" holds a special place in his heart, as its themes of perseverance, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles reflect his own values and aspirations.

Sanjay Singh encourages young individuals to embrace the idea that continuous learning is key to personal and professional growth. He emphasises that the more knowledge and skills one acquires, the more advantageous it will be in life. In today’s fast-paced world, he advises the younger generation to take initiative and avoid idleness. He stresses the importance of multitasking and being adaptable, asserting that developing a diverse skill set is essential for reaching one's goals. According to him, being skillful and talented is crucial for achieving success in any field.

Sanjay Singh cites a powerful moment that fuels his dedication to his work at the Pratham Education Foundation: he once heard a father express gratitude for the positive impact Sanjay had on his son's life, noting that his child had secured a good position thanks to the education and support provided. This heartfelt acknowledgment continues to inspire him, reminding him of the meaningful difference he is making in his students' lives.

Singh finds profound fulfilment in his role, as the praise and appreciation from his students serve as a motivating force that drives him to work even harder. Moreover, the feedback he receives from parents reinforces his commitment, encouraging him to strive for excellence in his efforts. This cycle of encouragement and recognition not only fuels his passion for education but also deepens his sense of purpose in serving the community through his work.

In conclusion, Sanjay encourages individuals to connect with Pratham Education Foundation to enhance their skills and lead fulfilling lives. "If you want to learn and grow, join Pratham," he emphasises. The foundation welcomes participants aged 18 to 30 who have completed at least eighth grade, providing them with valuable opportunities for skill development and career advancement. Sanjay believes that by engaging with Pratham, individuals can pave their path to success and make a positive impact on their futures.