We are currently living in a modern era. Even today, if a person or a society wants to progress, there is no other option but only education and if the intellectual and economic level of the society is to be raised, there is a need for educated, trained leadership and for this it is essential to provide guidance, encouragement and financial assistance to the students and parents.
Thoughts – exchange on various avenues of educational advancement
Considerations regarding various pathways to educational advancement among foundation trustees - Dr. Shri. Lakshminarayan M. Parihar himself came to the meeting while the exchange was in progress and insisted on his views on the matter, convincing everyone, not only that, but also took the heavy responsibility of the financial burden involved. He knew from his experience that a highly intelligent student from a poor home could earn a degree in science, arts, or commerce by occasionally working part-time, or taking morning or evening courses, but professional education is expensive and required full-time study. So, without financial help it is impossible for him to take such courses.
Another point mentioned by Dr. Lakshminarayan M. Parihar was that a graduate knows how to provide for his family after that, but if the same student becomes a professional graduate, his scope of thinking broadens. He develops a distinct confidence and can not only guide and bring forward 8-10 families nearby, but he can lead in other social, professional and intellectual fields as well, Dr. Parihar's continued dedication and it was on his initiative that Shree Shanaishwar Foundation, Mumbai started this educational scholarship scheme.
Progress of the plan
While starting this scheme some preliminary rules were adopted as per the advice of educationists in the society.
1) While selecting a student, not only his exam marks percentage, but his financial urgency, his home financial situation, the professional course he has chosen, the college he has got admission in etc. should be considered.
2) Once a student is selected, he should be assured of financial assistance for his entire course.
3) Selection of suitable students should be done impartially by a committee of education experts after scrutinizing the applications received.
4) Deliberately inform the selected students that the yearly financial aid should be given at home without any cost and at the same time they should be aware of social work and cultivate social commitment.
Based on this important point the scholarship scheme of Shree Shanaishwar Foundation, Mumbai was started from the academic year 1992-93 by giving annual scholarship of Rs.6000/- to only 4 students, its slogan was – “Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye”.
After that on 10 January 1995, a program called "Sankranta Snehabandhan" was organized at Matunga. At that time, 14 philanthropists (Charity donors) from the community accepted the financial responsibility of one student's scholarship each. Through event ticket sales, souvenir advertisements, and donations from community members and well-wishers, the education fund grew.
On 26th March 2001, on the auspicious day of Gudhipadva, a special issue of the magazine "Santaji Prasad" was produced to give special publicity to this scheme. On 13th January 2001, Shri. Ashok Hande's special program was organized under the name "Nirdhar 2004" at the well-known Shanmukhananda Auditorium in Mumbai to increase the education fund. Ticket sales of that event, donations received from well-wishers by touring all over Maharashtra on the occasion and souvenir advertisement created at that time increased the education fund of the foundation and due to that financial support the financial assistance to the students was increased from Rs.6000/- to Rs.10,000/- per annum.
As the days progressed, the number of students who completed the professional education of the Foundation crossed the century mark. For that, on 13/01/2008, a program "Prerna 2008" was organized at Hanuman Theater in Mumbai and at that time the students who completed the course in all departments of Maharashtra were felicitated with mementos.
The students who completed this study spontaneously established "Shree Shanaishwar Foundation – Yuva Manch" and organized the program "Bhavsargam" by Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar on 17th May 2009 at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Mumbai and collected education funds for Shree Shanaishwar Foundation.
Till March 2024 through our organization Shree Shanaishwar Foundation, 587 students have been allotted scholarships worth Rs.1,55,71,100/-.
Described as a role model for every student and social worker, it is very important to inform about Dr. Lakshminarayan Misrilalji Parihar. Dr. Saheb was born in village "Pal" in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. This student, who used to extract oil sitting on the actual dirt as a child, got the admission for M.B.B.S. in Grant Medical College, Mumbai with great hard work, self-confidence and intelligence. Later, from the same college completed Post Graduation – M.D. Medicine.
On his own merits he built his own "Mangal-Anand Hospital" in Chembur, Division of Mumbai. In 1991, Doctor was introduced to the trustees of the foundation. He took the initiative to present and explain the educational scholarship scheme for vocational students and for all the four students of the first year Rs. 24000/- also donated. This number of students increased to 4, then 8, then 12 and finally 16 students in 4 years. Since 2004, doctors have been paid Rs. 1,60,000/- (one lakh sixty thousand) responsibility accepted. That is why the enthusiasm of other donors and activists increased. Today due to this exemplary work of Dr. Parihar, 587 students have been distributed a scholarship amount of Rs.1,55,71,100/- by Shree Shanaishwar Foundation. Unfortunately, the Doctor passed away on 25th October 2014. It is a true tribute to him to continue his efforts to increase the educational and economic level of the society by giving the scholarship scheme an even grander form.
Future Aspirations:
Today, more than 450 professional graduates have completed their education with the help of this scheme and some of them have also completed their postgraduate studies abroad. Have established high positions in their chosen professional field not only across India but also in various foreign international companies. Some of them have also donated to the education fund in memory.
Since beginning this scholarship receives many applications mainly from medical, engineering, computer science, management etc. This scheme has been extended from the year 2010-11 after the deliberations after the inspection which used to receive a lot of applications from the students who accepted the course.
According to Basic Science [Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics], Post Graduate Education (M.Sc., Ph.D.), Fine Arts Company Secretary, Chartered Accountants, Cost Accountants, Chartered Finance Analyst (C.F.A.), Human Development ( HRD) applications from students of such courses will also be considered. Not only this but also Scholarships can also be awarded to those who are trying for higher category posts for the Common Entrance Exams of all India Services conducted by the Central Public Service Commission such as I.A.S., I.P.S. etc.
By Maharashtra Public Service Commission State level or first class viz. Deputy Collector, Dy. S.P., Dy. Students who have passed the preliminary examination for the post of Registrar are also included for the scholarship. Scholarship will also be given to the students who enrolls in courses such as Fine Arts, Commercial Arts, Music etc. from renowned Universities in Maharashtra and after selection for this course, the amount and duration of this particular scholarship is determined by discussing with the educationists considering the financial need and financial urgency of the students. Our idea is that some Collectors, Police and Government officials should also be produced from the aspiring students.
The intention is to increase the number of students through donations from donors. We plan to create a "Reference Library" for well-equipped academics and professional students. It will provide reference books, informative periodicals.
In order to keep in touch with everyone and to reach your valuable suggestions and feedback quickly to the trustees, the organization has started its own website. Also, guidance camps (lectures) will be organized for talented and needy students with the cooperation of all.
Professional education from different parts of Maharashtra (Medical, Engineering, Computer Science, Management Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Commercial Art, Fine Art, etc.) for details and online application - google form link is available at https://forms.gle/SojitoY3CDJyhkUPA. (Refer website https://www.shrishanishwarfoundation.org). The scholarship is awarded to needy and prospective students. Once a student is selected, he/she is given a scholarship of Rs.10,000 per year till the completion of his/her chosen course. (In the future this amount is planned to be increased). Approximately 120 students are allocated every year. Last date for acceptance of application is 31st October every year.
Till 31 March 2024, the institute has given the scholarship of Rs. 1,55,71,100/- to 587 students.