Exclusive: How is One Woman Army changing the notions of Education in society?

March 08, 2017: 'When you educate a woman, you educate the society' – a famous saying from the earlier times proved to be satiated when a woman from Rajasthan determined to change the notion of education in the society. Sumeeti Mittal is the founder of Pratham Sikhsha, a charitable organization in Jaipur, Rajasthan laid the initiative to promote the core of primary education for the impoverished section of society.

The beginning of Pratham Sikhsha

While touring across the world, Sumeeti realized that there is a fine line between Indians and western countries which alienate us from them. She learned that the point of difference was lying in the primary education of underprivileged section of society. It was then she discerned that there was a dire need for primary education in India.

"Ever since my childhood, I wanted to help people in a way that cultivates a sense of Independence in them. I have been very passionate about my own education as well, hence I wanted to impart education in every way possible – because I believe that with education you can achieve anything in life.", told Sumeeti Mittal to Newsgram.

'Pratham Sikhsha' is a Hindi word meaning – 'First Education'. It was started in 2005, with the aim of imparting education to deprived children who has no access to basic education and empower women to improve their lives and earn a respectable job for themselves.

Redefinition of Education by Sumeeti Mittal

Although our Indian education is a well renowned and the best-considered system of education in the world, however, we lack in the proper deliverance of education. With the lack of qualitative education and callousness of teachers as well as parents, one realizes too late that the child can not indeed read or write well.

"We are blindly following western education, little do we realize that there is more to be done to meet the quality standards of western countries. There is no concern over the child's performance in class, and with the rules like – No failing of students has impaired the education scene furthermore. Ultimately it is the teacher who is responsible for the student's failure. Teachers will never be found at the backfoot if such system persists." told Sumeeti on the education system of India.

She also emphasized the importance of 'Moral Education in schools. Learning should be adorned with discipline and values to inculcate a moral behavior in a child.

The Founder of Pratham Sikhsha also stressed the role of a woman in the society. She quoted by saying "Females have to be become powerful and realize their inner strength.". Women of the backward class no longer have to stick to conventional methods of earning, they can easily find a reputable job with help of Pratham Sikhsha. Her future objective is to align education with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mission Skilled India, and for the same purpose, she has introduced some courses in her organization.

Here's how Pratham Sikhsha is distinctive from others in the field of education:

• Practical learning in Plumbing, electrician, stitching and other related courses
• Employing women from slum as teachers to set a live example and propel other women to earn a respectable earning
• Every Saturday of the month sessions are conducted for child's female relative to counsel and educate the basic health care routine
• The student is advised to repeat the class if he or she fails to grasp the core of learning in the respective grade
• Moral education introduced in schools with a better approach, students enact plays on these moral values
• Imparts nursing education to women who have completed their 12th and thus contracting them in government hospitals

Initiatives like Pratham Sikhsha are a boon for the society. Sumeeti faced resistance from her surroundings when she was in the thinking phase of the initiative. Despite the unpropitious situation, she was able to lay the foundation of her charity trust. Sumeeti believes that one can achieve anything with the extract of faith within oneself.

Visit here to know more about Pratham Shiksha

Reported by Naina Mishra of Newsgram, Twitter @Nainamishr94