Deepastambha Foundation

An Alumni of CASP & Some Success Stories

Prof. P. D. Kulkarni, internationally known social scientist, mooted the idea of forming an association of the past students of CASP.

The children too were very enthusiastic about the idea. Thus, the Alumni Association was formed and registered under the Bombay Public Trust Act–1950 and Registration of Societies Act, 1860 on 22 October 2001.

The association is managed by the enthusiastic past students and CASP and till date it has undertaken many activities like:


19 March 2000 Visit to Ralegan Siddhi
09 April 2000 Career guidance for sponsored children (CASP)
21 May 2000 Career guidance for sponsored children (CASP-PLAN)
21 June 2000 Visit to CASP Pen Unit
27 Aug. 2000 Self-study – A discussion
15 Feb 2001 Contribution for the relief work undertaken by CASP at Gujarat earthquake affected area.
20 May 2001 Career guidance for sponsored children (CASP)
27 May 2001 Career guidance for sponsored children (CASP-PLAN)

Success Stories

Narendra

Narendra, a sponsored child, is now the President of `Deepastambha Foundation’, the Alumni Association of CASP.

Narendra’s father and mother were very keen to provide good education to their children. But due to financial constraints they found it difficult. Narendra’s mother used to work as a maidservant.

The boy was sponsored by CASP through the Indian Association, Geneva, when he was in fifth grade.

He passed S.S.C. with 75% marks and obtained a Diploma in Civil Engineering. Not satisfied with it, he also completed a two-year course in Interior Designing and Decoration. Narendra later did a computer course in Autocad and obtained an MBA degree in Finance.

A leader by birth, Narendra has compassion for the poor and a deep gratitude for those who helped him to reach where he is today.

He started his own interior designing firm on 28 June 2001 and on the same day he sponsored a child through CASP. Today he is supporting Swapnali Salvi’s (File no. 19510) education through CASP.

Sujata

Sujata, born in 1978 was an unfortunate girl as her father never cared for his children and the family. Her mother worked as a domestic servant.

CASP started to support her education in 1987 when she was in fifth grade.

Sujata’s boozard father died in 1993 due to excessive drinking.

Studying against all odds, she secured 15th rank in the SSC examination in 1993. Egged on by CASP, the bright girl went on to successfully complete her Master’s Degree in Electronics.

Today Sujata, who experienced the seamy side of life, is employed as a lecturer in a reputed college in Pune. An inspiration to others, she is an active member of `Deepastambha Foundation’.

Capt.Sushil

Little boy Sushil was very lucky to get a sponsor in Mr Kailas Doctor from Geneva, Switzerland in 1984 when he was barely 10. With no fixed income from his unemployed father, Sushil’s family was hardly a place to make any progress in studies. With wayward father, his mother Parvatibai sold vegetables on the footpath to make both ends meet.

Sushil’s younger brother who was mentally retarded, expired in 1993. Another Sunil discontinued his education after eighth grade and helped his mother in her job.

But Sushil always dreamt of becoming a soldier. After completing SSC examination, the ambitious teenager joined the Services Preparatory Institute at Aurangabad with much with confidence and determination. Realizing that all his peers at the institute came from a higher economic strata, he developed an inferiority complex. He felt like leaving the course mid-way and started writing letters expressing his disappointment and diffidence to the concerned social worker. The social worker took up the challenge and wrote number of encouraging letters so that he could overcome his depression and continue his training. Moreover, his sponsor’s letters from abroad boosted his morale and gradually he started concentrating on his studies.

After passing the Higher Secondary School Certificate exam with 82% marks, Sushil ventured to appear for the All India Competitive Examination held by the Union Public Service Commission for the Defence Services. He passed the written, oral and physical tests in his first attempt and was selected for a three-year training course at the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, Pune.

He was accorded a “Devotion to Duty” award by the Academy at the graduation ceremony and the passing out parade.

Later Sushil was deputed for an advance training course in defence after which he was suitably posted in the Indian Army.

Even today Sushil seeks help and advice from CASP and from the social worker whenever needed. A visit to CASP office is a must for him whenever he comes to Pune. Undoubtedly, he is an important member of CASP family, especially of `Deepastambha Foundation’.

Vikram

Vikram is an active member of Deepastambha Foundation. In 1986, Vikram’s teacher referred him to CASP as a bright child, deserving sponsorship support. Hailing from a low-income group family, his ailing sister put additional financial burden on the meagre income of his parents.

Securing 83% marks in SSC examination, Vikram joined college and chose science. After HSC, he successfully completed B.Arch from Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune. Although, CASP met Vikram’s educational needs, he took up part time jobs as salesman and assistant to an architect etc to support his parents and save money for higher education.

He distinguished himself with first class in B.Arch in 1997. He worked with reputed firms like Kanvinde and Raichaudhari in New Delhi for three years. Later he also completed M.Arch.

Vikram has just started his own architectural firm and is an active member of Deepastambha Foundation.

Yogesh

Yogesh was sponsored in 1990 when he was 10 and studying in sixth grade. While his father worked as a deliveryman in an agency and as a milk distributor, his mother did some petty tailoring jobs. Yogesh’s case was assigned to a sponsoring agency viz. Y.G.G.Phadke Charitable Trust.

Yogesh sold sweets, soaps, scented sticks etc and supported his poor family.

Unfortunately, the Y.G.G. Phadke Charitable Trust discontinued sponsoring him in 1993-94. However, impressed with the boy’s academic progress, CASP continued his aid for another three years. His case was terminated in 1996 after he completed SSC. After completing HSC, Yogesh wanted to join an Engineering college and he again requested CASP to support him. Fortunately, Mr Yezdi Thanewalla, a donor sponsored Yogesh and he completed his engineering degree course, securing a first class in 2001. The Infosys company employed him as an engineer and he now would like to pursue a post-graduate course in Management.

An active member of Deepastambha Foundation, Yogesh would like to help the needy once he settles down.

Anita and Aniket

Aniket and Anita were in dire need of support when their father lost his job and became a mentally disturbed person. Their mother had no alternative than to take shelter at her parent’s place in Pune. She enrolled Aniket and Anita in a school at Pune and the school teachers referred them to CASP for educational support.

After a detailed enquiry at school and home the sponsorship support was started for the siblings. When Aniket was in the 12th grade, his mother got a job in Bhor, a nearby village. The boy was not able to go with her as he was pursuing higher education.

CASP secured admission for him at a hostel for students in Pune, enabling him to complete his education at low cost. Through sheer hard work, Aniket completed his engineering degree and secured good job. Anita who also had a bright academic career completed her post-graduation in Mathematics. She also got a job as a lecturer in a reputed collage at Mumbai. She wrote textbooks on Maths for college students.

Anita now supports a girl through CASP. Aniket often goes abroad in connection with his job. He was one of the resource persons at an “experience sharing session” at the CASP Alumni National Meet in September 2002.

The high point of Aniket’s and Anita’s life was that they both paid utmost attention towards their father’s treatment and cured him. Today their father is a normal man and the family stays together.