Uttam Teron

Cultural Programme

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Photos story

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Water testing at Parijat Academy

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Alp and Lynette visited Parijat

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Lynette from Australia and her brother from Alp from UK visited Parijat Academy.

Donate old clothes to Parijat Academy for the children.

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Donate old clothes, old blankets, old besdheets, old furniture, anything for school, children education.
Contact: parijatacademy03@yahoo.com
www.parijatacademy.org

making kitchen room for hostel children

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Making hostel children kitchen room with bamboo wall and tinroof. Children parents did four days labour. we have 20 children in the hostel.

1 year complete football academy project

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Football project at village Pamohi with initiative of Parijat Academy and Young Green Club has complete 1 year. In this connection a one day small tournament had organised for the Young Players of the area. Enjoyed the games and celebrate with cake. Mohan Kalita the programme instructer cu coach had tajen proper care for the whole programme. Some of the youth of the area has extended support voluntarily for organising daylong programme.

Weekly milk programme

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Children at Parijat Academy having milk once in a week.This programme supported by lordsai.com.

Happy New Year 2014

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International Volunteer at Parijat Academy, Assam, India

2012-09-04T07:01:00.000-07:00

providing free education to kids in Assam

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Uttam Teron, investing where it counts – providing free education to kids in Assam

. by Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma

Mere solutions of critical and perennial problems do not entice the stakeholders, what truly catches their attention and take them by astonishment is the simplicity of the thought process in crafting the anatomy of the solution. Solutions, by the virtue of the definition, are not non-existent; all that remains to be done is excavation. The treat becomes doubly sumptuous if the path to the solution is simple, linear, and uncluttered. One exemplary case of such simplistic approach to solve the long existing issue of illiteracy is Parijat Academy, founded by Uttam Teron.

– Devashish dhar, Youth Leader India

Birth of an idea

One who is empathetic towards the society feels its pain as a fellows-sufferer. Uttam realized the need of the solution when he witnessed, “The poor tribal children of my village, ones which were not going to school and were not interested to attend school used to roam dangerously near by stone quarry aimless. The sight made me think to start a small school at my home.” It did not take a high degree of effort for him to see the gap in the society, an inherent quality of an educated mind and compassionate soul. In fact, his dream aligned with the solution. Uttam, a young man from Pamohi (20 km from Guwahati), had an ambitious dream for 100% literacy in his village. For the same he used his expertise he gained after graduating in 1999 from a city college where he was active member of the Guwahati Zilla Moina Parijat, a local group working with children’ giving them training in leadership, music, physical education etc. He happily concludes, “I was training kids anyway and decided to set up a school at home to take kids around my village under my wings.”

Street play for kids

Time for pre-school

How Uttam defied the basic logic of preparing first and then taking the challenge remains a highlight of his initiative. Instead, he scaled his preparation while actively taking up the cause. He exclaims, “Parijat Academy started in 2003 with four students.”

Uttam was born to a train driver father and a homemaker mother who never went to school; he invested the Rs 800 he had earned as a private tutor in constructing a room with a tin roof and bamboo walls. Parijat got its first classes. With the remaining amount, a pair of desks and benches was procured from a village carpenter. Nothing is more motivating than an example of immense human grit, courage, and risk absorption.

Taking tests and exams

Uttam is quick to admit that Parijat academy’s journey was frequently inundated with tests; though, they remained miniscule in comparison to the task that lies ahead. He recalls the mindset of the villagers as, “When I asked the

Czech volunteers

villagers to send their children to my school, they said that education is useless for their children. If our children work with their parents in jobs such as collecting firewood, their family will be in gain.”

He further adds that the culture of disruption of societal activities owing to incidents deeply impact the education in the area. “In Assam, the Bandculture could halt activities by different groups in state or a district.” Further, he attributes the economic limitations of the area as an undercurrent for the slow development of educational activities. He explains, “Assam lacks behind others state of India in due to the poverty/major flood problem. The plain areas are damaged by floods while face the problem of communication. Together they impact development in the field of education.”

While he chalks the social impediments as, “here in Assam the major tribes live in rural areas. Moreover, the tribal people not much aware on education.” He briefly mentions the cultural factors as well, “Where dowry/early child marriage system is prevalent and the many tribes have their own different culture and dialect.”

Though, he has managed to take up the economic limitations for the institution on his own and external support. The major limitations existed in the form of paying fees to teachers, have basic medical amenities and provide books for education.

Passing the matriculation

After eight years of rigorous effort and unflinching determination, Uttam now proudly proclaims, “Today at our school there are 508 children studying from Nursery to Class 10 with free education. Out of the total, 256 are girls” What further complements the celebration: “Now the tribal people realize that education is important.”

It does not require a mind of high intellect to realize that reasoning similar to that of Uttam Teron might have been a driving force behind the Right to Education Act. India witnessed a momentous period in 2010, when the Government passed the Right to Education Act, 2010. Thus, a lot has changed for Uttam and for Indians. What seemed as a prerogative of fortunate people has now been drawn as a level of subsistence for all Indian citizens. Though, we shall always remain indebted to Uttam for taking a cause seven years before it translated into an Act and which has found supporters in one and all. In fact, he stands in stark contradiction to state governments which claim the Act as absurd and shredded with hidden motives.

Uttam is all praises for the Act, though he mentions, “Only degree is not enough for a teacher to teach children. He needs to have passion and interest for the profession. Children need more motivation. Teaching should be skill/job oriented in higher class towards learning for earning. If this goes properly it may reduce poverty.” A progressive mind hardly rest on glories; instead, prepares meticulously for the tasks at hand.

Preparing for graduation

Uttam Teron

Uttam, vindicated and optimistic, has now bigger plans for his academy. He believes employability is the next logical step for education at his academy. He has a plan in place to logically transit kids from basic education to vocational training. He considers, “I am giving more attention on vocational skill development with formal education at Parijat Academy. Without skill, in today’s world, it is tough to sustain. My plan is to provide Vocational Skill Training for the youth between 18-30 years with 90 days training model and plan for placement. Here youth will also hone their communication and computer skills. The students will have a minimum education till Class 8 or class 10 and the program will be focused on Learning for Earning.”

Uttam believes that it does not matter how many people join the cause. Instead, the quality and passion is more important. He says, “Do something for the society. Need not ask what society will give us. It’s our duty what we can do for our society. Parijat Academy work is small but trying to do sincerely for the underprivileged with limited resource. If somebody wants to serve the cause, do from heart.”

Uttam Teron can be contacted at: Parijat Academy, PO. Garchuk, Guwahati, 781035, Assam.

E-mail: parijatacademy03@yahoo.com. Mobile: 098640-41711

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About the author

Devashish Dhar: I am an Equity Analyst by profession and based out of Gurgaon. A graduate from India’s pioneer undergraduate B-School – CBS, I am currently working in a financial research firm. A staunch believer of – ‘ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country’, I pursue my interest in political developments, international development, public policy, and history after my work hours. I am also a voracious reader and world cinema enthusiast, along with having interests in swimming and music. Going by my belief – ‘This is the best time to be an Indian to make a worthy difference’, in the long run I wish to work towards infusing contemporary and robust fundamentals in India’s public policy

Joy of support a child

2012-09-04T06:49:00.002-07:00

Parijat Academy is a school for underprivileged children.It was established in 2003. Starting with 4 children in a small tinroof and bamboo wall room with a pair of desk and bench. It is non religious, non profit school. Providing free education. The school is covering 14 tribal villages – Pamohi, Maghuapara, Deosutal, Garchuk, Mainakhorong, Dhalbama, Nowagaon, Garoghuli, Garbhanga, Ahomgaon, Kotokipara, Chakardo, Pahamjila, Natun Garbhanga.

Uttam Teron, the person behind Parijat Academy at Pamohi village just outskirt of Guwahati city has made it to the list of 35 Indian youth icons. Uttam Teron has established Parijat Academy in 2003 for four poor children in Pamohi village with Rs. 800 which has now more than 500 students along with 22 staff members.

Seven years before the Right to Education Bill was introduced in the Parliament, Uttam Teron, a young man from Pamohi, 20 km from Guwahati, dreamt of 100 per cent literacy for the children of his village. Education was the lowest priority in this Karbi-dominated hamlet and most children, especially girls, helped their parents in the fields. This changed when Teron began the Parijat Academy in a cowshed in 2003 with just four students. Today, the school, with a small hostel, provides free education to 502 students of which 256 are girls.

PARIJAT ACADEMY

a school for the underprivileged children

PAMOHI, GARCHUK, GUWAHATI-781035, ASSAM, INDIA

email: parijatacademy03@yahoo.com

www.parijatacademy.org

www.parijatacademy.blogspot.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfybbt6molE

Volunteer in Assam

2012-09-04T06:47:00.002-07:00

A Canadian Volunteer in Assam

I am a retired Canadian university professor of history and have just returned from my second volunteer experience in Assam. I taught spoken English at Parijat Academy last October and returned in April of this year to help at Prajnalaya Academy and Asha Darshan.

Uttam Teron of Parijat was my initial contact in Assam and I learned of him and his work through the Omprakash Foundation website. I had been to India a number of times, but never to the northeastern states, and his school provided a perfect introduction to the area. I am deeply indebted to him and his family for welcoming me into their home and providing a window on life in Assam. As a volunteer I worked each day with the children in Classes 4 through 8, helping them understand my spoken English and encouraging them to speak English through a variety of games and interactive activities.

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I fell in love with the beauty of Assam and the warmth and openness of of its people, and I wished to return. Uttam suggested volunteering at Prajnalaya and Asha Darshan and was highly instrumental in arranging my stay at both.

Storm damage to Prajnalaya

On 14^th May , a storm severely damaged Prajnalaya. Prajnalaya is a residential school for the underprivileged students located in a village near the Tiabor town of Assam. The storm caused widespread damage to the kitchen,dining room, a house , school veranda the vermicompost shed, and he plantation trees of the horticulture field. To carry on their day to day activities and to rebuild the damaged school help is needed. If you would like to lend financial support, you may contribute through Assam Foundation of North America

I spent one week at Prajnalaya where Prabudh Basak not only organized my work at his own school, Pranjnalaya, but also arranged visits to several other schools in the area. I thus had an opportunity to speak with teachers in both large and small schools and, with the aid of a translator, to their students. At Prajnalaya I met with all the classes, but perhaps more significantly, had extensive contact with the school's hostel students. Since I was staying at the school, they were able to visit with me in the evenings or join me on my early morning walks. These informal settings significantly increased their willingness to try to speak in English.

Subsequently, I spent three weeks with Biju Borbaruah and Asha Darshan, staying first in Kumarikata, and then in Tamulpur and Guwahati. My initial task as a volunteer was to lead a six-day training program in spoken English. The participants were either teachers from Asha Darshan schools or Asha Darshan staff. I then visited eleven of the twelve Asha Darshan schools and wrote a report on each, describing both the schools' condition and improvements requested by the teachers. I also took illustrative photographs. The most inadequate school was completely surrounded by water in the wet season and consisted of one large room with only three bamboo walls (there was a hole big enough to walk through in one of these). There was no toilet, drinking water, or furniture (the children sat on floor mats brought from home). There had been a lunch program, but money for it ran out in December 2009. Two teachers taught Class Nursery through Class Four (158 students). They estimated that 30 per cent of the children who started in the school finished Class Four. My final task with Asha Darshan was to help organize thirty boxes of books (sent by Omprakash Foundation) into a working library.

I am reasonably certain that my volunteer work is useful, both directly in the contact I provide with a native English speaker and indirectly in the evidence my presence offers that the rest of the world cares and is willing to encourage and support the work of these teachers and pupils. Incidentally, for many of the pupils I was the first non-Indian they had ever met. In addition to my work, I made a modest monetary donation to Asha Darshan; Prajnayala would not accept any such, considering it (I think) a slight to their hospitality. But clearly money is needed - for teachers' pay and for repairs and further development. If anyone reading this is in a position to help monetarily, I hope they will seriously consider doing so.

Margaret W. Andrews, Ph.D

Vancouver, B.C. Canada

21 May 2010

Volunteer in free school , Parijat Academy, Assam

2012-09-04T06:46:00.002-07:00

Measure of Love
by Anjana Bora
Can we measure love? Yes, we can measure love. Sentiments and words can mean very little when it comes to expressing love. The only language love truly speaks is actions. It is” love packed with action” that can be measured and hence treasured by the one who receives it. Or else love is but an empty word. Love and compassion bind us in common humanity, crossing boundaries and barriers, relentless of language, race, religion and color.
Love is not a noun. Feeling, thinking, crying, or laughing cannot express love. Action alone can express love. Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love me? Then he said, ‘Feed my sheep’. Do is the key word here. Do is action. And love is sacrifice. Without pain or sacrifice, there is absolutely no love in action And all the above connotations run true in the lives of Uttam Terron and Dhaujee Kelly, two extraordinary individuals, from two extreme corners of the world brought together as if by some divine intervention, intertwined in the common thread of love, sacrifice, and compassion for underprivileged children in a remote village called Pamohi in the North east state of Assam, India.Like many upcoming young men, Uttam Terron grew up in humble beginnings, but had great dreams, not for himself, but for the betterment of his community. He dreamt of building a school for the underprivileged children of his village, bringing education into their lives, giving them structure , create discipline and bring some normalcy in their otherwise vacant lives.With land donated by his loving father, and with great perseverance and focus, Uttam Terron ‘s dream materialized in the birth of Parijat Academy, an institution that has risen as a symbol of hope, a solid foundation upon which precious little lives are thriving in the glory of knowledge, love , freedom and joy.

Today, this institution of love and light has immensely brightened the lives of dozens of less fortunate children across the little village. This little miracle of an institution has touched the lives of many people from India and abroad who heard about it and had the opportunity to visit it, only to come back humbled, touched and impressed. One such person is Dhaujee Kelly from Baltimore, Maryland USA, a 19 year old student studying psychology and sociology at Bowdoin college in Brunswick, Maine. She believes in giving back to those in need and the best way to do so she says is to take part in their lives and to understand the struggles they go through. While searching the Web for a place to volunteer during the summer of 2009 she came across the web page of Parijat Academy. Located in a remote village in India, where at times there is no running water or electricity, where villagers have to walk
up to twenty miles to reach the nearest health care facility, she decided to visit this place so unknown to her yet her immense desire to serve its people and try to bring some change for their betterment and upliftment. Nothing prepared Kelly for the challenges that lay before her, the culture shock, the language barrier, to name a few, but once she encountered them, she went head on and embraced them, living like one of them for two entire months ,with no complaints, bearing the scorching summer heat, the mosquitoes bites and a less comfortable life then she was used to in America. She coined her own humorous terms for bleaker times like what she termed as “bucket mornings” on the days when there was no running water and she had to use bucket water from a well to wash herself. Or the nights when there was no electricity and she would sing American songs to liven up the dark evenings and bring great joy to the little children gathered around her . When the children got to know that Kelly worked as a hairdresser in a salon in America since she was 14 years old, they were amazed. They all wanted a haircut and was ecstatic when Kelly worked on each of their long beautiful hair.Kelly taught the children Math and English from 1st grade to 9th grade, gave them computer lessons and helped in bringing out their creative self. She taught them to make paper flowers, face masks and various other art works. She brought an element of fun and joy in all her teachings and the children learned and thoroughly enjoyed being in her company.The concept of first aid for children is not known in such schools, and Kelly donated her first aid kit to the school. She played nurse and attended to some injured children, who hurt themselves while playing or fighting
among themselves. She enlightened the rest of the teachers the importance of first aid for school kids and how to promptly take care of them in certain situations.

Kelly also visited an NGO which promotes economic rehabilitation to disabled people. It was assuring for her to see people who are deaf, dumb, blind or mentally retarded earning their own living through such work like packaging and marketing of tea bags. Kelly had her lighter moments as a tourist when she visited the neighboring picturesque state of Meghalaya and the bordering state of Bhutan with Indian friends. The breathtaking scenery, the mountains , the lakes and the tea gardens enchanted and soothed her spirit. She enjoyed the local food, attend village weddings, and felt touched by the warmth and love showered on her by the local people.
Many people she encountered during her stay there have left a lasting impression in her mind. A visitor to Parijat Academy made her feel at ease by telling her not to worry about the language barrier, that though the children speak little English, but they understand the language of the heart, and that she has nothing to worry about. She felt that he truly understood the purpose of her visit.

Kelly Dhaugee went to do volunteer work for the underprivileged children in a distant unknown land in India. She returned two months later to her homeland in America, as if leaving another home behind, feeling privileged and enriched by an experience unique and unforgettable. She recalls meeting a disabled 15 year old boy who had an animated conversation with her, and in spite of his physical disability expressed his desire to be a doctor and his dream of coming to America to receive his college degree. She found an elder brother in Uttam Terron, the founder of Parijat Academy, many friends, little brothers and sisters in the bright and cheerful students, a whole village of loving people. She left the Academy and the little village of Pamohi in tears, sad to be separated from the loving ties she formed, but with promises to return.

The language of love and sacrifice made a triumphant win, and an American girl through her selfless acts of love and inspiration won the hearts of dozens of little children, making a difference in their lives which they otherwise would have never known.

“Knowledge is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”
“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give”—Winston Churchill.

About Author
Anjana Bora born and brought up in Shillong , did her Masters in English from North Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya. Besides being a wonderful mother to her two lovely daughters Anvi and Riddhi , she has an innate knack for writing and loves to read and collect books. Anjana has contributed significantly to “Friends” editing and preparing the articles. She lives with her family in Dallas, Texas, USA

Volunteeing at underprivileged school, Assam

2012-09-04T06:41:00.002-07:00

Volunteering at Parijat Academy

26 August, 2010Editor

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There are only a few moments in life when we actually get the time for ourselves and even fewer moments when we get to do something for others. The thought of doing something for issues not directly related to one’s own self or loved ones is itself beautiful and rare. As such, given an opportunity to serve the needy or work selflessly towards the betterment of the society should play a vital role in everyone’s lives. Only then we can be truly a part of a human culture.
Social work had always been on my mind. After doing a paper in Indian economic development in my second year of graduation, I got to know a lot about what is actually going on in my country when it comes to “development.” This paper has been enriching enough to make me realize that I should do something worthwhile in my life instead of entirely aiming for only a great job and a fat salary. Instead of blaming the entire system all the time without even knowing what actually is going on, contributing in my own little way would really make me feel proud of myself. This paper interested me so much that I started reading up on serious issues that are bothering INDIA . The statistics shocked me!
When I was finally over with my graduation in MAY 2010, I decided to do work or intern under a non profit organization in Guwahati. I suddenly remembered about my search in summer 2009 when I had got in touch with MR. UTTAM TERON, founder of “ PARIJAT ACADEMY ” which is a school for underprivileged children in a place called GARCHUK in ASSAM . I mailed him saying I would love to be a part of his venture with the children. He replied on the very same day with a lot of enthusiasm and called me in for a meeting on the next day. I was delighted and at the same time humbled. I went to “ PARIJAT ACADEMY ” the very next day and we sat and talked about so many things. TERON sir is absolutely amazing and he is doing such a wonderful deed by providing free education to so many children without any ulterior motive. That was truly an amazing experience. I was thrilled and motivated by his dedication towards securing the future of the children in the academy and many more to come in the future. He agreed to let me intern under him in his academy. The job given to me was to teach the children and to think of creative ways of teaching the younger ones, making them learn in a way that they would remember all their lives. He even asked me to teach them music as when I told him I had a degree in Indian classical music. The confidence that he showed in me was truly motivating. I shall always be thankful to him for letting me be a part of the school family. He introduced me to the children of all the classes. I met all the children from standard 1 to standard 10. The academy even had a nursery and a kindergarten class. The students welcomed me warmly. I was also nervous to an extent because I wanted to do this job right and in my opinion teaching is one of the toughest jobs. The ideas that one has in mind needs to be put in the minds of these children and that is one real challenge. Even tougher for me, but I wanted to take this task up and contribute in my own little way. So my journey in PARIJAT started.
The first thing I noticed about PARIJAT was its ambience. Trapped in the beauty of nature with greenery all around, the view was really a treat to the eye. There was enough space for the children to play during recess. I loved the natural sorroundings. Every morning I felt as if the birds welcomed me with their chirps and the wind whispered in my ear. There was something very positive about the whole workplace. No matter how tired I would get, it did not matter as long as I got to see the smiling faces of the children daily. The school had enough indoor games as well that kept the children busy during their free time. The classes were really well maintained and organized. Everything was impressive and I could clearly see the hard work of so many who worked day and night for the children.
Everyday was a challenge for me. At first I thought the children might feel awkward and not open up to me. But to my pleasant surprise they were so smart and outgoing from the very first day! I remember I used to be very shy in school and I liked only those teachers who were not strict, lol. I loved teaching the children but had to be careful about the ways I used. They were bright and full of life, always willing to learn something new and interesting. It was a delight teaching them different things ranging from studies to art to music. I mostly took classes for the younger age group. I loved the most when I interacted with them. It gave me an immense sense of joy deep within my heart as I could sense their innocence and honesty in whatever they said or did. I also realized that the children learned in a better way and did their work on time when they were treated with a lot of love and care and also the thought of competition made them study regularly. I learned a lot as to how should I treat them as a teacher and luckily, they seemed to like meJ. I shared a great bond with the children and became dependent on them to quite an extent. I looked forward to meeting them everyday. I was having the best time of my life with the children.
The academy also had many teachers who were so kind and nice to me. I felt so good. All the teachers worked hard for the children and the school. I was never used to being given so much respect and being called “baideo” by all. I was greeted with smiles in the staff room whenever I entered or exited it. It was such a nice feeling. Pranoy sir was really nice to me. I always kept thanking him for his bike lifts till Garchuk. I made friends with Bhabani who taught the senior classes. She was my walking partner everyday till Garchuk (whenever I did not get any lift!). In short, all the people in the academy became a part of my world and I respected all of them.
My personal experience in Parijat has also been wonderful because I have been fortunate enough to have met so many people within my internship period in the academy. There are so many people who support this academy and are working for bringing about positive changes in the society. Such people have been so influential in my life. They have inspired and motivated me to give something back to the society which has given me all that I have. I shall always be thankful to UTTAM Sir for firstly giving me this opportunity of a lifetime to teach the kids. The dedication that I saw in him had been a driving force for me everyday. It feels good to see that even after man has led to so many devastations and destructions in the world, there are still such people who are working for the sake of humanity selflessly. It brings a ray of hope to everyone’s lives.
All in all, my experience has been one of a lifetime and I look forward to coming back to these children whenever possible as they are a part of my life now. I have learnt so much from this place and I have so much to take back with me. I am a much better person now and I strongly feel that the youth should contribute to the society even if it is in the minimum way possible. As a part of this generation, I take it as my responsibility to keep doing good work all my life. I would like to request all those who feel for social issues deeply to come out and do whatever they can because even a little effort can act as a positive catalyst. Holding hands together, we can truly bring about positive changes and if we all indulge in it, very soon the world shall be a much better place to live in and also the sense of satisfaction derived from such work is truly inexplicable. As for me, I will be back very soon to these children. I can never forget their smiling faces. The memories shall remain forever in my life.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep. ---- ROBERT FROST
Bhaswati Bhattacharyya
(Economics Graduate Student from Lady Shree Ram College, Delhi)

Assam 's free school

2012-09-04T06:40:00.001-07:00

Parijat Academy

a school for underprivileged children

Parijat Academy is a school for underprivileged children.It was established in 2003. Starting with 4 children in a small tinroof and bamboo wall room with a pair of desk and bench. It is non religious, non profit school. Providing free education. The school is covering 9 tribal villages – Pamohi, Maghuapara, Deosutal, Garchuk, Mainakhorong, Dhalbama, Nowagaon, Garoghuli, Garbhanga.

What is likely to be here?

Parijat Academy is situated in the village of Pamohi near fringe area of Deepor Beel wetland, where migratory birds can be seen. Nearby villages of Parijat Academy the poor tribal family are depend their livelihood through, woodcutter, daily labour, cultivator , home made rice beer, they sale that and running their family. So Parijat Academy is thinking for their children not to follow and practice this rice beer making system in their coming life. Parijat Academy’s perseverance is that to bring their poor children to Parijat Academy and make them engage during days at school by learing different things slowly slowly, about health, education, music, culture, games etc. Children learning subjects at Parijat Academy are Assamese, Hindi, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Environmental Studies, Moral Education, Drawing, Recitation, Music.

Cultivation of crop is not very feasible here. There is lack of health care facility. The literacy rate is very very low. Children specially girls are required to take care of household works.

Parijat means heavenly flower in Assamese. Education is children’s birth right.

Why Parijat Academy?

Literacy rate is very very poor here in this area. School drop out also high here. We want 100% poor children to be educated. For this Parijat Academy is providing free education for the children. It will takes 15 to 20 years to bring changes of these children of these area. It is a long term project. A beginning has already been made.

Objective:

Educating the poor, to create awareness on eradication of child labour.
Providing free education.

Learning to Enjoy Learning

2012-09-04T06:38:00.002-07:00

Parijat - Where Education Emancipates - YouTube
► 3:14► 3:14	www.youtube.com/watch?v...Share 21 Dec 2010 - 3 min - Uploaded by womenaloudindia kudos to the spirit of parijat academy n its founder uttam teron for bringing up dis most needed change in the ...

Underprivileged children school Assam

2012-09-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

Parijat Academy : A young man’s dream to fulfill his mission

The place is Pamohi located on the outskirts of Assam’s capital Guwahati. The school is located in an area that is mostly inhabited by tribal people, comprising about ten tribal villages with approximately seven thousand people There are five stone quarries located in that area and most of the people work as a daily wage earner in the quarry. While the parents worked in the quarry, their children would wonder around all-day, some of them venturing dangerously close to the stone quarry. The recent incident of a woman losing her life as a stone blasted and hit her while she was working there needs to be mentioned. A young man started to think about a way to keep these kids engaged in a safer environment during the day when their parents were out. This is how the school Parijat Academy was born. The young man Uttam Teron had saved Rs 800 from the fees he received after giving tuition. With that amount he got a pair of desks and benches and set up the school. Please visit the websitewww.parijatacademy.org. to know more about Parijat Academy.

http://fass.infoedindia.com/ProjectParijatAlohiGhor.htm

The purpose of this appeal for help is to seek monetary and material donations to build a Guest House in the Parijat Academy, a school for the underprivileged children of the village Pamohi near Guwahati, Assam in North East India.


How to Donate Please Mail US dollar check/MO payable to 'Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters Memo: Alohi Ghor Project International Address: Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters 20501 Katy Freeway, Suite 138C, Katy, Texas, USA. You may also wire transfer US Dollar or
other currency to Friends of Assam account: JP Morgan Chase Bank A/c # 765403175 (Routing number 111000614) We also accept major credit cards. To send money through credit cards, please visit our website www.friendsofassam.org Thank you for your generous support. Friends of Assam & Seven Sisters (FASS) (EIN:26-2882430) is a Non Profit Charity Organization with Tax exempt status from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

In 2003, Uttam Teron, a local unemployed youth from Pamohi found that there was no school for the children of his village. That was when he started a school in his own house with just four students. It is purely due to his sheer determination along with lots of help and support from sympathetic individuals that the school has grown, and today accommodate about five hundred students. The school provides free education along with free boarding to many local students. (see http://www.parijatacademy.org).

Project Management:
Rajen Barua, Manager ( rajen.barua@gmail.com) (Houston, USA)
Ph. 713-677-9162
Rupesh Saikia, Treasurer (rcsaikia@hiwaay.net) (Houston, USA)
Ph.281-316-8875
Vavani Sarmah, Public Relation (vavani@yahoo.com) (Seattle, USA)
Jayanta Barman, Construction, (Guwahati, Assam, INDIA)

REPLY FORM:
Name______________________________ Email___________________________________ Address_________________________________ ______________________________________
City ________________ State ______
Zip Code __________ Amount Rs/- __
Amount $ ____________
Material ________________

Mail to: Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters
20501 Katy Freeway, Suite 138C, Katy, Texas, USA (email: friendsofassam@gmail.com)

Needless to say that the school is running in shoestring budget and is struggling to survive, and it needs lot of help. Fortunately the school is receiving lot of media attention, and due to which many teachers

and many national and international volunteers from many countries have been visiting the school and volunteering their time as visiting

teachers. Recently Mr. Garvin Brown from Australia, Ms. Dhaujee Kelly from USA, Ms. Promona Sengupta from Kolkata, Prof Margaret from Vancouver, Canada and Ms. Andrews from USA have volunteered their time at Parijat Academy. These international visiting volunteers

provide unique lessons to the underprivileged students. More volunteers are willing to come. However, the school does not have adequate accommodation for the visiting volunteers. It badly need an Alohi Ghor (Guest House) for the visiting volunteers and teachers.. Considering the above need, we the Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters (FASS), an international non-profit organization, head

quartered in Houston, Texas, (www,friendsofassam.org) have decided to build an Alohi Ghor (Guest House) for the school. To achieve our goal, we are appealing to the general public for any kind of donations, monetary or materials. For donation of Rs.5000 ($110) or more, the names will be exhibited in the Alohi Ghor. Please find attached the estimate details as well as a sketch plan of the Alohi Ghor (Guest House).

The proposed Alohi Ghor (Guest House) is estimated to cost about 4 lakh rupees ($8,000). Mike Fincke, the American Astronaut, already laid the foundation stone of the Alohi Ghor when he visited Assam recently

The Cost Estimate
Item	Need	Unit Cost	Total Cost(Rs.)
Cement	100 bags	Rs. 325/bag	32,500
Sand	15 cum	Rs. 800/cum	12,000
Chips	15 cum	Rs. 1000/cum	15,000
Steel	1.5 MT	44,000/mt	66,000
Bricks	5000 units	Rs.2.30/Unit	11,500
BAmdoo & Shuttering			12,000
Doors & Windows	514	Rs. 3000/Unit	42,000
Paints			8,000
Floor, Tile			17,800
Electricity			30,000
Water			40,000
Misc.			30,000
Labour cost			40,000
Total Estimated Cost = Rs.356,000 ($8,000)

Silver Phoenix award to Uttam Teron of Parijat Academy

2012-09-04T06:34:00.002-07:00

Silver Phoenix award to Uttam Teron of Parijat Academy
Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) is a business school headquartered in New Delhi, with 18 branches across India. ‘Speak up, be heard and bring a change!’ is the motto of SACK (“Students Against Corruption and Kickbacks), an initiative started by IIPM which aims at rooting out corruption.
Corruption in India now has a vice-like grip. Long ago, Karl Kraus, Austrian writer, journalist and critic said “Corruption is worse than prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual, while the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire nation.” There couldn’t be a better or more fitting definition of India’s corruption than what he said.
This year, Amaze, one of IIPM’s flagship events had a special programme organised on 15th December 2011 in New Delhi. IIPM felicitated a number of guests on the occasion. They included Vivek Dutt, CBI official; Prashant Bhushan, social activist; Shailesh Gandhi, Central Information Commissioner for RTI; Ajit Singh, president of the NGO Gudiya (which works against sexual exploitation of women and trafficking); Uttam Teron, activist who started Parijat Academy, a school for poor children; and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, a noted doctor in Ranchi who charges his patients only Rs 5. They received the Silver Phoenix awards and citations in recognition of their good work and commitment for social causes.
Uttam Teron of Pamohi, Guwahati was invited to interact with the students and give his views on how education helps to eradicate corruption. While receiving the award he talked about his work in the field of education. He said that he started with four kids in a cowshed and now his school Parijat Academy has 500 formal students. "Corruption cannot be eradicated overnight but that does not mean we should silently observe the malpractices. I am trying to create an example to government schools that even with limited resources, one can deliver and make a difference in the poor people's lives," he said.

In September 2010 Uttam made it to India Today’s list of India’s 35 youth icons for contributing in different ways towards the uplift of the society. In December 2010 he was awarded the Young Entrepreneur Award 2010 by Asian Institute of Management and Sciences, Guwahati. Uttam was recognised as one of the 24 Real Heros of India by IBN/CNN in a special award ceremony held on 17 August 2011 in Mumbai.

Assam: Free school attracts volunteer from the US

2012-09-04T06:29:00.002-07:00

Click to play video

Guwahati: It's been a year since Uttam Teron was given the CNN-IBN Real Hero Award for his school Parijat Academy, a free school for underprivileged children in Assam. Today the school has 500 students from 14 different tribal communities. The award has helped the school but the road ahead has not been easy. The school is heavily dependent on help from friends and well-wishers.

"It is very difficult sitting in one part of the country convincing others in other parts of the country. It is difficult, very tough," Teron said.

It is a team effort that is also attracting volunteers from other parts of the world. Amy Partridge, an American volunteer who has travelled from Korea and trying to infuse a new life to this free school. She is making learning a fun process and the students love it.

"The disadvantage is that volunteers don't come here consistently. Right now, I am trying to raise awareness in the US," Amy said.

There are 24 teachers who work full time on very little salary. Yet everyone genuinely believes in the right to education and that is what keeping the learning process going in this corner of Assam.

Children Education

2012-09-04T06:28:00.002-07:00

UTTAM TERON

Contact Details

Mobile – +91- 9864041711
Email – parijatacademy03@yahoo.com
Address - Pamohi, P.O. Garchuk, Guwahati-781035, Assam

Donate to underprivileged children school

2012-09-04T06:27:00.000-07:00

Presented By:

Media Partners:

Radio Partner:

UTTAM TERON (EAST)

Contact Details

Mobile – +91- 9864041711
Email – parijatacademy03@yahoo.com
Address - Pamohi, P.O. Garchuk, Guwahati-781035, Assam

JOY of GIVING to underprivileged children

2012-09-04T06:25:00.002-07:00

Uttam Teron wanted to teach Karbi children, now they want to learn more

By Kavita Kanan Chandra
Mumbai04 Sep 2012

Posted 18-Aug-2011
Vol 2 Issue 33

It was born in a cowshed. The humble beginning notwithstanding, the school, ‘Parijat Academy’ is today a ray of hope for the Karbi tribes of Assam as their children are poised for a better future.
The people of Pamohi village had been sceptical about educating their children when Uttam Teron started the school in the tribal village in 2003. But Teron had started the school in a cowshed with just four students, driven by a desire to provide quality education to the children.

Real hero: Uttam Teron believed in the children’s right to education and went on to start a school in his village

Now Parijat Academy has tin-roofed and bamboo walled classrooms and most of its 508 students are girls.
Children from nine tribal villages - Pamohi, Mahguapra, Deosutal, Garchuk, Mainakhorong, Dhalbama, Nowagaon, Garoghuli and Garbhanga – attend the school. The school has added standard XI from this academic year onwards to enable the 16 students who had passed their tenth standard to continue their studies.

Parijat, which provides free education and focuses on developing qualities of kindness, and compassion in the children, was originally started with the aim of eradicating child labour. “I was saddened to see children of my native village loitering around or working in fields instead of spending their time in school,” says Teron.

Parents did not have the resources to offer their children good education. When their livelihood depended on selling rice beer, cutting wood, cultivating fields and daily labour, quality education for their children was a distant dream. With only one Government school in the vicinity, where the students could not even read and write Assamese, school dropout was high.

However, Teron, son of a train driver, who was lucky to get higher education in the prestigious Cotton College and Arya Vidyapeeth College in Guwahati, firmly believed that education was the birthright of every child.

Children of Parijat Academy celebrating Independence Day

The success of Parijat’s students spread by word of mouth and mothers from neighbouring villages came to him to enrol their daughters at his school. Now Parijat Children Education Trust – where primary education from Class I to IV is provided - can also be spotted in villages like Garbhanga, Pahamjila and Natun Garbhanga.
Parijat’s students also take part in extra-curricular activities. They participate in drawing competition, learn music and even go rock climbing.
“A volunteer, Henry D Teron, who had learnt rock climbing from Darjeeling, took the kids for a rock climbing session near Ganeshpara and the kids were thrilled,” said Teron.
At school, the children study subjects like Assamese, Hindi, English, Social Studies, Environmental Studies, Maths and Science. Teron is grateful to his 17 teachers and 3 other staff members who bear with him through thick and thin and the not-too-prompt payments he makes them.

Funds are scarce. Some welfare organizations provide them with textbooks or they collect used books from schools in cities.
A one-time donation of Rs 30000 from the Buddhist Welfare Organization in Thailand helped in providing school uniforms to the children.

Young volunteers sometime chip in to teach the students.

“Everything was impressive and I could clearly see the hard work of so many who worked day and night for the children,” said Bhaswati Bhattacharya, an Economics graduate from LSR College Delhi, who worked at the school as an intern for a month.
Teron wishes to start vocational training centres for the kids. “My future plan entails developing a residential school in Pamohi as villagers from far off places want to educate their kids here,” he said.
Teron’s parents, who had wanted him to have a secure job in a city, are now content to see him become a harbinger of change in the village. Teron was one of the recipients of this year’s CNN-IBN Reliance Real Heroes award. He had also been in the list of India Today’s 35 youth icons of India.

Underprivileged children school in Guwahati

2012-09-04T06:23:00.003-07:00

From Tehelka Magazine, Vol 8, Issue 6, Dated February 12, 2011

CURRENT AFFAIRS

INSPIRATIONS

Pamohi, Assam

Uttam Teron, 35

Tribal Educator

BY RATNADIP CHOUDHURY

PHOTO: ANJANA DUTTA

Until eight years ago, education was an alien concept for the tribal kids of Pamohi village near Guwahati. Now, they aren’t afraid of reaching for the sky, thanks to Uttam Teron. “The men in the village used to work in a stone quarry and the women sold rice beer. Earning two square meals was such a challenge that educating their children was a distant dream,” recalls Teron. So, the tribal graduate started the Parijat Academy in a cowshed with four students in 2003. Now it has more than 500 students, all getting free education. This year, the first batch will appear for matriculation exams. “I had to try hard to convince the parents to send their kids. Many laughed at me, others ignored me. Slowly, the mindset changed. Now, the tribals look up to the school,” he says. Money was a stumbling block, so he visited government schools in Guwahati and collected used books and uniforms. Those who came to know about his initiative started donating in cash and kind. “We need blackboards, sports gear, generator, etc,” says Anjani Teron, a Class VIII student. “The government has done nothing. For us, the Parijat Academy is a blessing.”

TERON MAY BE REACHED AT +91 98640 41711

‘I had to try hard to convince the parents. Many laughed at me’

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From Tehelka Magazine, Vol 8, Issue 6, Dated Feb 12, 2011

Free School in Assam, India

2012-09-04T06:22:00.002-07:00

Parijat Academy- A school for underpriviledged students

Uttam Teron is a resident of Pamohi Village.He has been striving hard for over 7 years to educate the underpriviledged children of the society .He was recognised as one of the 24 Real Heros of India by IBN/CNN in a special award ceremony held on 17 August 2011 in Mumbai.He was also include in the List of India Today's 35 Youth Icon for contributing towards the upliftment of the society.

Pamohi is a small Karbi dominated village at a distance of 20Km from Guwahati.Due to the low income of the people living in this village, they were unable to provide education for their children.But things started changing in 2003, when a youth named Uttam Teron from this village took the initiative to educate the children of his village free of cost.

Uttam Teron started Parijat Academy in 2003 in a small cowshed with four children and a pair of desk and bench.He said "The poor tribal children of my village, who were roaming around stone quary instead of spending their time in school, inspired me to start a small centre for them." However, he had to go through a lot of difficulties in the initial period. It was difficult for him to convince his parents as they wanted him to do a secure job.Besides that the main hurdle was raising funds for the School.

But soon with the help of internet he was able to raise funds from different people,societies,groups,etc. from various parts of the world.Many societies,well-wishers,association have come forward to lend a helping hand.Some have helped him financially while some are trying to help by provide textbooks and other required materials.Young volunteers and interns also visits the campus to teach and interact with the children.

The school now covers nine tribal villages namely Pamohi,Mahguapra,Deosutal,Garchuk,MainaKhorong,Dhalbama,Nowagaon,Garoghuli and Garbhanga.The school now has an enrollment of over 500 students.Teron thanks his well-wishers and friends without who he would have not reached this stage.Uttam Teron believes that the education is the birthright of all students and no student rich or poor should be left behind.Teron ,who had got studied from prestigious institutions like Cotton College and Arya VidyaPeth College , could have a more secure job but his choose to sacrifice it for the sake of the society.His attempt to educate the underpriviledged children, has also led to the decrease of child labour in his village.

Speaking about his future plans, he said that he wants to develop a computer lab with 30 children capacity and to start Vocational Training.He also plans to develop a residential campus so that students from far away villages can also avail free education in his school.Teron said " My motive is to give a chance to this poor tribal children."

In September 2010,Teron was included in the List of India Today's 35 Youth Icon for contributing towards the upliftment of the society. He was awarded Young Entrepreneur Award 2010 by Asian Institute of Management and Sciences,Guwahati. On 17th August 2011,Teron was recognized as one of the 24 Real Heroes of India by IBN/CNN.

Uttam Teron is now making effort to provide more better education to this children ,so that they can reach new heights.

You can contact Uttam Teron On:

Mobile- +919864041711

E-Mail: parijatacademy03@yahoo.com

Address: Pamohi,P.O-Garchuk,Guwahati-781035,Assam

Uttam Teron

Cultural Programme

Photos story

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Alp and Lynette visited Parijat

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making kitchen room for hostel children

1 year complete football academy project

Weekly milk programme

Happy New Year 2014

International Volunteer at Parijat Academy, Assam, India

providing free education to kids in Assam

Uttam Teron, investing where it counts – providing free education to kids in Assam

Joy of support a child

Volunteer in Assam

Volunteer in free school , Parijat Academy, Assam

Volunteeing at underprivileged school, Assam

Volunteering at Parijat Academy

Assam 's free school

Parijat Academy

Learning to Enjoy Learning

Parijat - Where Education Emancipates - YouTube

Underprivileged children school Assam

Silver Phoenix award to Uttam Teron of Parijat Academy

Assam: Free school attracts volunteer from the US

Children Education

Donate to underprivileged children school

JOY of GIVING to underprivileged children

Uttam Teron wanted to teach Karbi children, now they want to learn more

Underprivileged children school in Guwahati

Free School in Assam, India

Parijat Academy- A school for underpriviledged students