Four academicians and a friend have joined hands to start Trust Papa, a charitable
trust that funds education of less privileged students
Jayesh Parmar has an excellent academic background in science.
However, belonging to a below poverty line family, it wouldnt have been possible
for him to pursue further studies. It is at this juncture that PAPA stepped in to
help him pursue his masters in zoology. Without PAPA, I would have had to discontinue
my studies, says Parmar.
Aamir Sheikh, a commerce graduate from Sahajanand College, had to take up a call
centre job to support his familys financial needs despite clearing the foundation
course in CA and wanting to study further. Sheikh said, My mother has been ailing
for the past nine years and my father is making attempts to make both ends meet.
PAPA came to his rescue when he wanted to pursue his CA course.
PAPA is an initiative by five friends, four of whom are academicians, and their
charitable undertaking is called Trust Papa. PAPA stands for Personal Assistance,
Personal Attention.
What started a month back with just a thought is now a full-fledged charitable trust.
Siddharth Thaker, an associate professor at Sahajanand Arts and Commerce College,
the brain behind the trust, said, We come across a lot of needy students who are
bright, but lack chances due to insufficient funds. At that time, most of us wouldnt
mind shelling out some money. But what bothered us was what after those three years
of college
That was when Siddharth thought of taking his initiative to the next level by talking
to his close friends about it.
His colleague Chirag Trivedi, who is head of statistics department at R J Tiberwal
Commerce College, was the first to join him.
Soon, more hands came in including their professor Kashyap Trivedi, an eminent author,
an old school friend, Sandip Kamdar who runs the Arihant Institute of Professional
Studies and Hemant Shah who works as a sub-broker.
The team is upbeat about their endeavour. If we as teachers do not take up this
cause, who else will There are many trusts and organisations who support the needy,
but it is limited only to their groups. For us, there is no religion or caste. Our
mission is simple: To help as many poor students as possible.
A needy student requiring financial assistance can log on to www. trustpapa. org
SOURCE OF FUNDS
The trust began with A Rupee A Day scheme whereby college students were encouraged
to donate a rupee a day which would help sponsor less privileged students.
Says Kamdar, Even though this amount may seem meagre, the effect it can have when
pooled can change someones life. When we explained this to students, they readily
agreed.
HELPING HANDS
Heema Shah, a first year B Com student who is a donor, said, Bringing a smile to
someones face is the noblest of causes. I know there are a lot of students who need
financial help.
Rajesh Vyas, a 27-year-old executive and former student of Sahajanand
college, has also pitched in. My graduation was supported by scholarships and professors
helping me. When I came to know about Trust Papa, I immediately thought of kicking
my smoking habit and use the Rs 3, 600 i spent on cigarettes every year to support
a students college fees.
Courtesy: Times of India
