The Pardada Pardadi Educational Society (PPES) is a transformative girls’ school and foundation located in Anupshahr, a rural area of Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Established by Virender (Sam) Singh, a retired U.S. Dupont South Asia head who grew up in Anupshahr, the school was founded in response to the significant gender disparity in education in rural India. Singh’s vision was to create a safe and nurturing environment where girls from underprivileged backgrounds could receive quality education. Through this initiative, PPES aims to break the cycle of poverty and empower young women to become self-reliant and confident individuals.

Through years of dedicated effort, PPES has grown from an initial intake of just 31 girls to serving over 3,000 students currently enrolled in the school. Additionally, it has reached approximately 10,400 women through its outreach programs.

The mission of this wonderful educational institution is to provide holistic education that goes beyond academics. The school focuses on several key areas, these are:-

  • Quality Education: The curriculum includes not only traditional subjects but also vocational training and life skills, preparing students for a variety of future opportunities.
  • Empowerment: The school encourages girls to pursue their dreams and aspirations, fostering a sense of self-worth and independence that is crucial for their personal and professional growth.
  • Community Engagement: Pardada Pardadi actively involves families and the local community in the educational process, creating a supportive environment that reinforces the importance of education for girls.

We interviewed and photographed several former students in their homes and workplaces in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Each of them exuded self-confidence and a strong determination to break the cycle of poverty and limited opportunities faced by many rural Indian children.

Pardada Pardadi School stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for girls in rural India. Through its commitment to quality education and community involvement, it is changing lives and creating a brighter future. I am proud to document these inspiring stories and share them with the world, emphasising the critical importance of education for young women.

To learn more about Pardada Pardadi Girls School and its mission, you can visit their official website at https://pardadapardadi.org/. Here, you will find information about their programmes, success stories, and ways to get involved.