Tata Steel Foundation’s decade-long ‘Aakanksha’ program has transformed the educational landscape for more than 500 students from Jharkhand’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG), including the Sabar, Birhor, and Pahadiya communities living in remote forest areas. Once starting with just 10 children, the initiative now partners with 17 schools to provide quality education, nutritious meals, safe housing, and transport.
These tribal groups, often marginalized and battling poverty, addiction, and social neglect, have found a new hope in education through this initiative. The foundation’s holistic approach encourages children to attend school regularly, engage in extracurricular activities, and develop skills for a better future.
A shining example is Rashmi Birhor, the first girl from the Birhor community to pass both her 12th grade and graduate exams, inspiring many. Influenced by President Draupadi Murmu’s story, Rashmi pursued higher education despite obstacles and dreams of breaking her community’s cycle of poverty by securing a government job.
Other success stories include students like Shakuntala Birhor, now studying nursing in Chennai despite language barriers, and Balika Birhor from East Singhbhum, who scored 82% in her matriculation exam and is pursuing higher studies with her family’s support.
Many students face challenges such as language differences, financial hardship, and lack of access to educational resources, but with encouragement and comprehensive support from ‘Aakanksha,’ they have shown remarkable progress. The program also focuses on community involvement, motivating families to prioritize education and break traditional barriers.
Tata Steel Foundation’s ‘Aakanksha’ initiative stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for Jharkhand’s PVTG communities, enabling children to dream bigger, pursue education, and build a path toward sustainable development and social upliftment.
Also Read: GST Penalty of Rs. 161 Crores on Tata Steel for Irregular Input Tax Credit Claim
