Bhumika Chauhan
In a country where access to education still remains unequal, meaningful change is driven by institutions that work consistently at the grassroots level. Gunjan Foundation is one such organisation that has transformed education into a powerful tool for social mobility. Since its inception in 2004, the Foundation has been dedicated to empowering children and youth from underprivileged backgrounds through structured educational support, mentorship, and skill development.
Founded under the leadership of Ms. Sushma Singhvi, Gunjan Foundation was created with a simple yet powerful vision—to ensure that financial limitations never become a barrier to education. Over the last two decades, the Foundation has supported more than 2,300 students across India, many of whom are first-generation learners. These students come from economically vulnerable families, including daily wage earners, migrant workers, domestic helpers, and single-parent households. For them, education represents stability, dignity, and the promise of a better future.
Gunjan Foundation’s work is anchored in a holistic approach to education. Rather than limiting support to tuition assistance, the organisation addresses the broader needs of students by covering school fees, books, uniforms, transportation, and academic resources. This comprehensive support system ensures continuity in learning and reduces dropout rates, particularly among children facing financial insecurity.
The Foundation’s flagship initiative, Gunjan-Sashakt, focuses on school-level education from Nursery to Class XII. In the academic year 2024–25, more than 260 students benefited from this program, with a large number enrolled at Shishu Kalyan Senior Secondary School in Gurugram. Gunjan-Sashakt not only supports academic learning but also nurtures discipline, confidence, and consistency among students during their formative years.
For students aspiring to higher education, Gunjan-Utkarsh plays a pivotal role. This initiative supports college-level and vocational education across a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, medicine, law, nursing, commerce, computer applications, and management. Each year, approximately 40–45 students receive scholarships and mentorship under this program. Many alumni of Gunjan-Utkarsh have successfully graduated and entered professional careers, becoming role models within their families and communities.
Recognising the importance of communication and life skills in today’s competitive world, Gunjan Foundation introduced Gunjan-Aayaam. This program focuses on enhancing English communication, personality development, and academic reinforcement through online classes and learning modules. Students enrolled in Gunjan-Aayaam have demonstrated notable improvement in confidence, clarity of expression, and academic performance, particularly in board examinations.
Gunjan Foundation’s reach extends beyond the Delhi-NCR region. Its Jaipur Chapter actively supports higher education scholarships, computer training, English language programs, and career counselling initiatives, with special emphasis on empowering girls through education. Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad Chapter has developed impactful initiatives such as monthly educational kit distributions and the Swadhyaya Sadan—a self-learning centre that provides underprivileged students with a safe and supportive academic environment.
The Foundation’s sustained efforts and transparent governance have earned it widespread recognition. Gunjan Foundation has been featured among the Top 20 NGOs Making a Difference by LBB Delhi-NCR, Top 10 Most Impactful NGOs by Brand Honchos, and Top 5 NGOs by Crowdwave Trust. Additionally, it has received multiple Gold Category ratings from the Give Foundation, reflecting its commitment to accountability and impact-driven work.
Beyond awards and statistics, the real measure of Gunjan Foundation’s success lies in the lives it transforms. Students supported by the Foundation not only complete their education but often become financially independent, contributing to their families and communities. Many alumni remain connected to Gunjan, returning as mentors and volunteers—creating a cycle of empowerment.
As Gunjan Foundation moves forward, its mission remains unwavering: to expand access to education, strengthen skill-building initiatives, and foster long-term self-reliance among underserved communities. Through education, the Foundation continues to build futures defined by opportunity, confidence, and hope.
