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Shishir Tewari was the kind of son every parent dreams of
Born in 1986, my son grew up with a passion for flying and a deep love for his country. After completing his B.Tech, he joined the Indian Air Force, and served our nation proudly through postings all over the country, from Jammu, to Port Blair, to Barrackpore. Shishir’s dedication and bravery shone brightest during the Uttarakhand floods, where he saved almost 700 lives with his tireless rescue efforts. His acts of heroism earned him respect and admiration from all who knew him. As a retired Group Captain in the Indian Air Force myself, I understand the sacrifices and dedication required in this line of duty, and I could not have been more proud of my son.
And then we lost him...
It was a clear day on October 6, 2017, when Shishir was assigned an operational mission in Arunachal Pradesh. The region, known for its treacherous terrain, relies heavily on air-maintained posts for supplies. As Shishir’s helicopter soared over the rugged landscape, he and his crew prepared to drop five parachutes filled with essential rations and supplies for the army stationed near the China border. The mission was routine for a pilot of Shishir’s caliber. However, as the second parachute deployed, a malfunction caused it to damage the helicopter severely. In mere moments, the situation spiraled out of control. Despite Shishir’s best efforts to stabilize the aircraft, it plummeted towards the ground. The crash claimed the lives of all seven onboard.
After his tragic death, my wife and I were devastated
The pain was unbearable, and our lives felt empty. But we knew we had to turn our grief into something meaningful. It was Shishir's dream to serve our nation, and we decided to honor his legacy by doing the same. We decided to do make India's future brighter by helping underprivileged and slum-dwelling children receive an education. We began our journey under a flyover, with just a handful of books and a blackboard.
Every child we help can be the next Shishir for our country
Every morning, my wife and I would set up makeshift classrooms with old mats and wooden planks. Despite the noise from the traffic above and the dusty surroundings, we saw that children's eyes sparkled with curiosity and eagerness to learn. Word spread quickly, and soon we were teaching around dozens of slum kids for free. These children, who once roamed the streets aimlessly, now had a place where they could dream of a better future.
Today, our school has grown significantly
We currently have 120 students enrolled, with a capacity to accommodate up to 200 children. The gender distribution is nearly equal, reflecting our belief in providing equal opportunities for all. Our school operates from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The children start their day with a cleanliness check, followed by morning prayers.
From Monday to Thursday, they receive academic coaching, while Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for extracurricular activities, educational movies, and motivational talks.
We want your help to continue Shishir's legacy of service to our nation
We believe that education is the most powerful tool to change the world, and we are dedicated to providing these children with the opportunities they deserve. To keep this dream alive, we need your support. Your donations will directly fund:
- Salaries of Teaching Staff: Ensuring our dedicated teachers can continue providing quality education.
- Salaries of Administrative Staff: Supporting the essential team that keeps the school running smoothly.
- Driver for e-Rickshaw: Ensuring safe and reliable transportation for the students.
- School Rent: Maintaining a safe and stable environment for learning.
- Electricity and Phone Expenses: Covering essential utilities to keep the school operational.
- Stationery Items for Students: Providing necessary materials like pens, pencils, papers, and art supplies.
- Monthly Maintenance: Keeping the school premises clean and well-maintained.
By supporting our school, you are investing in the future of these children, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. Your generosity will honor the memory of our beloved son and help us carry forward his dream of serving our nation.
Click here to donate.
