Shikohabad: Akash Yadav, a resident of Shikohabad, Firozabad district in Uttar Pradesh, runs a campaign of educating young children free of cost. In the year 2018, when he found the plight unbearable, he discussed the matter with his friends and initiated a campaign to improve the future of children from underprivileged backgrounds. Whether due to lack of awareness or poverty, families in slums struggled to provide education to their children. Akash’s organization ‘Royal Krishna Ki Pathshala’ operates at two locations in Shikohabad. 

An idea to change the world

Children begging on streets and roads is a common sight in India. Rarely does anyone think of helping a poor person to make their day happier. Akash found such incidents distressing. This prompted the idea of providing these children with something useful that could bring about a positive change in their lives. After discussing this with his friends, they decided to dedicate 1 to 2 hours of their time to teach these children. Gradually, more people joined hands with Akash and his team, as the word spread around. 

Overcoming challenges

Providing free education to underprivileged children posed its own challenges. Some people instigated the parents of the children that Akash and his friends would abduct the kids after teaching them. Tensions escalated to the point where the parents confronted the entire team in anger. However, the team managed to convey the true intentions and resolve the situation. 

Giving a better life

Akash shares that every year, children graduating from the school secure admission to other institutions for further studies. Approximately 80 percent of these children enrol in government schools while those with better academic excellence gain admission to private schools. 

Receiving support

Royal Krishna Ki Pathshala runs in two different locations in Shikohabad. A school operates near Pathwari Temple, and the other one near PWD on Station Road. The teaching sessions last for two hours in the evening. Akash and his friends funded the initiative on their own in the beginning. Today, they receive support from people who donate amounts ranging from Rs 100 to 200. Recently, the women workers of Aggarwal Mahila Mandal donated sweaters to 110 children. Many people contribute in various ways, providing bags, clothes, and stationary items. 

Future dreams

Akash aspires to build a school where children can both reside and study. He emphasizes the challenges faced by children admitted to prominent schools who may lack the means even for basic necessities like washing clothes. The ultimate goal is to provide essential items and create an environment that fosters equality and a positive mindset.