Sponsorships and the Financial Assistance Programme (FAP)
This page is dedicated to all donors and well-wishers, with gratitude for their good-will and continuous support.
Dear Donor- friends
Thank you very much for the sustained interest you have shown in Chaitanya School and the Sree Vidya Niketan Trust which manages it. We are confident that by partnering excellence in education much can be achieved in terms of quality schooling extended to economically weaker sections. For the Sree Vidya Niketan Trust Education is NOT a Business and we have often been upbraided for this impractical approach. How do we sustain a school without linking admissions with donations from parents or charging high-end fees, and ensure quality at the same time?
Attitude of Gratitude
It all began with an Attitude of Gratitude that we Trustees set out with. I am glad to say that this very attitude became a perceptible process of giving back to society, as seen by the number of wonderful people who have partnered us in this mission. Chaitanya owes its very being to these great souls who believe in our cause to provide quality education at an affordable price to all strata of society. We try to support as many deserving children as possible, from economically backward sections and provide them with a level playing field. We also hope that we can provide an ambiance of continuous motivation as an integral part of a holistic education at Chaitanya. In this way we can look forward to the students giving back to society in their turn.
Our first benefactor…
Way back in 2003 we only casually mentioned to the late Shri Indravadan Barot that we wanted to start a school in Gandhinagar to provide quality education. He became our first benefactor offering his premises in Sector 21 for our use. His son Jignesh continues his father’s generosity to this day.
Help came in different ways with some people sending in cheques to help us start.
Over the last 16 years the Sree Vidya Niketan Trust (SVNT) has been locating young children (e.g. ages 3-5 years for enrolment in the Pre-primary, among others in higher classes with different sponsors). Although we do take in children at different levels of schooling, we subscribe to a viewpoint that the earlier children join Chaitanya School the easier it is for them to adapt to the Chaitanya-approach to learning.
Financial Assistance Programme (FAP) at Chaitanya
Who get the benefit of the Sponsorship and FAP?
We have the backgrounds of the children investigated. We usually take children from Economically Weaker Sections who have been vetted by a very reliable NGO who works closely with us – the Sajeevta Foundation who conduct regular study sessions and follow up of the child’s holistic development.
Obviously their academic reports will not be considered satisfactory for some time. There is also a risk, as we have to gamble on their long-term commitment based on their family back-ground before we conclude that they are worthy of support by our generous sponsors.
In summary
- We are satisfied with the results of this effort although there is always room for improvement and innovation.
- We also provide partial sponsorship to many students who cannot pay the full fee, but have the capacity to do well
- We aim to inculcate an Attitude of Gratitude in all those who pass through the portals of Chaitanya
- Their own experience of receiving a helping hand should urge them to do the same for another under-privileged or disadvantaged person
The donors and sponsors can rest assured that their donations have actually resulted in an investment in resources – human, infrastructural and social, which will benefit society at large.
Our donors from India and abroad have come forward to educate a number of children till Class 12 and set them up for a life with a fulfilling career. Here we showcase one such sponsorship because it portrays forward thinking youth and the attitude of giving.
AN APPEAL
The Trust is presently implementing an over Rs.10 crore project. The first and second phases are over.
The project can be completed with generous donations from those who share the philosophy of the Sree Vidya Niketan Trust.
How you can help
- Endowments and Donations in kind.
- Financial aid
- A specific building project named after a loved one.
- Support an educational or athletic program.
Explore the different ways of supporting Chaitanya and availing the benefits of a charitable donation.
Memorials for funding available as of today:
- Full block – 3 floors
- Activity rooms
- Auditorium
- 1 Classroom in the main block
- Reading room
- Learning Resource Centre
- Sports fields
All donations qualify for exemption under Bombay Public Trusts Act 1950 – 80G (5) NO. ITR (EXEMPTION) / AHM / 80G (5) / 698 / 09 – 10 w.e.f. 26 / 2 / 2010
For online transfers (NEFT / RTGS):
- Name of Account : Sree Vidya Niketan Trust
- Account No. : 520141001606154
- Corporation Bank, Udyog Bhavan Branch, Sector 11, Gandhinagar
- IFSC code : CORP0000583
Cheques / Demand Drafts may be made out to Sree Vidya Niketan Trust and sent to the following address:
The Sree Vidya Niketan Trust
C/o Shri Ravi Gopalan, Treasurer ( SVNT)
A -66, GIDC Electronics Estate, Sector 25
Gandhinagar 382016, Gujarat
DONATIONS IN ANY FOREIGN CURRENCY :
Sree Vidya Niketan Trust (SVNT) is registered to receive donations in any foreign currency under The Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA REGISTRATION NO: 041910448).
Donors from abroad can send their contributions directly by cheque made out to:
Sree Vidya Niketan Trust, Corporation Bank
SB/CA Acct No: 058300116120001
DONATIONS IN US $ :
Asia Initiatives (AI) New York, a registered tax exempt 501(C)(3) organization which supports pro-education initiatives in Asia will act as the fiscal sponsor for Sree Niketan Trust (SVNT). Any donations received by AI for the SVNT (which manages Chaitanya School) will be passed on to the Trust in its entirety.
Dr Geeta Mehta, President: Asia Initiatives New York writes to all prospective donors living in the US or those wishing to contribute in US $ towards SVNT for Chaitanya School ….
“I am President of Asia Initiatives NY and will confirm the receipt of your check for US $.
We will arrange for the proceeds to be sent to the Sree Vidya Niketan Trust (SVNT) which manages Chaitanya School in Gandhinagar, Gujarat as advised by Ms. Elizabeth Koshy, (Hon) Secretary SVNT.
Since Asia Initiatives is a US 501(c)(3) entity, please note for your tax files, our US tax-exempt number is 27-2190020.
The school that you have selected for your donation in Gandhinagar is wonderful. It has opened itself up to children of various economic and social backgrounds, and especially children from very poor neighborhoods. I have visited the school personally with another Board Member of Asia Initiatives, and was impressed with it.
For your files, should you need to get in touch with me in the future or wish to send a future donation to the school, please feel free to get in touch with Asia Initiatives.”
Dr. Geeta Mehta Ph.D
President: Asia Initiatives New York | www.asiainitiatives.org
200E 61 Street Apt 25AB | New York | New York 10065 | T 1.646.360.4459
(Dr Geeta Mehta is the founder of Asia Initiatives, a nonprofit organization in Japan and the US focused on poverty alleviation and education . She is also an adjunct associate professor of architecture and urban design at Columbia University in New York and a partner of Braden & Mehta Design.)
- Account name : Asia Initiatives
- Bank : HSBC, 950 Third Avenue, New York, NY-10022
- Checking Account number : 629-760039
- ABA Number : 021001088
Contact us
- Smt Elizabeth Koshy, Secretary, Sree Vidya Niketan Trust (ekkoshy@gmail.com)
- Shri Ravi Gopalan, Treasurer, Sree Vidya Niketan Trust: (rgopalan@gmail.com)