Team Prayaas Quest for an Educated World

In a world which is proliferated with technology, there are some students living on the outskirts of
Jamshedpur unaware of what Google is. Incomprehensible as it may seem, the reality is that while
some are fortunate to attain post-graduation there are others barely scraping themselves through the
shoddy education system that our government provides.

And this is where XLRI stands apart from its peers. Known for its vision of creating socially conscious
managers, it inculcates the feeling of humility towards the deprived section by enabling us to
undertake projects which can create a difference to the world. And this is how we started our quest
to impart technical knowledge to the students in a village named Khuchdi near Jamshedpur.

The first step was to create awareness regarding the importance of learning interpersonal skills rather
than just focussing on the textbook studies. We introduced ourselves to them and this started the
long process of knowing each other and thereby inculcating in them the confidence of being able to
present themselves. And this ended our first visit to the place that will never be forgotten.

In days to come, we undertook the interviews of the students to ensure that they remember and also
to show them how these skills can be improved with proper practice. The interviews were a revelation
for us as we were exposed to the plethora of disadvantages that students in villages have to overcome,
while we enjoy the fruits of our parents hard work.

Computer and Internet considered ubiquitous by most are things that these students havent even
experienced. And it was during the interviews that we realised how much potential can be unlocked
if we could provide this basic facility to the group of students eager on learning. True to the spirit of
Magis and the vision of XLRI we took the initiative of imparting basic knowledge of operating a
computer and herein was born the initiative Prayas with the aim to unlock the vast potential lying
dormant in the villages of India.

After conducting various sessions as we were about to finish our project, a girl approached a group
member and with a sparkle in her eyes asked- Didi, ab kab ayoge app?

And it left all of us in jitters as we never realised how much impact we have created in their lives.
Hence, we in association with Seeds, an NGO that works in the area of education, donated a laptop to
setup a computer center for the students.

Even after we are long gone, the students will continue their learning and this is the reward we will
cherish.

For riches may come and go, its the happiness that we shared that will be our companion for the rest
of our lives.
 Students looking anxiously at the laptop

Team Prayaas

XLRI Jamshedpur.