Brijkishore Students Education and Welfare Society Completes 19 years

By : Surveshwar Sarvesh & Ravleen Kaur

Brijkishore Students Education and Welfare Society began its journey for social progress in 2005.

Founded by Mr. Rajeev Verma and a few like-minded friends who harboured a steely desire to make a difference in society.

‘Better light a small lamp than curse darkness’ was perhaps the philosophy out of which BKSEWS was born.

 

From many of the BKSEWS initiatives… few drew a lot of attention.

The “Balika Bachao Andolan”, started in 2007 garnered overwhelming support from all quarters. Over 10,000 girls participated in the ‘March Past’ organized in Varanasi and was led by Textile Minister, Smriti Irani and then Rajyasabha Speaker, Najma Heptullah. The event created enormous awareness about female infanticide and the need to curb such practices.

 

In the early 2015, BKSEWS launched “Swachhoday”, an initiative dedicated to Swachha Bharat.

Apart from vociferously endorsing the dire need for cleanliness, it went on to create a very imaginatively conceived poster campaign that was created using a series of Shri Amitabh Bachchan’s movie posters such as Don, Sholay, Dostana, and much more to spread awareness about the need for cleanliness in Varanasi.

 

Among the regular Dustbin Distribution Drives that were carried out, one was unique in nature. Dustbins were especially distributed to small boat runners who ferried tourists across the Ganga in Varanasi. These dustbins were meant to be kept in the boats to ensure that the tourists use them instead of chucking garbage into the waters of the Ganga. Thus, BKSEWS ensured it addresses the cause in a way that gets results.

BKSEWS also initiated a creative poster campaign in Varanasi to raise awareness about cleanliness. Through unique and visually impactful posters, the organization showcased the importance of cleanliness. This campaign gained significant traction on social media and received national recognition for its innovation and effectiveness in promoting cleanliness.

 

Another initiative titled “Ann Anandam”aimed to provide meals to those in need and ensured their survival, dignity, and hope for a better future.

Library tradition still holds a special place in the hearts and minds of children and adults, and hopefully will for years to come!

 

It is crucial that we maintain this sense of importance and we must work hard to keep written literature in our lives, particularly for children as screens become the go-to for parents and are increasingly encouraged in the schools.

 

To keep the library tradition alive social worker, Rajeev Verma came with an idea of public library titled ‘Namo Vachnalaya’.

Namo Vachnalaya, (youtube.com)

The first of its kind was inaugurated in Varanasi with the help of Municipal Corporation of Varanasi.

 

With an idea of taking people to the old era of books and libraries, these places would offer literature and newspapers that can be borrowed for a day like previous times.

 

It was a great initiative that benefitted senior citizens and the 90’s generation who craved for such spaces in this changed setting.

 

Shri Rajeev’s selfless work during the pandemic through Swachh Kashi Mission was seen from the fact that he personally handled 11748 requests from the various parts of India over his cell phone to help those in need. During the second wave, he helped many by providing medical kits, food packets, hospital beds, oxygen, etc.

With your support, this organization can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

Many congratulations on completing the selfless 19 years & we wish that you keep on practicing such commendable work & bring about a positive change in the society.

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