Muradgarhi village of Jewar, Greater Noida, adjacent to the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development, is a village selected by READ India to establish Community Library and Resource Centre. Before establishing the READ Centre, I visited the village with my colleagues and was concerned about the education of the children, who study in the government school in the village, but what fascinated me was the happiness on their faces, running around, enjoying the what so called amenities in their school. Met with the school Principal, who shared his concerns but very happy to be in position and organise the study of the children with a group of teachers, who do not belong to Muradgarhi but travel to the village from Noida and other parts of Uttar Pradesh. While talking to the teachers, they seem to be very happy with minimum amenities, showing their commitment and praising the students who really want to do big things in their lives. I was so impressed and motivated to establish the READ Centre, thanks to Avery Dennison team for suggesting Muradgarhi too and joining hands with READ India in this endeavour. They are present in the Industrial area and would like to give their best to the village for Education and Development of the community as such.
Today was the blessed day to visit the READ Centre for the inauguration. Met with the Avery Dennison team, who are impressed by the READ Model of strong community engagement and empowerment. This is the third READ Centre with the support of Avery Dennison. I remember, on 7th June 2019, when READ India and Avery Dennison launched the first READ Centre in Basai village of Gurgaon. Today, the children, youth, women and other community members are availing the services and are socially and economically empowered. The Basai team expressed their ownership by visiting Muradgarhi for conducting community meetings, decorating the READ Centre with passion and encouraging the local community by telling their own stories of empowerment. I do not have much words to express the bonding of these two village community as if their dreams come true by having access to books and computers, to learn how to speak English, write their resumes and get interview skills for suitable jobs.
Women who have never stepped out from their houses are keen to learn stitching and sewing and hope to have the production unit to earn their livelihood and above all do something for themselves. There is a facility of Early Learning Center to bring the small children along and the trained teacher will take care of the small children with Montessori education. What a blessing to have all these facilities in a village!
The CEO of Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority, Dr. Arunvir Singh (I.A.S.) expressed his happiness after seeing these amenities and addressed the local community that their future is in their hands as government authorities with the support of Corporates and non-for-profit Organisations like READ India is focussed on rural development with the common objective of creating the opportunities for their growth with dignity and self-esteem. In changing times, with modern amenities, giving back to the roots and strengthening them with Education and Development is the way forward for holistic growth. The best part is Non-Profit Organisations and Corporates are understanding the needs of the rural communities and contributing their efforts and financial support for a common cause! The young and dynamic teams joining hands in brightening the future of the people who otherwise do have dreams but are unable to realise them because of the gaps which need to be reduced through conversations, understanding, handholding, supporting and creating knowledge platforms for them with consistent motivation as the conversion of thoughts into action is half way through in life towards bright future!
