Ajay Bahadur Singh
Ajay Bahadur Singh (born June 5, 1972) is an Indian educationist, social activist, and motivational speaker. He is the founder of the Zindagi Foundation, a charitable organization that provides free education and support to underprivileged students aspiring to become doctors. Ajay Bahadur Singh's initiatives have addressed educational inequality in India by empowering students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Early Life and Education
[edit]Ajay Bahadur Singh was born in Deoghar, Jharkhand, into a modest and spiritual family. His aspiration to become a doctor was disrupted by financial hardships when his father was diagnosed with a severe kidney condition. To support his family, Ajay Bahadur Singh worked as a tea seller and tutor, later transitioning into the field of education to help others achieve their dreams.[1]
Career
[edit]Ajay Bahadur Singh began his educational journey as a tutor for competitive examinations, eventually joining Aakash Institute, which later became BYJU'S, where he served as the Regional Director for Eastern India. In 2007, he established the ADYANT Higher Secondary School in Odisha, which gained prominence for its innovative ATOM-50 program, providing free education to 50 underprivileged students annually.[2][3]
Zindagi Foundation
[edit]Ajay Bahadur Singh founded the Zindagi Foundation in 2017 with the mission of assisting economically disadvantaged students in becoming doctors. The foundation offers 20 students per year free education, accommodation, and meals to prepare for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).[4]
The foundation's efforts have been widely recognized. In 2021, all 18 students enrolled in the program cleared NEET, coming from diverse backgrounds such as children of milkmen, rickshaw pullers, and weavers. Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ajay Bahadur Singh adapted by providing devices and online learning support.[5]
Recognitions and Awards
[edit]Ajay Bahadur Singh has received numerous accolades for his contributions to education and social welfare, including:
- Education Excellence Award by ZEE News Odia (2021).[6]
- Best NGO in Odisha Award for the Zindagi Foundation (2020).[4]
- Commendations from Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and actor Hrithik Roshan for his work in empowering underprivileged students.[1][7]
Ajay Bahadur Singh's work has drawn comparisons to initiatives like Super 30 and has been highlighted by national and international media.[8]
Philosophy and Impact
[edit]Ajay Bahadur Singh believes in the transformative power of education and seeks to bridge the gap in access for marginalized communities. His initiatives have enabled hundreds of students to pursue medical education and break the cycle of poverty.[9]
References
[edit][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]
- ^ a b "Meet Ajay Bahadur Singh, once a tea seller, now a teacher in Odisha, whose all 14 students crack NEET 2019". 2019-06-10.
- ^ "US foundation to finance poor Odisha girl's MBBS studies". 2020-02-10.
- ^ "प्रति वर्ष एक गरीब मेधावी के पढ़ाई का खर्च उठाएगा सलोनी फाउंडेशन". 2020-02-10.
- ^ a b "NEET success: Odisha NGO helps poor students build careers and lives". 2020-10-17.
- ^ "Odisha teacher helps underprivileged students to realise dreams". 2019-06-09.
- ^ "This Odisha non-profit helps underprivileged children crack NEET. Meet the man behind it". 2019-07-20.
- ^ "Super 30's Anand Kumar inspires Odisha medical aspirants". 2020-01-02.
- ^ "Odisha's Zindagi Foundation does it again! All 18 of their students have cleared NEET 2021. This is their story". 2021-11-03.
- ^ "NEET UG 2022: 20 students from underprivileged families in Odisha crack medical exam". 2022-09-10.
- ^ "18 students of 'Zindagi' foundation crack NEET". 2021-11-03.
- ^ "Poor Odisha girl's 'zindagi' turns full circle; US foundation to finance her MBBS studies". 2020-02-11.
- ^ "Poor Odisha students' 'zindagi' turns full circle; US-based group sponsors their MBBS studies". 2021-03-14.
- ^ "Zindagi Foundation to fund MBBS studies of 5 poor students from Odisha". 2021-03-14.
- ^ "Aakash cleared path for students during Covid". 2021-03-12.
- ^ "This Odisha non-profit helps underprivileged children crack NEET. Meet the man behind it". 2019-07-20.
- ^ "Odisha: 19 poor medical aspirants crack NEET exam". 2020-10-17.
- ^ "20 children from underprivileged families qualify in NEET". 2022-09-08.