Ballygunge, Kolkata

FACT FILE

LOCATION: Suite no. 10, 1st floor, 55, Gariahat Road, Dover Terrace, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019

When it opened: 2014

No of students: 135 (students of 5 to 15 years)

No. of educators: 20

No. of volunteers: 16

In the bustling locality of Ballygunge, Kolkata, stands a beacon of hope and learning – the first center of the Gyan Deepak Foundation (GDF). This center, which began its journey in the humble confines of a fire exit, has blossomed into the cornerstone of the foundation's mission to enlighten lives through education.

The genesis of GDF's Ballygunge Center is a testament to the power of perseverance and community spirit. Run on the founders' own savings, the center's early days were marked by a small team grappling with the challenges of providing effective education without a roadmap. Despite these initial hurdles, the center's resolve only strengthened with time, laying a robust foundation for the years to come.

A pivotal moment in GDF's narrative was the inauguration of the 'Terrace Classroom,' a symbol of the center's growth and its commitment to overcoming space constraints creatively. This center has become both the heart and headquarters of GDF, coordinating with all its branches.

The Ballygunge Center's key achievements are a mirror of its unwavering dedication:

  • It has consistently delivered quality education, even amidst the tumultuous COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • In 2020, the center took an innovative approach by distributing phones and essential resources to students in slums, ensuring uninterrupted education.
  • The center takes pride in its alumni, who have successfully gained admission to schools of their choice, pursuing subjects they are passionate about.

    • The center's main strength lies in the selfless commitment of housewives who have dedicated their time and effort to the cause. Their support has been instrumental in helping students excel not only academically but in various other fields.

    However, the journey is not without its challenges. Students often arrive exhausted after long school hours, and the center grapples with the constraint of limited time to make a meaningful impact.

    The story of GDF's Ballygunge Center is one of resilience, innovation, and community. It is a narrative that continues to inspire and drive the foundation's vision of spreading the light of knowledge to every corner it reaches.