New Delhi: Ishya Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by Mrs Shalini Gupta and co-founded by Ms Ishita Gupta, has marked another significant milestone with the opening of its third centre in Shahdara, Delhi. The expansion reflects the Foundation’s commitment to providing quality education, fostering independence, and creating meaningful opportunities for underserved communities.
With over 200 students already attending its existing centres, Ishya Foundation aims to welcome an additional 150–200 children through its Shahdara facility. The expansion builds on the Foundation’s growing community engagement and its belief that meaningful social impact is measured not simply by the number of lives reached, but by the quality of opportunities and support provided to each individual.
The decision to establish the new centre follows the Foundation’s engagement with communities in Bikam Singh Colony and New Sanjay Amar Colony, where access to affordable educational resources, private tuition, and library facilities remains a challenge for many families.
The centre will provide children with non-formal and remedial education, competitive examination preparation, library facilities, and academic guidance. With a particular focus on students aged 12 to 17, studying in Classes 6 to 12, the programmes will support children through crucial stages of their educational journeys. Beyond classroom learning, students will have access to career counselling, information on government schemes and scholarships, and guidance on higher education opportunities, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
Alongside its educational programmes for children, Ishya Foundation offers dedicated skill development opportunities for adults, including computer education and stitching courses. These initiatives are designed to equip individuals with practical skills, build confidence, and create pathways towards greater financial independence and self-reliance.
The Foundation also provides participants with opportunities to showcase their work through exhibitions and community events, where products created during the programmes are displayed. These platforms encourage creativity, recognise individual talent, and provide valuable exposure to potential customers and supporters. By connecting skill development with opportunities for recognition and practical application, Ishya Foundation aims to help participants translate their learning into meaningful possibilities for personal and economic growth.
One of Ishya Foundation’s flagship initiatives, Project Udaan, focuses on integrating children who have never attended school or have dropped out into the formal education system. Through this initiative, the Foundation has successfully enrolled over 75 children in mainstream schools, providing full educational sponsorship and continued support throughout their academic journeys. Project Udaan reflects the Foundation’s commitment to addressing educational inequality at its roots, ensuring that children are not only given access to schools but also supported in continuing their education.
The Foundation further encourages holistic development through extracurricular activities such as theater, creative expression, and community engagement, recognising the importance of nurturing confidence, communication, and individuality alongside academic achievement.
Speaking about the vision behind the expansion, Ishita Gupta said, “When we started Ishya Foundation, our vision was rooted in a simple belief: every child deserves access to quality education, equal opportunities, and the chance to build a better future, regardless of their circumstances. For us, impact has never been about numbers but about the depth of change we can bring to each individual life. Even if we are able to truly educate, empower, and transform the future of just one child, we consider that a meaningful success. We believe in creating lasting change rather than simply reaching more people.
The opening of our third centre in Shahdara is a reflection of not just our commitment but also the unwavering support of our patrons and the trust our communities have placed in us. Seeing children and families consistently engage with our programmes, return with enthusiasm, share their experiences, and encourage others to join us has been our greatest motivation. Their participation, progress, and feedback reaffirm our belief in what we are building. It is this collective faith and continued involvement that has enabled us to expand our reach and welcome more individuals into the growing Ishya family. As we move forward, our focus remains on ensuring that every person who becomes a part of this journey receives the attention, opportunities, and support they truly deserve.”
The opening of the Shahdara centre marks an important step in Ishya Foundation’s journey towards building a more inclusive and empowered society. As the Foundation expands its presence, it remains focused on strengthening its existing programmes, responding to the evolving needs of the communities it serves, and ensuring that its growth is accompanied by sustained, meaningful impact.
With the continued support of its patrons, volunteers, and community members, Ishya Foundation looks forward to welcoming more individuals into its growing family and creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
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