Lotus Petal Foundation Driving Changes Among Unprivileged Lives

India consists of diverse backgrounds with multiple religions and socio-economic backgrounds. In this scenario, non-government organisations play a crucial role in ensuring equal opportunity for every individual irrespective of their economic status. Lotus Petal Foundation is one such organisation working actively for the welfare of unprivileged children by providing them the skill training and also supporting local businesses that will eventually help the Indian economy to grow. 

With the mission of "Changing Life, One Child At A Time." The company was founded by Founder & Managing Trustee Kushal Raj Chakravorty. In the conversation with BW Businessworld, he shares the fundamental aim and approach of his organisation to benefit the impoverished section of society. 

How does the foundation employ innovative education methods to improve learning outcomes for underprivileged children?

Lotus Petal Foundation employs innovative education methods to uplift underprivileged children through its programs. A Fastrack program established in 2013, the “Pratishthan” program gets an out-of-school teenager career-ready in 5 years of targeted quality education. The students complete Grades 6 to 10 in 3 years and in the next 2 years complete Grades 12 along with a vocational skill. The foundation's holistic curriculum and state-of-the-art infrastructure at the Lotus Petal Senior Secondary School campus provide a conducive environment for learning. Laboratories for Science, Math, Astronomy & Space Exploration, and STEAM encourage hands-on learning.

The pandemic brought to light logistical challenges for a multitude of people in the country. This is where the ‘Vidya Sahyog’ Program proved to be an efficient & effective tool. This program brings live, synchronous, e-learning to remote areas in the country. So far, the program has reached 10 states & 3500+ students.

Moreover, our Skill Development program - “Jeevika” offers SSC-certified vocational courses, empowering students with skills in Digital Marketing, Retail, Banking, Hospitality, and more. This comprehensive approach ensures that underprivileged children receive a well-rounded education, breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

How does up-skilling contribute to workforce readiness, adaptability to emerging industry needs, and the fostering of innovation, competitiveness, and overall economic growth?

By investing in regular up-skilling & learning sessions, we support our change-makers with the latest skills, technology & knowledge ensuring they stay abreast of technical & industry advancements. Our change-makers come with unique skills & backgrounds. They are continuously supported with training, workshops & inductions for a smooth transition into the social sector. A ‘Great Place to Work’ certified organisation for 4 consecutive years & one of India’s Best NGOs To Work For, the culture at Lotus Petal Foundation is of continuous growth and learning.

By the time they graduate, our alumni are equipped with the latest skills, are more responsive to evolving job requirements, and can navigate change effectively. Once they enter a competitive job market, our alumni, with holistic development towards personality development & enhanced communication skills, are better positioned to ideate, problem-solve, and contribute fresh perspectives to business challenges.

Up-skilling plays a pivotal role in enhancing workforce readiness, nurturing adaptability to emerging trends & needs in the social sector, and driving innovation, competitiveness, and overall growth.

How does the Jeevika Vocational Skill Center's training extend beyond individual benefits to actively foster broader community development?

By providing SSC-certified vocational courses in Digital Marketing, Retail, Banking, Financial Services and insurance, Hospitality, and Hardware and networking, the Jeevika Skill Development program equips young adults from underprivileged communities with market-relevant skills. This not only enhances their employability but also contributes to the economic upliftment of their family & eventually their community.

The ripple effect of Jeevika's training & curriculum is evident in its 100 per cent job placement record at an affordable fee. As graduates secure stable employment, they break the cycle of generational poverty, uplifting their families and creating positive economic dynamics within the community.

From fractured educational backgrounds & menial jobs such as a delivery agents, to ‘Retail Sales Specialists’, executives in IT companies and ‘Desktop Support Engineers’, alumni of the Jeevika Skill Development program act as a catalyst for holistic community development, promoting self-sufficiency, dignity, and economic progress beyond individual success stories.

Moreover, the diverse skill sets imparted by the 3-6 month courses address the evolving needs of various industries, potentially attracting more opportunities and businesses to the community.

How do education, nutrition, skill development, and livelihood support intersect to form a holistic growth platform for underprivileged children?

Over 12 years, Lotus Petal Foundation has meticulously woven education, nutrition, skill development, and livelihood support into a seamless tapestry, creating a holistic growth platform for underprivileged children. For our students, the foundation's tailored educational programs have provided the fuel to break the ceiling of poverty.

‘Education cannot happen on an empty stomach’. Recognising the integral link between nourishment and academic performance, the foundation ensures students receive the sustenance they need to thrive. Our commitment to nutrition is evident through our FSSAI-certified kitchens providing freshly cooked, nutritionist-approved breakfast & lunch to 1500+ students every day.

With a tailored balance of holistic education, 2 freshly-cooked, vitamin & nutrient-rich meals in a day, and a vocational skill, the foundation not only nurtures academic growth but also equips underprivileged children with the tools to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to society.

Could you discuss the Center's provision of NSDC-certified skill training to underprivileged students, college dropouts, and unemployed youth through short-term courses guaranteeing 100 per cent placement?

Lotus Petal Foundation plays a transformative role in the lives of underprivileged students, college dropouts, and unemployed youth by providing NSDC & SSC certified skill training through 3-6 month courses.

These courses, offered under the 'Jeevika' program, encompass diverse fields such as Digital Marketing, Retail, Banking, Financial Services and insurance, Hospitality, and Hardware and networking.

What sets the foundation apart is its commitment to not just imparting skills but ensuring overall development with tangible outcomes. With a 100 per cent job placement record at an affordable fee, 'Jeevika' empowers individuals from marginalized communities to break the cycle of generational poverty and lead dignified lives with equal opportunities.

Through personality development, honing communication skills & theoretical as well as practical knowledge of domains, the foundation not only opens doors for our students towards employment but also instils a sense of self-reliance and purpose.

What are the foundation's plans for sustainability and its future goals?

By prioritising sustainability, collaborating with partner organisations and corporate allies and a shared commitment to “keeping the child at the centre”, our partnerships aim to create a sustainable ecosystem where our students can get access to quality education, healthy meals & job-centric livelihood training.

Our vision for a sustainable and impactful future is embodied in our flagship initiative, the Lotus Petal Senior Secondary School in Dhunela, Gurugram. Aspiring to be India's largest philanthropic school for underprivileged children, it aims to provide holistic education and nutrition to 10,000 students. The 'Jeevika' program, ensuring a 100 per cent job placement record, seeks to empower 3500+ young adults, breaking the cycle of generational poverty through industry-relevant skills and personality development.

In virtual education, the Vidya Sahyog Program spans over 10 states, impacting 3000+ students. With aspirations to reach 100,000 students nationwide, it addresses technological challenges and teacher shortages.