Overview of the service initiative called Light a Lamp in Kolkata, India. This is a unique mentoring initiative which brings together people of different social and economic backgrounds.

1. Light a Lamp
Igniting Knowledge

2. Contents
The dream called “Light a Lamp”
What set us thinking
How to bridge the gap
Mission of Light a Lamp
Our approach
Ongoing work
Way forward
Success stories of learners
Mentorspeak
What’s in it for you
You are invited
Our contact
Our inspiration

3. Mission : Light a Lamp. Vision : Realizing dreams…
Light a Lamp ! for a single lighted lamp can light thousands of
other lamps …
Mentors from privileged sections and Learners from
underprivileged sections come together to create a
synergy and become catalysts for further change

4. What set us thinking
Poor quality of education in low-income schools &
colleges
Dearth of motivated and qualified teachers in these
schools who can act as role models
Pass-outs from these colleges and schools lack
direction in life
Some of them get lured into anti-social activities and
become nuisance for the entire society
How to use this potential constructively ?

5. How to bridge the gap..
India has a lot of successful
professionals and intellectuals from
diverse background
This section of people can not only share
their knowledge but also be good role-
models
Together they can create a progressive
society
And… Mentoring was the answer !

6. Mission of Light a Lamp

7. Bridge the knowledge divide
People from both the sections of the society come together to
form an enriching bond of learning and sharing

8. Empower underprivileged learners
Ring of faith
Knowledge, resources and other need-based guidance is
provided by the mentor to the learners. Faith is the vital
mortar in the relationship

9. Inculcate human values
Belongingness Honesty & Responsible
& Sharing Integrity citizen
Provide the underprivileged learners a holistic vision about life
and inculcate human values like belongingness, honesty,
integrity and responsibility towards the society.

10. Trigger growth in mentors
The mentors undergo tremendous growth themselves
like increase in their social awareness, leadership
qualities and various other life-skills

11. Our approach
Relationship of trust , respect & friendship
between the learners (students) and the
mentors (teachers)
Kindle the passion for learning rather than
only bookish knowledge in the learners
Involve the local establishments like clubs
and schools and get their support and buy-in

12. Our approach (contd)
Collaborate with governmental and non
governmental organizations
Take help of Art of Living workshops
to create an atmosphere conducive to
learning

13. Ongoing work
Communicative English classes (5 nos)
at North Tangra
Computer training class at North Tangra
jointly facilitated by C-DAC and Light a
Lamp
Art of Living workshops for the learners
Provide need based career guidance

14. Ongoing work (Contd)
Total no of current mentors : 14
Total no of current learners : 43
Local partners : North Tangra Netajee Sangha club,
Janakalyan shikkha mandir school
Collaboration with : C-DAC (Center for Development
of Advanced Computing), premier R&D organization
with govt of India

15. Way forward
Induct new mentors to support expansion
Open new Light a Lamp camps in other
places
Introduce new subjects in the curriculum
Explore tie-ups with other govt or non-govt
organizations

16. Success stories of learners
Sabita Mondal (Eng Elementary Class) - Sabita lacked self-
confidence and she was far behind in study standards. But she
slowly started picking up the lessons and with her silent
determination and perseverance she is now one of the leading
students in her class. Now often when other students falter she
promptly corrects them. Students like her make us realize that a
little bit of guidance and help can bring about profound changes in
them.
Anusmita Jana (Eng Advanced class)-A B.Sc. student in
Biochemistry, Anusmita has shown remarkable progress in her
speaking and writing abilities in the English language, which is now
almost comparable to any individual who uses English as a
medium of communication in his everyday interactions. However,
it is the transition from a shy, insecure girl to a confident one,
during this period, that has made her progress even more stellar.
It is the aim of “Light A Lamp” to empower many more needy
individuals like Anusmita, with confidence and skill.

17. Success stories of learners (contd)
Sudeep Sarkar (Eng Intermediate class)–
A student of class 7, Sudeep came in as a
very shy student and was not at all
confident about his English speaking ability.
But just within months he has transformed
into a bright boy bubbling with confidence.
His English is now almost perfect. We are
sure in the coming months, he will be able
to speak fluently without any hesitation.

18. Mentorspeak !
Tanuja Bhowmik- “Light a Lamp is something very close to my heart. All
my students are like my children and it gives me immense pleasure to
impart whatever knowledge I have to the less privileged ones. Like a
mother feels proud to see her children do well, I also feel great when I see
any kind of improvement in my students. Besides, it is a learning
experience for me also. I myself get to learn many new words, some rules
which I myself did not apply properly when I was a kid and most important
of all it gives me confidence. I am usually a short tempered person but I
find it amazing that I never really get angry with these kids. Apart from the
knowledge sharing there is a beautiful bond between the students and the
teachers which makes me look forward to meet them every week.” (Tanuja
is working with a leading IT MNC)
Nilanjan Sil- “Every time I take a class in Light a Lamp, I am amazed by
the students' innocence, inquisitiveness and ability to smile in any given
condition. The simple fact that I am able to help them gives me immense
pleasure. Slowly but surely we have created a strong bond of mutual love
and respect. Working with Light A Lamp has changed my perspective. Now
I realize that human beings and children in particular are basically same
irrespective of their economic and social background. The students I teach
are as good as any other. But society is yet to recognize that. Every class
reassures me that future of our society is in better hands, we just have to
empower them.” (Nilanjan is working with a leading IT MNC)

19. Mentorspeak ! (Contd)
Chandrani Biswas: When I joined this project and saw the kids I was
not at all confident that I can teach. But you know it’s a two way
teaching process. Every class I teach them some stuff of English and
they teach me the reality of life. When I can see they are improving
my dream for them becomes bigger. As a teacher I constantly find out
newer ways of teaching methods. I feel some special kind of bonding
with each and every kid, which I can’t express in words. This project is
very close to my heart. (Chandrani works with a leading IT MNC)
Sreyashi Mukherjee – “The one definitive feeling that I get after
coming out of class each Sunday, is that of fulfillment. It is this feeling
that has made me remain associated with “Light A Lamp” for more
than 2 years. Weekends are precious for all, especially working
individuals, who barely have time for unwinding during the weekdays.
But the act of sharing your gifts and knowledge with the needy and
seeing them expand as better individuals gives one a kind of
“unwound” feeling that cannot be expressed in words and can only be
experienced. I urge you, the bright and talented recipient of this
presentation, to try it out for yourself and feel the difference it makes
to your life and others’!” (Sreyasi is a marketing professional in a pvt
engineering firm)

20. Mentorspeak ! (Contd)
Samir Mukherjee: “I like to contribute to this Light a Lamp
movement because of this inner urge to effect a positive change in the
thought process of young children and youth of the underprivileged
class. The real intention is to share with them my learnings from the
various situations that I have faced in my own life. Also I understand
this endeavor from both sides will create a society full of hope,
opportunities and growth for fulfilling the inherent potential in each one
of us.” (Samir Mukherjee is a retired professional from automobile and
heavy equipment industry)
Sarika Saboo - “The Light a lamp team consists of highly dedicated,
enthusiastic and natural mentors. There are regular open discussions
and communications among the team members to take the project
forward. Light a lamp project helps me grow by helping the students
grow“ (Sarika Saboo is a successful businesswoman)

21. So – what is in it for you ?
BE SOMEONE’S HERO !
Make a difference to someone’s life
Feel a fulfillment unparalleled
Experience the expansion in thinking
Bring out the leadership skills in you

22. You are invited
You are invited to join this education
movement !
How can you contribute
Join as a mentor for a very fulfilling teaching
and bonding experience
Donation of any amount. It can be periodic or
one-time
Spread the word ! Talk about this great initiative
to your friends
Tie up . If you are a governmental or non
governmental organization who share a similar
vision as ours, let us join hands.

23. For more details …
Email lightalamp.online@gmail.com
Or
Call 0-98311-04075 / 0-98360-12209
Or
Like and Subscribe to Light a Lamp
FB page

24. Our inspiration is
H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
“Just information is not education. It is culturing our behavior and
attitude. It is our ability to perceive things better. Perception,
Observation and Expression – the three aspects of education have to
be improved.” : H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji
“Light a Lamp” is a project under Youth Leadership
Training Program wing of Vyakti Vikas Kendra, India
(The Art of Living) and is aligned to the vision of citizen’s
movement Punarnaba Bangla.
Website of The Art of Living : www.artofliving.org