Kolkata, September 26, 2024: The prestigious 35th Stipend Distribution Ceremony, organized by Shiksha Kosh, was held on 26th September at Kala Mandir, Kolkata. The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Shri Firhad Hakim, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge of Municipal Affairs & Urban Development, Government of West Bengal, and Mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The initiative, aimed at preventing student dropouts and supporting educational advancement, benefited around 800 students from 100 schools.
In his inaugural address, Shri Firhad Hakim emphasized the critical role of education in shaping the future of West Bengal. He praised Shiksha Kosh’s dedication to tackling the dropout crisis and stressed the importance of collective efforts to ensure every child has access to quality education.
Sri Brahmanand Agarwala, President of Shiksha Kosh, delivered the welcome address, underscoring the organization’s long-standing mission to support underprivileged students across the state.
Sri Manish Bajaj then provided a comprehensive overview of Shiksha Kosh’s initiatives, highlighting the distribution of over 16,000 stipends and 20,000 uniforms to students in need.
The ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests. Special Guests of Honour included Justice Shyamal Kumar Sen, Former Governor of West Bengal & Former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, Shri Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge of Parliamentary Affairs & Agriculture Department, Government of West Bengal, Prof. Sugata Roy, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Rev. Fr. Dr. Dominic Savio, SJ, Principal of St. Xavier’s College, and Swami Biswatmananda, Hon’ble General Secretary of Bharat Sevashram Sangha. Additionally, prominent industrialists and social workers such as Shri Sajan Kumar Bansal, Shri Bishambhar Newar, and Shri Atul Churiwal were also in attendance, expressing their commitment to Shiksha Kosh’s cause.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Sri Krishna Kumar Lohia, who expressed his gratitude to all the dignitaries, partners, and volunteers for their contributions to the event’s success.
Shiksha Kosh, operating under the Paschim Bangiya Marwari Sammelan, has been actively working since 1956 to provide financial and material support to deserving students, irrespective of caste or creed. Through the distribution of stipends, uniforms, and books, Shiksha Kosh has made a significant impact on the lives of thousands of students across West Bengal, including those in remote regions like the Sundarbans. By organizing annual stipend distribution ceremonies, the organization continues to uplift future generations and foster educational opportunities in fields like medicine and engineering, reaffirming its enduring commitment to education for all.