What We Do
Sahasra Deepika Institute
Our core program focusing on girls’ education
Sahasra Deepika Institute provides a stable, caring environment and well-rounded education for 65 girls in Bangalore from kindergarten to 10th standard. The majority of girls in our care come from single-parent households; most of their mothers work as maids, laborers or in the garment industry. Our four-acre campus includes a residential facility for girls, library, state of the art school, organic garden and playground.
Deeksha High is the school located on our campus for students from kindergarten through 10th grade. It is the result of our partnership with Academic Center for Excellence. This bold venture provides the girls at Sahasra Deepika Institute the opportunity to attend an academically challenging school in the safety of our campus, with peers from middle-class families.
Women’s Empowerment
“Women’s empowerment means social rights, political rights, the economic stability of the country itself.”
–Justice Ram Mohan Reddy.
It’s Her Turn: Bringing Women Together
In July 2018, as part of the 20th anniversary commemoration, Sahasra Deepika hosted a discussion by and for women empowerment program entitled, “It’s Her Turn: Forging a New Path for Women in India.” Panelists included Dr. Sunita Maheshwari, a noted physician and entrepreneur; Tanvi Gandhi, an Executive Producer at Phantom Films; and Preeti Gandhi, editor of Houzz India. The discussion was moderated by Monika Samtani, founder of Ms. Media and The Fem Word. Women of all ages shared their experiences as they strive to integrate tradition, family, opportunity and individuality. Future discussions will be conducted in 2019. All are welcome to join the conversation!
Helping Teachers in the Community
Sahasra Deepika’s Women’s Empowerment Program is focused on fostering a dialogue around a very important issue: the high drop-out rate for girls in India. By bringing together teachers from government schools, community leaders, and other educators in a collaborative forum, we strive to: develop a deeper understanding of the problem; make teachers aware of their unique position as a role model for the girls in their classrooms; and stimulate the development of creative approaches to the problem.
Our second biennial Women’s Empowerment Seminar was held on November 19th, 2016, with over 30 teachers and distinguished guest speakers: Justice Ram Mohan Reddy, formerly of the High Court of Karnataka; Divya Narayanappa, District Child Protection Officer, Bangalore Urban District; Kathyayini Chamaraj, freelance journalist and Executive Trustee, CIVIC Bangalore; and advocate and journalist Anjali Ramanna.
We are planning for our next Women’s Empowerment Seminar. Please contact us if you would like to participate.
Latest News
Resolve to Make a Difference in 2017
"Instead of looking at New Year’s as a chance to just reflect on ourselves, let us take this opportunity to think about those in need in our communities, nationally, and globally." At the end of each year, most of us think, "What will my New Year's resolution be?"....
“Suma’s Story” to be Shown at DC SAFF
Sometimes, we will experience things that are unimaginable. Things that leave the biggest scars on our hearts. And sometimes, the people we love will make the biggest sacrifice for our sake. In our story for today, meet Suma. A girl who was left alone, but then...
Breaking Stereotypes, One Girl at a Time
"I am thankful that places like Sahasra Deepika exist. It gives me hope, that one day I will live in a society where being an Indian woman is not defined by stereotypes..." The Indian heritage has been receiving a lot of stereotyping most of the time; especially the...
7th Annual Spelling Bee Contest
Every year, Sahasra Deepika volunteers and staff go into 9th standard classrooms in the community. They visit disadvantaged government high schools around Bangalore where children are taught in the state language, Kannada. Without English proficiency, their chances of...
