Welcome to the Diwakar and Priya Foundation. We strongly believe that every underprivileged child deserves access to a Digital Paathshala, where they can engage in remote learning, discover answers, and foster collective knowledge. In today’s world, we emphasize the crucial role of digital tools, and we envision a scenario where providing a tablet and internet connection can spark curiosity and empower children to seek knowledge.
Our mission is to contribute to the academic success of students in government schools by providing essential digital infrastructure. Through this support, we aim to facilitate self-learning and, in turn, contribute to bridging the digital divide in society.
·· The Founders ··
Priyadarshini Nigam
Our journey began in November 1983 when Priyadarshini embarked on her career as a researcher and women’s page writer for Press Foundation Asia’s syndicate Depth-news. Focused on socioeconomic issues faced by Indian women in both rural and urban settings, she delved into topics such as NGOs working independently or with government support, as well as foreign-funded organizations aiming to raise awareness about health, legal rights, and education among women and children.
In 2006, Priyadarshini assumed the role of Head of Corporate Communications at Newgen. Under her guidance, Sadbhavana Trust was established in the same year, dedicated to assisting underprivileged children in the Okhla urban slum and the children of Newgen’s support staff. In 2014, aligning with CSR mandates, Newgen initiated the Newgen Digital Literacy Paathshala (NDDP), establishing labs in government-run schools to teach children how to use iPads for educational purposes. The distribution of tablets to students during the pandemic further reinforced Newgen’s CSR commitment.
Diwakar Nigam
Diwakar Nigam, the founder of Newgen Software, emerged from a humble background, starting his educational journey in a small government school in the outskirts of Delhi. Graduating from IIT Madras with a master’s degree in Computer Sciences, Diwakar benefited from government assistance, including a science talent scholarship and an M.Tech. assistantship. These experiences underscored the transformative impact of such support.
As a pioneer in the Indian Software industry, Diwakar is driven to make a difference in the lives of less advantaged school children. Quietly supporting the sponsorship of IT Labs through Newgen Digital Discovery Paathshalas in government-run schools, he witnessed the transformative power of technology in education. Despite government initiatives supporting thousands of students annually, Diwakar believes that economically weaker sections (EWS) students often get left behind.
The Diwakar and Priya Foundation are rooted in Diwakar’s unwavering convictions and dedication to empowering children. His belief is clear: “If children can discover, understand, learn, and master, success is already halfway assured.”
At the Diwakar and Priya Foundation, we aim to bridge the educational gap and support underprivileged children by nurturing their curiosity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
This goal will be realized through digital interventions in both government-run schools and private not-for-profit schools and educational institutions. Our commitment involves establishing Computer Labs equipped with internet connections, PCs, and Tablets in the schools we adopt and help build infrastructure in rural schools. We strive to ensure that every child, regardless of their economic status, gets the opportunity to access high-quality, inclusive, and holistic learning experiences through digital channels and we provide scholarships to meritorious students for higher education.
In the vision of the Diwakar and Priya Foundation, we foresee a world where education transcends the mere imparting of knowledge. It is about sparking curiosity and providing the tools to explore answers, eliminating any digital divide that may exist.
At the heart of our mission lies the vision of seeing every child embraced by the warmth of our Foundation’s initiatives, charting a course toward a life brimming with productivity, confidence, prosperity, and dignity. The Diwakar and Priya Foundation is dedicated to empowering these young minds, breaking barriers, and reshaping the narrative of education to illuminate a path toward a brighter tomorrow.
Founded by Diwakar Nigam, Newgen Software, has over the years, extended its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts through the Newgen Digital Discovery Paathshala, positively impacting the lives of numerous young individuals. Drawing inspiration from these endeavors, our Foundation places paramount importance on enhancing the daily learning experiences of students from the sixth grade onward, offering unwavering support through classes 10th, 12th, and beyond.
Within this community of learners, those with aspirations for higher education or vocational programs receive additional backing. Currently, our foundation aids more than 100 students who have triumphantly completed their secondary education, propelling them toward professional degrees in fields such as engineering, medicine, MBA, and Law. Additionally, support extends to vocational courses encompassing physiotherapy, languages, hospitality, and air hostess training, among others.
We believe in equipping our students with the tools they need to enhance their learning journey, utilizing iPads,tablet and other computer devices. Through engaging content like news stories, PowerPoint presentations, and short movies, we aim to make education a dynamic and enriching experience for every individual we support.
Joining hands with the Atulya Vikas Foundation, the Diwakar and Priya Nigam Education Trust proudly supported a project to enhance school infrastructure. Our goal was simple: to upgrade the school and establish a digital lab, ensuring improved facilities and education for underprivileged students in rural areas. Together, we’re making strides toward a brighter future for these young minds.
Background: In the heart of Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, the Atulya Vikas Foundation’s education center welcomes students from kindergarten to grade 8. Despite its noble mission, the school faced challenges—crumbling classrooms, scarce facilities like toilets, and a digital classroom barely in existence.
Objectives: Our main goal was simple: improve the basics. The project focused on tasks like plastering and flooring classrooms, building separate toilets for girls and boys, adding finishing touches to a Computer Lab, wiring up classrooms, providing benches and tables, and installing windows and gates.
Impact: The support for the school infrastructure and digital education project has successfully enhanced the overall facilities, providing a significant boost to the quality of education for its students. Executed in well-planned phases, the project underwent thorough budget supervision and management by a dedicated project management team, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints and meeting the highest quality standards.
The upgraded infrastructure does not just signify physical improvements; it signifies the creation of a superior learning environment. This positive change contributes significantly to the student’s overall well-being and success, marking a transformative journey in their educational experience.
