Despite India’s phenomenal economic growth post liberalization, large swatches of the country is still mired in poverty and illiteracy. The situation is particularly acute in rural areas where growth has trickled down at a much slower pace than desired. Marginalized communities have been left far behind and the rising inequality poses grave social threats. Against this backdrop was born Sir Syed Trust (SST) with the core philosophy of providing equal opportunities in livelihood, education and health to socially and economically deprived communities across the country. Since a decade of its inception, the organisation has made rapid strides to build an egalitarian society by enhancing the livelihood basket of the poor and supporting the education of their children.
SST came into being as a prolonged effort of idea incubation by like-minded experienced development professionals in 2008. The idea was conceptualised when Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN)- a national level voluntary organization -decided to concentrate upon tribal dominated Central India and phase out from Dausa and Alwar project in Rajasthan, which is primarily non-tribal belt. The team in Alwar decided to continue working in the Mewat region as the Meos and Dalit communities in this area were susceptible to economic inequality during the current scenario of rapid economic changes in the region.
Today, highly motivated and skilled youths under SST’s fold are working in the remote villages under the guidance of experienced professional staff to support communities on education and livelihood.