'Jai Siyaram' was how ShwetSai was greeted by Mr. Raj (Rajendra kumar) Jariwala - founder and president of the NGO Hardik Jariwala Foundation. It was a very casual meeting and a very impromptu one too. We are happy that Mr. Raj Jariwala agreed to meet with us and talk about the NGO .
Hardik Jariwala Foundation
In order to commemorate the death of his son, Mr. Jariwala formally established the NGO on 2nd June 2013, which happens to be the birth anniversary of Hardik, the motivational force behind Hardik Jariwala Foundation's operation. It would not be wrong to say that the NGO has taken the responsibility of education, healthcare, nutrition, hygiene and sports of students of schools of Mokhamal and neighboring areas of ShabriDham, Subir Taluka in the tribal Dang District.
It's an onerous task for ShwetSai Consultants to summarize the activities that the NGO has been involved in. Typically any organization would have its own founding principles and norms that a beneficiary would be required to adhere too but Mr. Raj Jariwala is working for children in a tribal region where even basic amenities are difficult to manage. He told ShwetSai that the kids do not have any obligation to pay back the amount spent on them, the only thing he expects is for them to continue the activities started by him. When they are educated and able to they should mentor the future generations so as to help in growth & development of tribal region of mokhamal. In such tribal regions government usually provides support through Anganwadi.
Anganwadi is a type of rural child care centre in India. They were started by the Indian government in 1975 as part of the Integrated Child Development Services program to combat child hunger and malnutrition. Anganwadi means "courtyard shelter" in Hindi.
(ref source : wikipedia).
There are 5 primary schools in an around the area, where NGO works in tandem with schools and government officials and arranges additional events for the benefit of the tribal children. Along with Mr. Raj Jariwala (C) as the Founder & President, there are other members Mr. Devesh Patel Secretary (R), Mr. Nishit Maniar Treasurer(C-L) , & Trustees Mr. Ketan Dalal (C-R) and Mr. Zubin Kabrawala (L) who is also a friend of Hardik, of the Hardik Jariwala Foundation
While the organization operates on funding from the community and welcomes donations/distributions and services there are certain projects that are undertaken by the foundation and conducted regularly.
Foundation Activities
Drawing Competition - On Hardik's death anniversary - 29th July every year drawing competition is organized for 5 primary schools of Mokhamal and surrounding areas.
Medical Camp - A medical camp is organized in the month of August by Dr. Ami Yagnik from Surat and her team. If anything unusual is found, the foundation helps for further treatment. In one such event, the foundation supported valve replacement surgery of a young girl in February 2014. She was treated in Kerala where a heart specialist from Geneva Mr. Kolongus performed the operation. Not just monetarily but Mr.Jariwala personally accompanied and stood by the family the entire time.
Item Distribution - It goes without saying, these kids are in need of basic stationary items, clothing, shoes, sanitization, and the foundation has a set schedule for distribution of an itemized kit to the village children on 2nd June 2013.
He ensures that the sanitization is maintained and children follow the instructions given to them during medical camp and by the volunteers of the foundation.
Recent Project Undertaking - While the kids get food/milk from school Monday to Friday, the foundation started distributing milk and biscuits to the kids on weekends. Funding for this project has been received from an international source.
Aside from this, last year the organization felicitated women achievers in sports on women's day - 8th March .. They serve as an inspiration to the young girls of the village to overcome the obstacles in their path and reach greater heights.
Education of these young children is the utmost priority, while government schools provide education up to 8th grade in the village, foundation encourages and supports higher education. Once the students complete secondary/higher secondary education from schools in the nearby Dang region foundation helps them should they choose to pursue college education. This has served as an incentive for both the kids and their parents, resulting in a low drop-out rate after 8th grade. In their endeavor to secure young dreams, foundation started providing scholarships to exceptional students who want to pursue engineering degrees. Foundation recently sponsored vocational training, for 3 girls in Hospitality and Management sector (BVoc).
Not just the village children but the foundation has worked with the government equally amicably, when they were reconstructing the school building , Hardik Jariwala foundation funded building of a front porch and stage for organizing events in the village for these children.
The basis of this NGO is a personal tragedy , untimely death of son Hardik at a tender age of 12 in 1999. Mr. Raj Jariwala was supported by his family - wife Mrs. Varsha Jariwala and son Mr. Ravi Jariwala when he decided to start the NGO. Even before the NGO Mr. Jariwala had been visiting the village and was inspired by Moraribapu - an Indian Spiritual leader who called upon residents of Surat City to work in the tribal region of Dang.
You can find more information about Hardik Jarawala through their social media platforms
Twitter - https://twitter.com/rajjariwala
YouTube - Hardik Jariwala Foundation
You can get in touch with the NGO at hardikjariwalafoundation@gmail.com
Mr. Raj Jariwala's biography has been published in the book 'Beyond Fifty' by Jaahnavi Paal. He says 'For me the life has begun at 50. Till then I was a successful businessman now I am a satisfied human being' (ref source : changemakers/ Raj Jariwala / givingcircle.in)
We asked him if he would like to give a message through ShwetSai, he agreed instantly.
We have a recorded a message from him in the regional language Gujarati, so that even the village kids are able to listen....
In Gosti, we try to invite guests and spread a word about their work and kind deeds. We are glad that Mr. Jariwala could spend some time to talk to us. ShwetSai wishes his NGO & the tribal children all the very best. We hope you like this blog and are motivated to contact Mr. Raj Jariwala. Do stop by the village on your next drive! NGO's like Hardik Jariwala Foundation run heavily on support from the community, ordinary people like you and us!
Let's pledge to contribute the best we can towards the betterment of the society!
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