“I have been associated with SAI for the last 5/6 years. I used to hear about the school from Arup. Today I feel very happy to see it for myself. Best wishes for the future.”
I am really surprised to see the untiring effort of Mr. Arup Debnath and his team to run this institution in a remote villages of Sundarbans. Best wishes for Arup and his co-workers and help that they will contribute to the society successfully and will inspire others also.
“I thank SAI for bearing the medical expenses of four people under the Safe Tiger Affected Families (STAF) project. I am inspired by Arup's tireless work for affected people at such a young age.”
“SAI's focus on providing education from LKG to Madhyamik, it is a continuous effort. I am very happy to see the positive impact they are making in the lives of this first generation of learners.”
This year (2025) the first batch of SAI’s education centre will appear Madhyamik Examination. In the post corona period the education of children suffered a lot. SAI is able to successfully bring these children back to education system and make them appear in this state level examination. Best wishes to each of those children.
“Today, I got the opportunity to celebrate my daughter's birthday with the children of SAI's SAKSHAM project. I can't even imagine how difficult the living conditions of the people in these marginalized areas are. May SAI's initiatives bring improvement to their quality of life.”
“ My first interaction with children of SAI at BITM. I came to know that this was the first time that the children had attended such an educational tour outside the remote villages of the Sundarbans. SAI has been working with underprivileged children to spread education in this villages of the Sundarbans.”
“SAI's pioneering role in promoting education to children of these marginalized communities is truly commendable.”
Last year we decided to visit their new project site at Sonagoan village, Gosaba Island. This looked like a similar school that we have seen earlier and the devotion of the teachers was very high as usual. This being in a remote village in Sundarbans, we had to take a long ride by boat. The journey by boat in Sundarbans is always enjoyable. The teachers were busy in the admission process. This was a supplementary school, where the students come after their schooling or previous to that to supplement their knowledge and this works very nicely to enhance the pass percentage of all the schools nearby. Day-by-day the villagers understood its utility for freely imparting education to the students and each year the number of students showing intention to be admitted to the school kept increasing. This led Arup and his team to expand the facility in the same village. Towards this, they identified and purchased a plot in the village where they plan to establish a pucca school building which can accommodate the needy students in future.
Meanwhile, team SAI has further gone into one of the remotest village, namely Kumirmari and started another similar project there. We are eagerly waiting to see their new venture in one of the remotest village in Sundarbans.
On my family's behalf I can only pray to the almighty to encourage and provide resources to team SAI so that their hard work can bring smile to those who are left to the vagaries of nature and face the Royal Bengal Tigers in order to survive.
Sri Arup Debnath, the Head of SAI, was introduced to one of us long ago - about ten years back. Since its inception we have been aware of various social activities of SAI in the under privileged region of Sundarbans. We are deeply gratified by its initiative in supplementing the inadequate school education system run by the state in this region. Besides, we appreciate SAI's venture in making women in this region self-reliant. Hope that SAI will continue this journey to enable people of Sundarbans earning livelihood and children becoming educated. We are confident that SAI's endeavour in this regard will catalyze all-round development of Sundarbans.
This March we visited the Coaching Centre just founded by the Social Assistance Institution (SAI) for school children living at Kumirmari, Sundarbans, which may be considered as one of the remotest villages of West Bengal with very limited infra-structure. One of us also visited, last year in March, another such Coaching Centre established by SAI at Sonagaon, Sundarbans. We have heard that SAI runs one more Coaching Centre of similar type at Basanti, Sundarbans.
“I have been waiting for many years to come & today I am very happy to see the activities of SAI in Sonargaon village of Sundarbans. Now the first unit exams of the students are going on. I have seen about 300 students coming here regularly to study. I must say that they have developed a lot of love for this center and SAI has been able to do this work successfully”.
It’s good initiative with school children under proper guidance of Mr. Arup Debnath. Everything is well organised with all details of relevant information. Teachers are good and well experienced. Other helping staffs are also very good and well mannered. I wish all success of SAI.
“I am happy to see that SAI has taken various steps, including fish farming, to support tiger and crocodile-affected people in the Sundarbans region. And the drama "JUTA ABISKAR" performed by the students of the Barnaparichay Education Center will remain forever memorable to me”.
“This year's Christmas was much more special than other years. Today, I had the opportunity to spend an amazing time with over a hundred students at the “SAI”-run “Barnaparichay Education Centre” in Sonargaon village in the Sundarbans. Great job & I plan to come back in the future”.
We visited Barnaparichay Education Centre run by The Social Assistance Institution from BASICS on 29TH March 2025. We interacted with the teachers and they were very enthusiastic about teaching and shared keen observations about the children and their education issues. This showed with how much dedication and compassion they had for the students – they wanted grow their knowledge around teaching skills. Similarly we interacted with the students and their love for their school, their playfulness, their obedience showed how they are treated with care . Overall Mr. Arup’s leadership and constant urge to pool in resources for betterment of the school, teachers and students were evident. Children love to come here sometime more than they want to attend their local formal schools. We are very impressed by activities here and wish the school all the very best !!
I have been observing and supporting the wonderful work that SAI has been doing in the field of education and livelihood support in the Sundarbans, particularly Badaban and Sonaguan. I have observed the great sincerity with which Arup and all the teachers, volunteers and workers of SAI are striving for the all round welfare of the less privileged for many years. I am glad that there are such dedicated people working to uplift the people of the Sundarbans. I hope to continue to support their work, and wish SAI all success.
“SAI's focus on providing education from LKG to Madhyamik is a continuous effort. I am very happy to see the positive impact they are making in the lives of this first generation of learners.”
“I highly appreciated the initiatives of “The Social Assistance Institution (SAI) to help the widows and children of the Tiger Victim of Sundarbans, West Bengal. SAI not only distributes food and mosquito nets to the victims’ families but also tries to improve the basic life in remote areas of Sundarbans by launching income generation (programme through distributing chicks and kids) and providing educational support to school children. I wish all the best to SAI”.
“Had a really good time here at Sonagoan. The Village is beautiful. My host, Gourda & Suchitra boudi were very very good. They took exceptional care of me. And finally for whom I come here, Arup is doing an excellent and Nobel job. The school that he has started here is doing very well. Such a school will really change the future of this place. Big thumbs up for Arup and all other people who are helping Arup to keep this initiative running. Keep growing.”
“My son Aditya and I had a very unique experience of visiting Gosaba and the SAI School. My son is completely amazed by two things: The joy and cheerful enthusiasm of your students, the ready smiles, and their ready willingness to interact. The second aspect has been your committed teachers’ team, who despite the cold and night conditions, are seen to be engaging the upper-class students in active discussions on different subject matters. There are good vibrations, and all are seen to be into it - teachers and students alike- by choice and desire rather than out of any compulsions. It is obvious that the school is valued by all in the community “
I have association with SAI since 2021. SAI performs social work for the poor people in Sundarban. It provides treatment to people attacked by tigers and gives financial and logistic supports to the victims and their families. It promotes education for children by giving meals in school, providing special lecture arrangements and taking children to edutainment excursions. Also, SAI provides livestock to the poor for a better and independent livelihood. Besides providing these benifits to needy people of Sundarbans, it provides relief to the people affected by natural calamities in the region. I am totally satisfied by their activities and ground works, which reflects proper utilization of the donation they receive.
SAI has brought fresh air in the lives of the children and their families in remote villages of Sundarbans in Gosaba and Basanti blocks. SAI has been working on child education, self employment of women, providing medical facilities and financial support to tiger injured persons as well as ration to malnourished children. I wish every success to SAI in fulfilling its objectives of continuous service to marginalised people of Sundarbans.
We appreciate all the initiatives of " The Social Assistance Institution" (SAI) to help the widows and the children of the tiger victims of Sundarbans, West Bengal. SAI used to distribute food and mosquito nets to the victims' families, helped the Yaas affected families, launched income generation programmes through distributing chicks (baby chickens and baby ducks). Further, the institution arranges social functions during New Year Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day and on other occasions for the benefit of their mental health. I wish the Institution a long LIFE.
I have been closely associated with SAI since the last 3 years. During this time, I closely interacted with one of their members regarding the different programs they have organized for the upliftment of the poor and marginalized people of Sunderbans. Their steadfast dedication to the cause, honesty and integrity have amazed me. I sincerely hope and wish total success in all of their future endeavours.
SAI's endeavour in providing educational support to school children of Sundarban is commendable. It is not an easy task, particularly in the time of pandemic.
Over the past couple of years I have closely observed SAI trying to extend support and sustenance to the people of Sunderbans ravaged by cyclones, floods, malnutrition, lack of facilities & education and the menace of tiger attacks. I am happy to note that they have been able to establish an Education Centre in the Kumirmari area with plans to start another one near Sajnekhali soon. SAI is doing commendable work in providing healthcare to pregnant women and young mothers. They have implemented innovative ideas like growing Nutrition Gardens, and developing new skill sets for income generation by the local people, especially women.
The Social Assistance Institution (SAI) is known to the inhabitants of distant Sundarban Islands as a charitable organisation that pledged to stand by the poor, under privilaged, yet victims of various natural disasters. The social activities SAI has undertaken so far can be defined broadly into relief work requring action on war-footing; and long term assistance for gradual holistic development. SAI had undertaken relief work immediately after the Supercyclone 'Yash' by way of distributing tarpulins, groceries and running community kitchen for days. A few families of tiger-attack survivors have started to get some monthly assistance in cash to run the family and also a substantial part of treatment-expenditure for those seriously injured requiring special attention. Towards gradual holistic developments of local villagers SAI runs a tutorial for both boys and girls upto 9th standard at a very nominal monthly fee. Towards building a physically healthy society in future SAI distributes nutritious food-packets every month to underweight kids identified by doctors.
220+
Livelihood Program for Mothers
3000+
Plantation of Mangrove Sapling
20+
Medical Treatment of Tiger Wounded Poor Fishermen
200 +
Total Care of Malnourished Children
First day of the new academioc year 2025.
National Youth Day celebration on 12thJanuary 2022 to honor the 160th birthday of SWAMI VIVEKANANDA.
Tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, every year birth anniversary is celebrated across our three educational centers, run by SAI.
On the auspicious occasion of Saraswati Puja, The Social Assistance Institution (SAI) organized a vibrant celebration with students from the “Barnaparichay Education Centre, the event, held at Sonagoan, Gosaba, Sundarbans, brought together over 200 students from this centre. The students enthusiastically participated in the puja rituals, offered flowers and prayers to the goddess of knowledge, and received blessings from the priests. The NGO also distributed educational materials, stationery, and snacks among the students, promoting a sense of joy and inclusivity. The celebration aimed to promote cultural heritage, education, and community bonding among the students and local communities in the Sundarbans region." As the day drew to a close, the students showcased their talents in a spectacular cultural evening, mesmerizing the audience with their lively performances. The children enthusiastically performed Bengali songs, dances and recitations. Students, teachers and family members of children come together to enjoy the evening. The cultural evening was a fitting end to the Saraswati Puja celebration
Every year SAI conducts its Annual Sports Day with children of each centre. The event aims to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship among the participants. Many students participate in this annual sports programme, and they are assigned to various class-wise and gender-wise events. The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where winners received prizes. The annual sports day was a resounding success, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to empower youth through sports.
On Republic Day, SAI celebrates the day at their education centres (Gosaba, Basanti & Kumirmari). Our programme lets begin national flag hoisting ceremony followed by our cultural performance and speeches. Sing the National Anthem with our students.
Livelihood programme for Sundarbans women are crucial for their empowerment and economic independence. SAI working tirelessly to provide women with sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Started a new project called SAVE TIGER AFFECTED FAMILIES IN SUNDARBANS ( STAFS) from February 2022
Professor Nilanjana Deb of Jadavpur University visited the students of Sundarban Badawan Bharati Shiksha Kendra and distributed books to our students on 6th March 2022.
SAI celebrated International Women's Day in Sundarbans with various themes. The program highlighted women's strength, resilience, and determination and raised social awareness about women's rights and various issues. Women's education, nutrition, and empowerment are very important for society's welfare. Only a happy, healthy, and empowered woman can ensure a healthy family.
SAI works to create sustainable solutions to ensure girls' education and women's health and nutrition and initiates livelihood programs for women from marginalized communities in remote areas of the Sundarbans.
Prof. Dipanbita Roy Chowdhury from IIT Kharagpur visited our educational center in April 2022 on the occasion of Bengali New Year.
Press conference held at Kolkata Press Club on 8th May 2022 for alternative livelihood for tiger affected families.
One Day International Workshop on Co-producing Well-being Policies with Children: A South Asian Perspective was organised by, Indian Statistical Institute on 18th May, of this year 2022 at ISI, Kolkata. Dignitaries from esteemed universities in the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and India participated in this workshop. Further, representatives of the renowned Pratichi Institute and NGOs from Kolkata shared their activities in the workshop. Speakers shared key findings from their latest research with South Asian children which was carried out as part of their involvement with the project, titled, South Asian Research Network for Childhood and Youth Studies (SARNCYS).
The SAI representative's speech at this workshop was about the work that is being done on the education and health of 500 children in remote areas of the Sundarbans.
We are very much grateful to ISI, Kolkata for giving us the opportunity of presenting our activities on children in this workshop.
Every year on 5th June, World Environment Day, SAI celebrates this day in the Sundarbans region with the students. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. Particularly in the fragile ecosystem of the Sundarbans.
Event Highlights: Organised rally and procession with our students, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation. Mangrove plantations in the surrounding areas encouraged local communities to adopt sustainable livelihoods and eco-friendly practices. Fostered community engagement and participation in environmental conservation efforts. The World Environmental Day celebration was a great initiative of SAI, It’s essential to educate our students about the importance of environmental conservation. We celebrate this day by planting Mangrove saplings on the banks of the river.
Mr. Gourhari Maity & Mr. Mihir Sardar of Sundarbans in June 2022 .
With God Grace , from 10th July 2022 SAI has become able to start it’s dream project named BARNAPARICHAY EDUCATION CENTRE with 130 students in remote village Sonagaon in Gosaba Block of Sundarbans.
Every year SAI celebrates Indian Independence Day with its students for several reasons: fostering a sense of national pride and patriotism among students, and encouraging our students to value their country’s freedom and independence. Educating students about India’s struggle for independence and its significance. Helping students understand the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. Promoting unity and inclusiveness among students from diverse backgrounds. Encouraging students to respect and appreciate India’s cultural diversity. Put in a sense of Social responsibility among students and encourage them to contribute to the community.
By celebrating Indian Independence Day, SAI can help students develop a deeper understanding of their country’s history, culture, and values, while also promoting national pride, unity, and social responsibility.
On 17th July 2022, books & educational materials were distributed to the students of Barnaparichay in presence of Prof. Subhajit Dutta of IIT Kanpur, Dept of Mathematics & Statistics ..
On 26th July 2022 children of SAI paid their respect at the golden feet of the bravenKargil wariors & martyrs .
On the occasion of 76th Independence Day flag hosting at the 2 education centres of SAI in Sundarbans.
On this occasion of the birth anniversary of Sri Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan children of SAI celebrated 5th September, a day dedicated to our teachers .
Prof . Sourav De, Department of Statistics, Presidency University ,visited our Barnaparichay Education center in remote village of Sundarbans in November 2022.
Mr. Satyanarayan Bagchi , Retired DGM ( Finance) of IOCL , Mr. Biswabandhu Das , Retired DDG of GSI Kolkata , Mr. Bidyut Roy attened the monthly teachers & gurdian meeting and visited 2 education centres of SAI IN September 2022 .
On 26th September SAI's Project Alphabet celebrated the birthday of Pandit Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar.
Bhagat Singh's birth anniversary is celebrated every year on 28th September. The birth anniversary celebrations at our centre are a testament to his enduring legacy and are relevant in contemporary times.
Health is wealth. Dr. Lahri Bhattacharya and Dr. Ambarish Banerjee of Ruby Hospital conducted free health check-ups of about 90 children and their mothers in Sonagaon and Dulki villages of Gosaba in Sundarbans. Out of these, 50 children and mothers will be selected and taken under the Sakshan project run by SAI. The health of mothers and children in rural areas is neglected due to social, economic, and various other reasons. One of the reasons is marriage and motherhood at a young age, most of the mothers themselves suffer from malnutrition and anemia. So naturally, that affects the health of children. According to doctors, up to 6 years is the ideal time for a child's mental and physical development. But at that time, children in these remote areas do not get proper nutrition. Therefore, through the Sakshan project, various nutritious foods and cosmetics are provided to these children and mothers every month.
Like Every year we celebrated the " SUNDARBAN MILAN UTSAV " in September 2022 just before Durga Puja . More than hundred tiger widows , tiger affected persons & their children received rations, monthly medical support & educational support .
The Madhyamik Examination 2025 started on 10th February, with a total of 9,84,753 students appearing across West Bengal. This year The Social Assistance Institution (SAI) has succeeded in getting 14 students from “Barnaparichay Education Centre”, Sonagoan, Gosaba, Sundarbans, South 24-Parganas, appeared for this examination. It is the culmination of five-year efforts. In the beginning, this task was not so easy. Because there is social practice in this area, the vulnerability of children as young as 13 or 14 years is exposed. Because most of the families in this area live below the poverty line. Most people in these areas are migrant labour, engaged in agriculture work, fishing and crabbing from rivers, or collecting honey from forests. Most of the time people who have income that is not enough for their family eventually make the wrong decisions for their adolescent girls/boys. Cultural programmes, excursions, special day celebrations, etc. are kept as our co-curricular activity. This is the first time that 14 girls and boys from this location are appear for Madhyamik Exam together. Your priceless support has brought this success. We recently arranged an event to gather these Madhyamik candidates and arrange small gifts for them. On the other hand, the students handed over a framed picture to their loved ones to keep their memories alive in the centre. At this stage, it was promised that after passing their secondary education, they would get an opportunity to study higher secondary at this “Baraparichay Education Centre”.
Every year SAI conducts an Annual Examination. All our students from LKG to Class-X appeared for the examination. As usual, we hold a guardian meeting before the exam starts. We also publish their results after the exam is over. The annual examination results reflect the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers and others. We are proud of our student’s achievements and look forward to continued success in the future.
SAI celebrated Children’s Day at its education centres in Gosaba, Basanti respectively. The objective of the day was to make a fun-filling day for the children, while also promoting their overall development and well-being. The children participated in various programs. The event was usually well-organized and provided a great opportunity for the children to perform their talents. We plan to expand our services to reach more children and provide them with access to quality education and healthcare.
Celebrating Children's Day is one of SAI's flagship programs, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to promote child development and well-being.
Lunch arranged for children on the birthday occasion of Prof Arjun Bagchi of IIT Kanpur .
An educational tour should be a multi-faced experience that combines learning about their environment, culture, and potential for sustainable development It's Christmas time. Educational tours offer numerous benefits for school children i) enhanced learning, ii) personal growth iii) exploration. Overall, educational tours provide a valuable supplement to traditional classroom learning, offering a unique and enriching experience that fosters personal and academic growth. On 17th December 2022, SAI organized an educational trip to the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM) for 55 children from “Barnaparichay Education Centre”. The children learned a lot through the science-based exhibitions and galleries of the museum. There was no shortage of enthusiasm among the children. It was a different feeling for these children to go outside on a sunny winter day. Because this was the first time they had come to Kolkata from their village in the Sundarbans.
Prof. Arnab Bhattacharya, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Kanpur, spent time with students at our Barnaparichay Education Centre on Christmas Eve.
Mridul Nandy , Dept. of Computer Science, ISI Kolkata, spent time with students of our Barnaparichay Education Centre on the eve of Christmas.
Prof. B.S Sastry , IIT Kharagpur, Dept. of Mining Engineering visit our Barnaparichay Education Centre.
First day new academic year 2025.
Books are being distributed among students at Nonamathi Pathshala, Kumirmari, run by SAI for the new academic year 2025
SAI has been able to launch our much awaited computer training centre for post Madhyamik appeared or passed out students. SAI has taken initiatives to properly consume the long period from after completion of exam until the result are released. This initiative is aimed at providing digital literacy and technical skills to our students (first generation learner) of SAI.
First and foremost, the establishment of a computer training center in Sonaguan, Gosaba, Sundarbans will provide access to modern technology and information to the candidates in the marginalised community. In today's digital age, computer literacy is essential for academic success and future career opportunities. By offering computer training to the students, we are equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world and excel in their studies.
Moreover, the computer training will promote inclusivity and access to education for all students in Sonaguan. By offering computer training to Madhyamik appear and passed-out candidates, we are ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive in a digital world. This inclusive approach to education will empower students from diverse backgrounds and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.
In conclusion, the opening of a computer training is a significant milestone in the journey towards empowering the youth with essential skills and knowledge for the future. This would not have been possible without your support and Co-operation. Thank you to all the well-wishers of SAI for your support and cooperation in making this initiative a reality. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders and innovators in Sonaguon and beyond.
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Books are distributed among the students of Barnaparichay Education Centre, Sonaguan for academic year 2025.
Professor Nilanjana Deb, Department of English, Jadavpur University spent time meeting children at our Barnaparichay Education Center.
Celebrating the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Sudarban Badaban Bharati Education Centre.
Prof. Susmita Sur Koley,Dept. of Computer Science, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata - Visit our Education Projects both at Basanti and Gosaba.
SAI Celebrateed World Environment Day 2025 at our education centre, awareness through rally, postering, banner, exhition & fruit trees distribution.
14 students of Barnaparichay Education Centre, run by “The Social Assistance Institution”, participated in this examination, all of them are first-generation learners. This Education Centre is situated in the village Sonagoan and since there is no high school near this island, students have to cross the river to go to school on another island. These factors lead to high school dropout. In this scenario, running an education centre becomes very effective for the children of poor and underprivileged families of this area.
After overcoming the above challenges we are very happy to announce that this year everyone has passed the Madhyamik exam. This is the first time that so many children from the village have appeared for the Madhyamik Examination together and passed. Everything has been possible with your continued support and cooperation.
Our first batch of 14 nos. appeared Madhyamik Examination, and everyone passed well. To ensure that their education is not disrupted, SAI runs Barnaparichay Education Centre, has started eleven classes for our students, so that they can get all kinds of education support and empowering them to achieve their full potential and create a brighter future.
Stream Selection based on student interests and aptitudes. By starting an XI class, SAI makes a positive impact in students, families as well community.
