Education is the only way to fight against the inequality. To attain equality, eradicate poverty and help downtrodden lead a dignified life, Ananya Education and Empowerment Trust emerged. It took birth in 2016 at Bengaluru, and was founded by Dr. Y. Mariswamy, an enthusiastic person who strives for upliftment of the children at slum areas in the real sense.
The inception
The Ananya Education and Empowerment Trust began its wonderful journey in 2016 with the objective “Every Child Should Get Education”. It continues with the same objective till date. The pioneer of Ananya Trust is Mariswamy.
The Trust mainly works for the children in slum areas and labourers. The Trust organises summer camps, classes and health camps. It also gives protection to the children against child labour and child marriages.
About Dr. Y. Mariswamy
Dr. Y. Mariswamy hails from Yeddaladinni of Manvi Taluk, Raichur district, and came from a very poor family. He lost his father in early stages of his life. He has a brother and two sisters. He did his initial schooling at Halapura and High School at Manvi. He did his PUC in Raichur and took Bachelor’s Degree from Bengaluru University.
From the beginning he faced many problems that led him to form Ananya Education and Empowerment Trust. He was very influenced by Dalit Movement, and then also became part of Dalita Sangharsha Samiti. When he was studying in high school he used to reside at hostel, and that is when coming in contact with Dalit leaders on Sunday inspired him to embrace ideology of social reforms. Later, he started following Dr. Ambedkar and his slogan, Educate, Agitate, Organise.
He started his social work from Animator in NGO at Kollegala, later serving for CRY, and then working as State Co-ordinator for Samajika Parivartana Janandolana in 2007. He also was a Member of Justice Patil Commission for Child Malnutrition in 2012, Member of Child Labour Eradicating Commission, and Member of Karnataka State Protection for Child Rights Commission in 2016, finally becoming President of the Commission.
He has been honoured with several awards like Distinguished Social Worker Award in 2012, Good Leadership Award from NFI, and Bhima Ratna Award from Samata Sainik Dal among others.
Motive of the Trust
Ananya Education and Empowerment Trust is working at almost 6 slum areas in Bengaluru. They go to the slum areas and create awareness about the importance of education, and health for children among the parents.
The Trust conducts educational activities, summer camps and sports for children. It is also conducting free computer classes for children. The Trust has eight members. It provides books, and bags to the children studying in the schools. And it also gives referral service to children regarding their health.
Message
Dr. Y. Mariswamy says that Justice Shivaraj V. Patil had quoted we should not make property for children but instead should build our children as property for the nation as well for the society. He further said Education is the only weapon for social transformation. The Government is providing a lot of infrastructure to the educational sector, and people should make use of the same, effectively.
