Outdoor Learning at Sai Baba Sevashram for NGO Schools 

Sai Baba Sevashram, a Non-Governmental Welfare organization, established 8 years back started with the objective “No Child Sleeps Hungry”. We are a charitable trust that adopts underprivileged communities and distributes food to the children depending upon the funds incurred. The food ranges from biscuit packets, milk and fruits to full scale meals of khichdi and aloodum. Sai Baba Sevashram is also associated with a few schools and caters mid-day meals to the children.

Presently, the organization has undertaken the responsibility to nourish more than 600 children. The trust also distributes blankets, clothes, umbrellas, caps, books and stationary and looks after animal welfare. We also organize medical camps in a number of villages in the outskirts of Kolkata. We are actively involved with various NGOs and provide online classes to under privileged children.

The Sai Baba Sevashram is located only 42 kilometers from Kolkata and yet it seems like paradise on earth. It is 7 acres of pure serenity situated on the banks of the river Hooghly with almost 150 feet of river frontage. The 200+ trees scattered around the landscape makes the place nothing short of a breath of fresh air, away from the hustle bustle of city life. The place with its rare and exquisite variety of flora and fauna from across the country is sure to offer complete tranquility and the only sounds that interrupt the silence is the chirping of birds and the sound of waves crashing against the banks. One can spot the sporting Ganges river dolphins in the evening as the sun sets under the endless expanse of the river.

The vast freshwater body within the property adds to the charm of the place with its thriving aquatic life. Beside it stands a temple. There is a cottage for guests and a classroom that can accommodate upto 40 children with a library and kitchen. The sevashram also shelters over a dozen dogs!

Objective:

Sai Baba Sevashram has taken an initiative towards outdoor learning by inviting different NGOs to help teach their children in the lap of nature, among the greenery by the Ganga.


“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence”. Rabindranath Tagore’s vision in setting up an outdoor education system remains a global wonder even today. 

With the learning sector today completely overhauled with edutech platforms, children are left with little choice but to spend long hours within the four walls of a room. For some of them, who are not so privileged, it is a bigger punishment. Their wishes, attributes and happy selves have been compromised. 

Kids are born free and have a natural affinity for the outdoors. The current pandemic has robbed them of their basic instincts. Outdoor games and group activities are held no more. Nor are they free to exchange tiffin while they play hide n seek! At the sevashram, we are looking at combining learning with enjoyment in the lap of nature -- nothing less than a picnic that also educates minds!

The natural ambience, flora and fauna, the flowing river as also the pristine environment is just the right thing for this outdoor education. With a disciplined approach, we invite NGOs to bring their kids to taste this environment-friendly endeavor, any day, any week. While the children will have dedicated hours to learn and imbibe from a classroom library, they can run around, spend time with animals, know the plants and trees and enjoy boating, all the while getting to know something new. 

We call upon you to participate in this unique initiative which will go a long way in providing real life learning to those who will build our future.

​*All revenue raised will go to the Sai Baba Sevashram for the cause “No
Child Sleeps Hungry”.*