Rourkela: For the past eight years, 43-year-old Neha Daga has turned her home into a haven for underprivileged children —offering free education, guidance and a safe space that has quietly transformed young lives across Khariar Road town in Nuapada district.
What began as one woman’s outrage at seeing slum children picking burnt firecrackers on Diwali grew into Paathshala, a grassroots initiative shaping future through learning, discipline and compassion. Neha, an MCA and former teacher at a Delhi school, set up Paathshala in 2018 to bring children back from wrong path and give them a fair chance at life. Today, children from classes III to XII stream into her home after school for lessons, skill-building and holistic development — all free of cost.
She teaches every child herself and even pays an Odia tutor to ensure they keep pace with schoolwork. She collects old books, distributes stationery and runs general knowledge, art and craft, moral education and social service sessions. During summer vacations, her home turns into a creative workshop with free art, dance and mehendi classes.
This year, 34 slum children — from various parts of Nuapada — attend Paathshala in batches. Neha trains them to operate laptops, encourages them to avoid bad influences, and motivates them to join the mainstream workforce. Several of her students have pursued higher studies or secured jobs.
Among her brightest examples is Arjun Jaal, who joined Paathshala as a Class VII student and now works in Bengaluru after completing mechanical engineering.
“She not only educated my son but shaped him into a good human being,” said Arjun’s father, Jagdish, a labourer. “Whatever he is today, it is because of Neha madam.”
Neha’s husband, Nishant — a businessman and vice-chairman of NAC-Khariar — has been her strongest supporter. The couple, married in 2008, have two sons.
“My mission is to integrate underprivileged kids into the mainstream through education,” Neha said.
“I have been able to bring smiles to their faces because my family stands with me.”
Malay Ray is a journalist who writes on social issues, human inte...
Read MoreMalay Ray is a journalist who writes on social issues, human interest stories, startups, inventions, the environment, women empowerment, and tribal life. He has been writing for The Times of India from Rourkela and covering other areas in the Sundargarh district of Odisha for the past three years.
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