PRAYAS

Inspire • Enable • Educate

PRAYAS is a volunteer-driven educational initiative dedicated to providing free, quality education and holistic support to children from marginalized communities in and around Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Founded in 2001, PRAYAS has supported 150+ underserved children every year through after-school academic programs, mentoring, and co-curricular activities. The initiative continues to deliver sustained social impact in education and recently completed 25 years of service.

PRAYAS believes that access to guidance, care, and opportunity can meaningfully change life trajectories.

What We Do

Free after-school academic support
Mentorship and guidance
Holistic development through arts, sports, and creative learning
Community-based engagement and awareness

Who We Work With

Children from marginalized and underserved communities
First-generation learners
Students in and around the IIT Kanpur region

About Prayas

PRAYAS was founded in 2001 as an educational non-profit initiative with the aim of making quality education accessible to children who are otherwise deprived of it.

The initiative was shaped during its formative years (2001–2004) and has since grown through the dedication of volunteers committed to educational equity.

PRAYAS has consistently operated on a pro bono, volunteer-led model, ensuring that children receive sustained academic and personal support without financial barriers. It is currently under the Community Welfare Cell of the Students’ Gymkhana, IIT Kanpur.

Over the years, PRAYAS has also served as a platform for social leadership, with many former volunteers going on to establish and lead their own initiatives advancing education in India.

PRAYAS continues its work with patience, continuity, and a long-term vision for impact.

Our Aim

The aim of PRAYAS is to inspire and enable.

PRAYAS seeks:

To make quality education accessible to children who are deprived of it

To inculcate values and moral education alongside academic learning

To promote personal development through co-curricular activities

To create awareness about health, social issues, and education

To develop engaging teaching methodologies that attract children to learning and help prevent dropouts

Our Work

PRAYAS operates through a structured after-school program supported entirely by volunteers.

Academic Support

Foundational learning

Subject-specific academic help

English language classes

Study skills and learning habits

Holistic Development

Music, dance, and creative workshops

Sports and team activities

Debates, and speeches

Confidence-building sessions

Mentorship & Guidance

Regular student–volunteer interactions

Exposure to learning pathways and opportunities

Awareness sessions on health, gender equality, and social issues

Events & Activities

PRAYAS integrates learning with celebration, creativity, and community engagement.

Cultural & Annual Events

Annual Day – student-led cultural performances

Teacher’s Day – expressions of gratitude through cards, speeches, and performances

Farewell – celebrating graduating volunteers

National & Festival Celebrations

Republic Day & Independence Day

PRAYAS Foundation Day (26 January)

Raksha Bandhan

Children’s Day

Diwali, Holi and Christmas

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Educational picnics (Science City, historical sites)

Workshops with student clubs (Dance, Music, Chess, Astronomy, Finance, etc.)

Drawing competitions and creative activities

Community & Leadership

Volunteer intake drives conducted multiple times each year

Volunteer Week to strengthen student–mentor engagement

Student leadership through elected Mantris

Prayas Premier League – a 20-day cricket tournament

Distribution of bicycles and educational support to children in need

Our Values

Volunteerism

Equity and dignity

Long-term commitment

Education as a sustainable path to development

With its belief in Education for All, PRAYAS continues to work steadily toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

Team

PRAYAS is sustained by generations of student leaders who have carried the initiative forward with dedication and continuity.

We gratefully acknowledge all coordinators, managers, and volunteers who have served PRAYAS since its founding.

Ankit Kumar Dubey, Manager

(2025-26)

Prashant Patel, Manager

(2025-26)

Shilpa Prajapati, Manager

(2025-26)

Abhay Kumar, Manager

(2025-26)

Past Teams

PRAYAS stands on the collective effort of its volunteers and leaders across generations. This continuity is its greatest strength.

2024–25

Mansi Patel · Rohit Lamba · Anany Dev Chowdhry · Amish Reza

2023–24

Vrinda Sharma · Akshay Choudhary

2022–23

Aryan Vora · Anshika Singh · Aditi Chauhan · Priya Singh

2021–22

Nishant · Darshana Singh

2020–21

Abhishek Savarnya · Ahana Biswas · Rohit · Anshul

2019–20

Ashish · Yash · Ajay · Nachiket

2018–19

Ekta Singh · Meghansh · Pallav Kulhari · Rohan

2017–18

Ayushree · Ayushi · Surya Prakash

2016–17

Vivek Prince · Mukund Mittal · Swati Singh · Abhinav

2015–16

Jeenu · Isha · Sachin · Akash

2014–15

Kapil Gupta · Monika · Rutvij

2013–14

Sangeeta · Kamlesh · Karn Vohra

2012–13

Anish Kumar · Manoj Kumar · Ashutosh

2011–12

Ratnakar · Chaturbhuj

2010–11

Sambit Mishra · Kushagra · Bhaskar · Anuj

2009–10

Tanushree · Rupesh

2007–08

Vikram Pagaria

2006–07

Alok · Sanand

2004–05

Durga Rao · Amarjeet Nayak · Himanshu Srivastava

2003–04

Late Ajeeta Nyola · Rahul Agarwal

2002–03

Dheeraj Singh · Vaibhav Vaish

2001–02 (Founding Year)

Dheeraj Singh · Vaibhav Vaish

Volunteers

Beyond formal coordinators and managers, PRAYAS has been shaped by hundreds of dedicated volunteers who gave their time, energy, and compassion year after year. Their efforts—often quiet and unseen—have been central to the continuity and impact of the initiative.

Many volunteers continued their association with PRAYAS beyond their student years, while others carried forward the spirit of PRAYAS by initiating or contributing to educational and social-impact efforts elsewhere.

PRAYAS acknowledges every volunteer who has contributed, formally or informally, since its inception. This shared commitment is the true foundation of PRAYAS.

For list of volunteers, please click here.