Created in Canva
“TRULY I TELL YOU, WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME.” MATTHEW 25:40
BUILDING OUR FOUNDATION 07 The 4 Pillars of Santvana Sahara OUR MISSION 13 Causes we support FROM THE HEART Voices of Impact, Messages from... SUCCESS STORIES 11 Add a short teaser paragraph here FROM VISSION TO ACTION 09 The Timeline of Santvana Sahara IN ACTION 15 Our Story in Pictures: Events & Programs 05 TABLE OF CONTENTS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEFCONTENT DIRECTORPHOTOGRAPHERSALEXY PALLANSHINEY ALEXYALEXY PALLAN VERONICA PALLANVERONICA PALLANART DIRECTIONMeet the Team 04MAGAZINE DESIGNERVERONICA PALLANCONTRIBUTORMANJU EDITOR'S INSIGHT: A LOOK BEHIND THE PAGESThe dream of creating a souvenir for Santvana Sahara has been a long- cherished aspiration of our coordinator, Shiney. Today, we rejoice as this dream becomes a reality—truly a Kairos moment, God’s appointed time. This souvenir captures the heart of Santvana Sahara: its humble beginnings, remarkable growth, and the inspiring expansion of its mission. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the well-wishers, benefactors, and friends who have stood by this God-given mission of the Santvana Community. It is through your unwavering support and prayers that we have been able to carry this mission forward, transforming the lives of many. Within these pages, you will find glimpses of hope and achievement— success stories of Sahara’s students who have excelled in their higher secondary education and beyond. Their accomplishments are a testament to the power of dedication and the grace of God. You will also read the heartfelt reflections of our teaching volunteers, whose tireless efforts and steadfast commitment have been the cornerstone of Sahara’s progress. Their inspiring stories shine a light on the passion and perseverance that have brought Sahara to where it stands today. As we celebrate this milestone, we remember with gratitude the beloved members of the Santvana Community: our Shepherds, Servant Leaders, and especially our Founder. A special word of thanks goes to our patron, His Grace Most Rev. Anil J.T. Couto, whose guidance and blessings have been a beacon for this mission. May this souvenir inspire every reader to support, celebrate, and continue the journey of Santvana Sahara, a mission of love and hope for all. Alexy PallanEDITOR-IN-CHIEF
THROUGH THE FOUNDER’S LENS FR. DHEERAJ SABU IMS, FOUNDER SANTVANA SAHARA 05Santvana Sahara was born from a deep cry of compassion—a response to the silent suffering of children and families pushed to the margins of society. It was never simply an organization; it was a mission grounded in dignity, healing, and faith. In the early days, as we welcomed tribal children migrating into the unfamiliar urban space of Delhi, it is important to know how we must support them in this transition. “This migrated tribal’s lifestyle and culture are entirely different from the urban life. They need special attention and care to get familiar with the new surroundings. If we do not give proper shade and water to a newly shifted plant it will not grow and may be ruined. Just like this we have to take care of them.” Every child, like every sapling, needs nurturing. Without the right care, they wither. But with love, attention, and consistent guidance, they bloom beautifully, even in unfamiliar soil.The name “Santvana Sahara” itself was suggested with this very vision in mind. Sahara means “support” in Hindi, and that is what we vowed to become—a reliable hand, a strong yet gentle presence in the lives of the most vulnerable. I had reminded the teachers back then about the need and importance of this programme. I told them, “The zeal and enthusiasm shown in the initial stage must go on,” and urged them to maintain “dedication and commitment to achieve the goals.” Today, I’m happy to say that the same spirit is still alive—shining through every centre, every class, and every child’s smile. Santvana Sahara, an initiative of Santvana Community , a registered charitable society since 2003, now runs 27 study centres, reaching nearly 500 children from the most marginalized backgrounds. These are the children of rag pickers— many of whom grow up around garbage heaps, with hardly any choice in what they eat, wear, or even dare to dream. We invite well-wishers to join hands with us. The work of Santvana is not over. It is still unfolding in every child’s breakthrough, in every teacher’s dedication, and in every hand that chooses to help.
FROM THE VISIONARIES HEARTLetters from readers show how much they feel a connection with your publication. Whether they're glowing reviews, helpful feedback, or simple shoutouts, these readers taking the time to write shows how much they care. Show your appreciation by featuring their letters in your next issue. They're sure to feel valued once they read it. Letters from readers show how much they feel a connection with your publication. Whether they're glowing reviews, helpful feedback, or simple shoutouts, these readers taking the time to write shows how much they care. Show your appreciation by featuring their letters in your next issue. They're sure to feel valued once they read it. Letters from readers show how much they feel a connection with your publication. Whether they're glowing reviews, helpful feedback, or simple shoutouts, these readers taking the time to write shows how much they care. Show your appreciation by featuring their letters in your next issue. They're sure to feel valued once they read it. Letters from readers show how much they feel a connection with your publication. Whether they're glowing reviews, helpful feedback, or simple shoutouts, these readers taking the time to write shows how much they care. Show your appreciation by featuring their letters in your next issue. They're sure to feel valued once they read it. Letters from readers show how much they feel a connection with your publication. Whether they're glowing reviews, helpful feedback, or simple shoutouts, these readers taking the time to write shows how much they care. Show your appreciation by featuring their letters in your next issue. They're sure to feel valued once they read it. SHINEY ALEXY CO-ORDINATOR SANTVANA SAHARA 08
THE 4 PILLARS OF SANTVANA SAHARA09 BUILDING OUR FOUNDATION LOVESERVICECOMMITMENTPRAYER
10 FROM VISSION TO ACTION THE ROAD OF SANTVANA SAHARA 2009 – THE CONCERN AND VISION THE CONCERN FOR ACADEMICALLY STRUGGLING CHRISTIAN STUDENTS AT ROSARY SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL SPARKS THE IDEA TO OFFER SPECIAL TUITION AND SUPPORT. JUNE 13, 2010 – SANTVANA SAHARA INAUGURATION- REV. FR. DHEERAJ SABU OFFICIALLY INAUGURATES SANTVANA SAHARA AT UTTARAKHAND VILLAGE, DELHI, WITH MRS. SHINEY ALEXY AS THE FIRST COORDINATOR.2011 – NEW LEADERSHIP AND SYSTEMATIC GROWTH MRS. JINI LOBO TAKES OVER AS COORDINATOR, AND MS. SELMA ROBERT BECOMES THE EXECUTIVE ORGANIZER, ESTABLISHING SMALL STUDY CENTERS AND EXPANDING OUTREACH. 2013 – EXPANSION OF LEADERSHIP TEAM MRS. SHINEY ALEXY RETURNS AS COORDINATOR, WITH MS. SELMA CONTINUING AS EXECUTIVE ORGANIZER, LATER JOINED BY MRS. MEENU MASSEY AND MS. REABACKA MASSEY AS STAFF ORGANIZERS. 2014 – REGULAR TEACHER AND PARENT MEETINGS MONTHLY TEACHER MEETINGS FOR MOTIVATION AND GUIDANCE, ALONG WITH PARENTS' ORIENTATION AND COUNSELING SESSIONS, BECOME A CORNERSTONE OF SANTVANA SAHARA’S APPROACH. 2015 – OPENING ADULT EDUCATION STUDY CENTERS A SPECIAL STUDY CENTER FOR ADULT EDUCATION BEGINS, EMPOWERING MOTHERS BY TEACHING THEM TO READ AND WRITE.
11 2016 – LAUNCH OF STITCHING CENTER A STITCHING CENTER IS ESTABLISHED, HELPING SENIOR GIRLS LEARN LIFE SKILLS AND PREPARE FOR SELF- RELIANCE, PARTICULARLY TO COUNTER EARLY MARRIAGES. 2017 – EXPANSION TO HIGHER CLASSES STUDY CENTERS FOR 10TH, 11TH, AND 12TH-GRADE STUDENTS ARE INTRODUCED, ENSURING CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR OLDER STUDENTS. 2018 – GROWTH OF STUDY CENTERS SANTVANA SAHARA REACHES 33 STUDY CENTERS WITH 16 COMMITTED TEACHERS AND 25 SPONSORS, FURTHER STRENGTHENING ITS EDUCATIONAL IMPACT. 2020 – RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMID THE PANDEMIC, ONLINE CLASSES AND ASSIGNMENTS THROUGH PHONE CALLS ENSURE CONTINUITY IN EDUCATION, WHILE PROVISION KITS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO FAMILIES IN NEED. 2024 – EXPANSION TO 40 CENTERS SANTVANA SAHARA NOW OPERATES 40 CENTERS, SERVING 524 CHILDREN WITH 19 DEDICATED STAFF MEMBERS, MARKING SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN OUTREACH AND IMPACT. 2024 – AMITY UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION CONTINUED GROWTH AND RESILIENCE AMITY UNIVERSITY, DELHI, LAUNCHES AN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM WITH SANTVANA SAHARA, FOSTERING FURTHER SUPPORT, DEVELOPMENT, AND COLLABORATION FOR THE ORGANIZATION. CONTINUED GROWTH AND RESILIENCE SANTVANA SAHARA’S HOLISTIC SUPPORT REACHES NEW HEIGHTS AS STUDENTS THRIVE ACADEMICALLY, AND VOLUNTEERS ARE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS, TRANSFORMING BOTH LIVES AND COMMUNITIES.
SUCCESS STORIES 12
FROM SHABBY CLOTHES TO UNIVERSITY DREAMS: THE POWER OF EDUCATION 13 Fourteen years ago, a young girl named Kushbu, just four years old, was living in the ragpickers' colony in Buradi, Delhi. Along with 14 other children from the colony, she was brought the Santvana Sahara free tuition program by one of our dedicated teaching volunteers. Initially, it was challenging to engage these children. They would come in shabby clothes, often with an unpleasant odor, and their parents, unaware of the value of education, were reluctant to send them. However, through the continuous and tireless efforts of the Sahara team, including regular visits to the families and community outreach, a remarkable transformation began. Today, that little girl, Kushbu, has grown into a confident young woman pursuing her graduation at Delhi University. More than just a student, she now volunteers her time, teaching 15 children of one of the Sahara study centres from nearby colonies, passionately helping them grow, just as she once was nurtured. Kushbu’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of perseverance, education, and community support, proving that even the most challenging beginnings can lead to inspiring outcomes.
Archana, a bright and determined young woman from Virendra Nagar colony, began her journey with Santvana Sahara when she was in 2nd standard. Born into a very humble family—her father sells tea from a thela in Buradi village and her mother tends to a few sheep—she has always had a clear vision for her future. Despite the financial struggles of her family, which includes four siblings, Archana was passionate about her studies from a young age and always dreamed of becoming a teacher. Now, Archana is not only pursuing her graduation at Delhi University but is also enrolled in Nursery Primary Teachers Training. Alongside her studies, she serves as a committed and dedicated teaching volunteer, caring for 15 children. The stipend she earns from this work helps her manage her own educational expenses, allowing her to continue chasing her dreams. Her journey, from a young girl with aspirations to a confident teacher-in- training, fills us with immense pride. Archana’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion, even in the face of adversity. 14 EMPOWERED BY EDUCATION: ARCHANA'S JOURNEY TO TEACHING
16 Our Vission and Mission EMPOWERING THE VULNERABLE BRIDGING EDUCATIONAL GAPS HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT BUILDING CONFIDENT CITIZENS
17IN ACTION OUR STORY IN PICTURES: EVENTS & PROGRAMS
18
22 JOIN US: 4 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN SANTVANA SAHARAPRAYDONATE VOLUNTEERSPONSOR Your prayers provide spiritual strength and support for our mission, helping us stay focused on our work. Every donation, big or small, helps fund essential programs and services that empower communities in need. Sponsoring a child or program ensures continued support, creating lasting opportunities for growth and education. Volunteering your time and skills directly helps us reach more people and make a greater impact.
OUR PATRON “NOT ALL OF US CAN DO GREAT THINGS. BUT WE CAN DO SMALL THINGS WITH GREAT LOVE.” — MOTHER TERESA
SANTVANA SAHARA MAKING DREAMS POSSIBLE