Mr. Mrinal Kanti Bhanja , or Dada as we call him , in his early twenties had the
vision to give back to society by helping in uplifting the less fortunate . When he came
across a few IITians who wanted to volunteer for a good cause but lacked the right
platform- Gopali Youth Welfare Society came into being.
Together, the Young
Samaritans along with some Professors of IIT Kharagpur set on this journey and through the years GYWS has
not just been instrumental in providing primary education to children at JVM, but has also undertaken
different social initiatives to uplift the society!
In Dada’s own words “ GYWS is aiding social, economic and cultural development of weaker sections
of society while encouraging people to seek solutions to their everyday problems within locally
available resources!”
Established in 2002 with a mission to improve the living standards of the people of Gopali like villages.
Registered under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act of 1961.
Embarked in an education program Jagriti Vidya Mandir in a rented building, focused upon providing quality education.
2 acres of land was purchased, and the foundation of Jagriti Vidya Mandir was laid.
" GYWS came up with the initiative named LiGHT to reach masses all over India, to reciprocate similar models of social upliftment throughout the nation.
Started PRAYAS, Business Development Initiative, to work on Rural Entrepreneurship Development and Social Enterprises to help transform lives
Hostel Construction to provide learning environment to deprived children, begin in Jagriti Vidya Mandir
We aim to develop an ecosystem for the youth to provide them with skills, resources and motivation to achieve sustainable development goals.
We exist to improve the social and economic condition in and around Kharagpur and inspire and guide the youth to replicate our learnings across the nation.
There is a natural law, a Divine law that obliges you and me to believe the sufferings of the distressed and the destitute. A service for the poor is a supreme virtue and the great channel through which the mercy of God is passed on to mankind.
As stewards of GOPALI YOUTH WELFARE SOCIETY, the board and staff of Society are committed to adhering as closely as possible to his intentions, as reflected in our guiding principle. GYWS is a rural-based registered organization by and for the people. Despite the many ups and downs, it has pulled on with real favor to serve the disadvantaged, the underprivileged, the poor and the needy.
Our journey would not have been smooth if it was not for the support by the wholehearted participation and cooperation from the community as well as from the other partners (agencies) have helped a lot to sustain the activities. So, we take this occasion to extend our heartfelt gratitude to one and all, who, in whatever capacity, might have contributed to one's might to sustain our noble endeavour. We earnestly hope the coming year will be fruitful and meaningful.
You can reach out to us by email: gywsociety@gmail.com or call us at: 03222296537
Education, Prayas, LiGHT, Aarohan and Skill Development are our primary initiatives. Over the past year, we have also had a Covid initiative- under which we distributed foodkits as well as raised funds to provide the villagers with personal protective equipments.You can find detailed information on these on our website under Initiatives tab. You can also mail us for any further details you might want to know.
The NGO took shape to uplift the youth from the village of Gopali, located close to IIT Kharagpur campus. Our Founder- Mr. Mrinal Kanti Bhanja, a localite sowed the seeds of GYWS for the welfare of the people of Gopali along with some socially motivated students from IIT-KGP, back in 2002.
Yes, GYWS is registered under Societies Act. It is also registered for exemption under section 80 G, 12 A and for foreign contributions- under FCRA.
Yes, the website is safe for all kinds of transaction. Also, any information exchange is safe and secure and under no circumstances shall be disclosed.
Usually in-kind donation is accepted only when there is a need in any of the projects at a given point in time.
While you can visit the school where the children you support are studying we do not encourage donors to directly meet the beneficiaries as we do not want to give special treatment to any child.
50% rebate.