Pongal-Republic Day 2013

President Message

The Story Behind Bighelp A personal note from Chand Pasha Shaik Bighelp’s Founder & President

My mother once said to me "The happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more. If you want happiness for a lifetime, Help someone in need"

I have witnessed my mother following what she said, and surrounded by the happiness. I also witnessed my father and elder brother working hard and leading a selfless life and happy with what they had. With that Inspiration from my family, I always dreamed about doing something to the needy children when I grow as an adult.

I turned my childhood dream into reality when I was 29 years old by starting "Bighelp For Education" in the year 2002 with the help of my friends. In August 2002 I visited India and visited several public schools, talked to many teachers and children to understand their needs and issues. That visit had really helped me deep dive into the public education system in India, and recognize the challenges and struggles with many issues related to enrolment, retention and quality of education in public schools. So I decided to make Bighelp organization as catalyst to address these issues and introduced the programs 'Sponsor A Child', Adopt A School and Merit awards. Sponsor a Child program helps to address the issues related to enrolment and retention. Adopt a school and Merit awards programs help to address the issues related to quality of education in public schools.

In August 2002, during my visit to India, I formed the first volunteer team in Nagarjuna Sagar, comprising of teachers philanthropists to run the local project for Bighelp. Initially 20 students have been sponsored, 2 schools were adopted and 2 merit awards were setup under the first project. An office was setup in Hyderabad to manage projects and expand Bighelp activities. Mrs. Sarojini Maturi & Mr. Jawahar Rambarki have joined their hands as volunteers in India and took up the roles as Executive Director and Assistant executive director for Projects, respectively. In 2004, Mr. Seshagiri Rao, A retired engineer, has joined as a volunteer in India and assumed the role of Assistant Executive Director for Administration. I am proud to say these 3 individuals continue to serve Bighelp organization till today as volunteers and continue to contribute endless hours of time and energy.

My friends and family supported me at every stage of Bighelp. Without support from my all of my friends and my wife Hameeda, I could have not done anything. My kids are obsessed with Bighelp and always look for opportunities to participate in Bighelp’s activities. My friends and volunteers are the heart of Bighelp. They stand with me to run this organization and reach many underprivileged children in need.

-Chand Pasha Shaik, Founder,Bighelp For Education