How Institute for Initiatives in Education Began
In 1992, India witnessed a violent upheaval in the form of conflicts between the upper castes and the lower castes and between the Hindus and the Muslims, the former over special privileges in jobs and education to the members of socially and economically backward classes and the latter over the demolition of a 15th century Mosque. These conflicts endangered the secular foundations of the Indian society. After a series of consultations with the civil society, in which over 5,000 people participated, we were convinced that education can bring a change to this situation. Hence, Sanchetana founded the Institute for Initiative in Education (IFIE) in 1993.
We could reach out to thousands of children from marginalized communities spreading the message of peace through our educational classes, which continued for more than 15 years. The coaching and tutorial classes for high school children were for both Muslims and Hindus. There were almost an equal number of Muslim and Hindu students in all the classes. Sitting side by side and attending classes together has helped remove mutual suspicion and misgivings among the Hindu and Muslim youths. We also organized programs like Celebrating inter-communal festivals, Leadership development camps for youths of both the communities, Cultural programs in which youth from different communities participate jointly, workshops and seminars for promoting inter-faith understanding. IFIE started its first coaching class in 1994-95. But within the next two years it inspired local groups to start similar classes in different places in Gujarat
Regular meetings and different programs are organized to build their capacity as community leaders. Continuous efforts are made so that they realize their unity can become their strength with their identity as the members of the Sangathan. Regular group meetings are organized with individual leader as well as their groups to facilitate leadership.
