BITSAA ALUMNI TRUST
We focus on local community development by supporting the lesser privileged people living in and around Pilani, Rajasthan.
Our Story: Building Self-Reliance, One Life at a Time
Nestled in the northern part of Rajasthan, adjoining Haryana, Pilani is a town known for its legacy of education and innovation. Yet, beyond its academic fame, the local community faces significant challenges in access to education, employment, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.
The Pilani Atmanirbhar Resource Centre (PARC) was established to bridge this gap and uplift the people of Pilani and its surrounding areas.
PARC was born in 2012 from the vision and passion of alumni mostly but not only from the 1975-80 batch of BITS Pilani. What began as an initiative by a small group to "give back" has evolved into a movement.
Over the years, alumni from various batches, philanthropic partners, civil society non-profit organizations, and corporate contributors have joined hands to help transform lives. Today, PARC stands as a beacon of hope, empowering over 80,000 individuals and earning accolades such as a prestigious award from the Rajasthan Government for its impactful contributions to community development.
Our Vision & Mission
At PARC, we envision a world where communities thrive independently, empowered with the resources, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed.
• Our Vision: To engage alumni, students, and institutional staff in fostering sustainable development and transformational change in nearby communities.
• Our Mission: To work with vulnerable communities in education, health, livelihoods, and community development, helping them achieve self-reliance and stability.
Our Impact: Changing Lives Across Four Pillars
- Livelihood Opportunities: Empowering Economic Independence
• Vocational Training Programs:
o A specialized Food & Beverage and Housekeeping course, certified by The Taj Group of Hotels, equips rural youth with the skills needed for the hospitality sector. Hundreds of graduates now work in star hotels across India.
o A solar panel installation course prepares electricians for the growing renewable energy industry, responding to India’s push for sustainable energy solutions.
• Youth Employment Program:
Launched with the TCS Foundation, this program offers 90-hour comprehensive training for college students, preparing them for employment in top companies like TCS and beyond.
- Transformative Education: Unlocking Potential
• Prayogshala and Prayogshala on Wheels:
These initiatives introduce rural schoolchildren to hands-on STEM education, encouraging curiosity and innovation. With access to mobile science labs and on-site discovery centers, children from even the most remote areas can explore science and technology.
• Digital India Lab:
Equipped with modern computer systems, this program trains adults, including homemakers, in basic and advanced computer skills. Certifications from this program open doors to government jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Udayan Shalini Fellowship:
This program nurtures talented girls from underprivileged backgrounds, providing scholarships, mentorship, and career guidance to help them achieve their dreams.
- Community Health: Building a Healthier Tomorrow
• Physiotherapy Clinic:
In partnership with Helpage India, this clinic provides essential care to senior citizens and patients with mobility issues, ensuring a better quality of life.
• Health Camps:
Annual diagnostic and treatment camps, ranging from eye care to gynecology, are conducted with support from local doctors and hospitals. These efforts have provided critical healthcare access to thousands.
- Social Empowerment: Strengthening Communities
• Senior Citizen Excursions:
Organized tours to historical and religious sites bring senior citizens joy and a sense of community.
• Legal Aid for Women:
A dedicated women’s cell offers legal assistance and awareness programs to help women access justice and safeguard their rights.
Our Approach: Collaboration for Impact
At PARC, our three-pronged approach ensures that every initiative makes a lasting impact:
Partnerships: We collaborate with leading NGOs such as Pratham, Agastya, Helpage India, and corporates like TCS Foundation, Wipro, and Emerson India, to create sustainable programs.
Resource Mobilization: We actively seek funding from corporate CSR programs, alumni contributions, and philanthropic platforms to scale our efforts.
Community Engagement: By involving students, alumni, staff, and local residents, we ensure that every project is deeply rooted in the needs of the community.
Our Programs in Action
From STEM labs in schools to employment training for youth, healthcare clinics, and legal aid for women, PARC’s programs address some of the most pressing needs in Pilani. Initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs, in partnership with NITI Aayog, introduce government schoolchildren to robotics and 3D printing, while the Gyanbodh program, led by BITS students, offers tutoring and mentorship to schoolchildren, with remarkable success stories like students gaining admission into BITS Pilani itself.
How You Can Help
Despite the strides we’ve made, the need remains immense. With your support, we can:
• Expand our outreach to more villages and vulnerable communities.
• Launch new pilot programs to address emerging challenges.
• Train and employ more facilitators to guide our initiatives.
• Provide scholarships and mentorship to more students, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty.
Every donation, no matter the size, has the power to create lasting change. Whether you’re an individual, a corporate entity, or an alumni group, your contribution will directly impact the lives of those in need.
Together, we can ensure that Pilani and its people continue to thrive.
Join Us Today
Be a part of this journey of transformation. Let’s work together to make Pilani self-reliant, one life at a time.
Donors
lajpat lakhanpal