About two decades ago, in Western Rajasthan, India, girls’ education was an impossible dream for many families struggling with poverty, unemployment, and deeply rooted son preference. Government schools in these areas often suffered from dilapidated buildings, broken furniture, inadequate drinking water and sanitation, and lacked basics like proper seating—even during harsh winters.

In these challenging conditions, while most looked away, Shri Nandkishore Ji Sharda (“Bhaiya” as he was fondly known) stepped in to champion the cause of these marginalized girls.

Bhaiya Shri Nandkishore Sharda saw that educating girls— while also instilling strong ethical and cultural values (“sanskar”)—was essential for genuine social upliftment. He strongly believed that only an educated girl could become a skilled homemaker, an ideal mother, and a force for eradicating many of society’s evils.

In 1995, Nandkishore Ji critically examined the prevailing education system and realized the urgent need for reform. He advocated that academic learning must be complemented by moral and spiritual development (“sanskar”), so that girls would grow not just in knowledge, but also become compassionate, confident, and responsible citizens. He also emphasized vocational skills—like sewing and computer literacy—to ensure financial independence.

Bhaiya Ji cautioned that education, if deprived of values, could lead to arrogance and a narrow focus on rights over responsibilities. Only a holistic approach to upbringing and learning could nurture well-mannered, cultured, and self-confident women dedicated to family, community, and nation-building.