Formation
Nirmaan, which was initially known as My INDIA is a thought emerged from the usual discussions on national issues that used to take place in the bhawans of BITS, Pilani. During one such usual discussion, few participants put up a thought that the idea of every citizen working towards a common goal of making India a developed Nation can alone solve the problems that the nation is facing. That powerful thought gave the birth for our organisation which is now called Nirmaan.
Then, the plan was to craft a robust strategy to create a platform where everyone can work towards the common goal. Started with a very small number of around five to six members with its several initiatives like Gyanbodh, an evening school for underprivileged, libraries in villages, awareness programs in the campus on conservation of natural resources etc. in a short time, it gained the confidence of fellow BITSians and the faculty and gathered all likeminded people for the cause. Apart from initiation of such programs, soon after My INDIA was started, its members met and participated in discussions with various professors, businessmen and eminent social workers to craft a strategy for the organisation.
It took around one year of time to identify that three factored education and creation of livelihood opportunities as the focus areas, to craft such strategy and to give a proper vision to the organisation. During this one year time, all its initial members who are called the members of founding team put numerous night outs, faced many hardships to take the message of My INDIA to the BITSians, to the faculty and the beneficiaries around Pilani.
Prof L K Maheshwari and his mentor role
The then Director and present Vice Chancellor of BITS, Pilani, Great Patriot, Thinker and Professor in electronics, L K Maheshwari always stood with the team from day one as a chief mentor and gave a direction to the organisation in terms of delivery of service to the beneficiaries.
His thoughts “One rupee per day for the nation”, “Renunciation for the sake of neighbours”, “Nation comes first attitude”, “Education for the prosperity of the nation and not for ourselves” have left a great influence on My INDIA and its members. His regular interactions with the members and the project leads used to fill a lot of confidence and enthusiasm in them and used to refine their personalities.
Through his invaluable inputs, from the very start of the organisation till date, he has been mentoring the team in marching towards its vision.