BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
In the quiet lanes of Lucknow a modest idea born of Rs 2000 and one needy student has grown into a powerful force for change spanning 22 years. Founded in 2004 by journalist Mazhar Farooqui and a circle of friends Aaghaz Foundation set out with a clear mission ensure that the critical years of childhood for boys and girls from underprivileged communities are not wasted on the streets but invested in education that unlocks their full potential.
What began as a single act of support has become a sustained national movement. By 2015 more than 4000 students had already received help. Official records show that by January 2020 the foundation had supported over 16000 low income students across India. Recent statements from the organisation place the cumulative figure at around 60000 young lives kept in school and college through direct fee payments scholarships and guidance.
Many early beneficiaries have completed their studies become doctors engineers lawyers and teachers and now contribute back to the same cause completing a powerful circle of empowerment. Key milestones mark this 22 year journey. In 2011 Aaghaz launched the Lucknow Guidance and Coaching Centre offering free quality coaching for bank railway SSC and other competitive exams to minority and financially limited students of every faith. The centre continues to produce successful candidates while providing career counselling.
Later the foundation partnered with Rahmani 30 to open intensive learning centres in Uttar Pradesh preparing underprivileged students for IIT NEET and similar examinations. In the first phase Aaghaz covers the full cost of hostel boarding and coaching for 30 students at roughly Rs 450000 per student each year. The foundation remains strictly volunteer driven with no paid staff and every rupee directed to students.
It runs more than 60 memorial scholarships honouring educationists journalists and social reformers while allowing families to keep a loved one’s memory alive through learning. Its signature Ramadan campaign 30 Days 30 Plus Scholarships has expanded dramatically. In 2025 the drive aimed to support over 500 students with nearly Rs 1 crore building on the previous year’s help for more than 300 children.
Skill development programmes have completed 11 batches training over 100 students. Registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and still headquartered in Lucknow Aaghaz Foundation enters its 23rd year as a living proof that determined voluntary effort can rewrite destinies. In a country where financial barriers still silence talent this 22 year journey stands as a practical and lasting response education funded dreams protected and lives redirected toward possibility.
