8 months ago
Pune Man Helps Hundreds Stay in College
There is a man named Prasad Narayan in Pune who started a trust called The Power of One Educational Trust.
He helps students who are really smart but don't have enough money to continue their studies.
He and his wife, Rekha, run the trust from their home and make sure that every rupee donated goes directly to the students.
They don't take any salaries or have expensive offices, so almost all the money helps the students.
Prasad also talks to the students, gives them advice, and helps them with more than just money.
He has helped over 300 students so far, and many of them have gone on to do great things.
Some of these students now give back to the trust to help others.
Prasad believes that education can change lives, and he is very happy to see the students succeed.
Prasad Narayan founded The Power of One Educational Trust in 2016 to support academically strong but financially constrained students.
The trust operates on a zero-overhead model, with Prasad and his wife managing it voluntarily from their home.
Over 327 students have been supported, with tuition fees exceeding Rs 30 lakh, covering diverse academic streams.
The trust provides not just financial aid but also mentorship and personal guidance to help students succeed.
Many beneficiaries of the trust have gone on to become donors or mentors, creating a cycle of opportunity and generosity.
- Who
- Prasad Narayan, founder of The Power of One Educational Trust, and students from modest backgrounds in India.
- What
- A trust providing financial support and mentorship to academically strong but financially constrained students.
- Where
- Initially in Pune, but now across India, including states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Kerala.
- When
- The trust was founded in 2016, and has been supporting students since then.
- Why
- To help academically strong students from modest backgrounds continue their education by providing financial support and mentorship.
Key facts
- Founder
- Prasad Narayan
- Trust Name
- The Power of One Educational Trust
- Year Founded
- 2016
- Students Supported
- Over 327
- Total Funds Disbursed
- Rs 30 lakh
- Model
- Zero-overhead, volunteer-driven
- Geographical Reach
- Across India, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Kerala
- Key Universities Supported
- Jadavpur University, Parul University, IIT Dhanbad
Quotes
Prasad Narayan
Founder of The Power of One Educational Trust and vice president of India operations for Leapfrog Technology
“Seeing students succeed, and knowing we played a part, is a feeling beyond description. Every thank-you note, every message of gratitude from former beneficiaries, reinforces the purpose of what we do. Education changes lives, and if we can give just one person that chance, it is worth everything.”
thebetterindia.com
“I believe this model is more scalable than traditional NGOs. Funds keep coming because people trust us. Some contribute on their birthdays, anniversaries, or randomly. It is not about the amount; it is about the sincerity of the donor.”
thebetterindia.com
Monali Sharad Shelke
A practising advocate in Pune and a beneficiary of The Power of One Educational Trust
“I wanted to study further, to pursue what I loved, but my family did not have the resources. I felt like my dreams were slipping away.”
thebetterindia.com