Operating under the ambitious Vision 2026 initiative, the foundation has established itself as one of India’s leading non-governmental organisations
Sajida A Zubair
IN the face of socioeconomic inequities, where countless dreams are shattered, the Human Welfare Foundation has emerged as a lighthouse, a symbol of opportunity and hope for those navigating through adversity. Operating under the ambitious Vision 2026 initiative, the foundation has established itself as one of India’s leading non-governmental organisations. Since 2006, it has focused on uplifting marginalised communities through impactful programmes in health, education, women’s empowerment, economic development, and disaster relief. Its commitment to holistic community development aligns with 10 of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Vision 2026, established by community visionaries, aims to reshape India’s socio-economic landscape by forging meaningful connections with those most in need. At its core lies the Human Welfare Foundation, the driving force for change, powered by a vast network of volunteers and community leaders across the country. Its mission is both simple and profound: to combat poverty and suffering without discrimination based on faith, caste, gender, or political belief.
The foundation, which is primarily dedicated to fostering human development through education, has key initiatives including establishing campuses, enhancing existing schools through capacity building, and providing scholarships to students facing socio-economic barriers. This belief in education as a powerful tool for socioeconomic mobility aligns perfectly with the foundation’s efforts to create opportunities for those in need.
The mission to empower through education is reflected in the foundation’s commitment to providing essential resources — tuition, books, and other support — to needy students. Since its inception, the scholarship programme has transformed the lives of thousands, opening doors to endless opportunities for youth eager to reach their fullest potential. From 2016 to 2024, HWF awarded an average of 313 scholarships annually, distributing a total of 2,504 scholarships. The programme is strategically focused on addressing socio-economic challenges in some of India’s most disadvantaged states — Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam. These regions are home to a significant portion of the country’s educationally backward districts, with Uttar Pradesh alone having 41 out of 75 districts classified as such by the Union Education Ministry in 2021. To help bridge this gap, HWF allocates 305 of the 500 scholarships it offers each year to these states, working to uplift the most underserved areas and create equitable educational opportunities.
The scholarship program is designed with a focus on both financial and academic needs, with 70 percent allocated to financial assistance and 30 percent dedicated to academic support. The selection process ensures fairness and merit-based choices, giving equal weight to both. A strong emphasis on gender equality has also been a key aspect of the programme, with equal opportunities offered to both male and female students. Over time, significant progress has been made, as the number of girls receiving scholarships has surpassed that of boys. In fact, girls from Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh have claimed nearly two-thirds of the scholarships, demonstrating HWF’s commitment to creating an egalitarian and inclusive society where educational opportunities are equally accessible to all, regardless of gender.
Most scholarships provided by the foundation are awarded to students in prestigious central universities like Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University, and Delhi University, ensuring they receive quality education. HWF places special emphasis on fields that contribute to societal progress, such as education, law, social sciences, and linguistics. While education remains its primary focus, as teachers play a crucial role in shaping future generations, the foundation also highlights the importance of local languages, including Arabic, Urdu, Persian, and other regional variants, to preserve cultural diversity. Law holds particular significance, as the foundation believes in empowering individuals with the authority to stand for justice. Additionally, the foundation supports professional courses like Social Work (MSW), Mass Communications, Commerce, and Economics, fostering students who will make meaningful contributions to their communities. Through this strategic academic approach, HWF nurtures individual potential while investing in the broader development of society.
Stories of Success Changing Lives
The true transformative impact of the Human Welfare Foundation is most evident in the personal journeys of growth undertaken by its recipients, who have thrived and evolved with the support provided by the organisation.
Consider the story of Subuk Muskaan, who once struggled with uncertainty, unsure whether the money would run out or if her dreams of becoming a judge would ever be realised. Today, she stands as a beacon of justice, a testament to the power of support. Then there’s Dr Tipu Alam, who achieved the remarkable feat of qualifying for post-doctoral research in the United States — proof that HWF’s assistance enables students to reach global success and aspire beyond their limits.
Mariam’s story is equally moving. A Bachelor of Physiotherapy student at Jamia Hamdard University, she lost her father to COVID-19 and was left adrift. HWF’s timely support became her lifeline, allowing her to continue her studies and honour her father’s memory. Similarly, Garvit Singh, who earned his MBA from Thapar University, recalls the financial struggles that once seemed insurmountable, but it was HWF that helped him overcome those challenges. These stories are not just about academic success, but about resilience, hope, and the power of compassion to spark positive change.
Siddique Hasan Scholarship
The scholarship was founded in 2022 in memory of the visionary leader, Prof Siddique Hasan. It was started as a promise to empower marginalised communities through education. It is a postgraduate scholarship that provides financially handicapped students. The annual amount for tuition fees, research work, and living costs is ₹30,000. It mainly encourages academic excellence, leadership, and social responsibility in the social work, law, and education fields. Gender equity has been a strong player here as 68 out of 132 awards to date were to women. The scholarship primarily supports students from educationally disadvantaged states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. This initiative has already transformed many lives, providing students the opportunity to pursue their education at prestigious institutions like Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University, among others.
Beyond offering financial support, the Human Welfare Foundation is fostering holistic development through leadership training, mentorship, and active community engagement. This comprehensive approach is advancing the vision of an educated society, driven by leaders dedicated to societal progress. Through its Vision 2026 initiative, the foundation is reshaping India’s socio-economic landscape by investing in education and cultivating future leaders serving as a lifeline for those who dare to dream despite the odds.
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Sajida A Zubair is an educator, freelance writer, and documentary scriptwriter. She is also a Counseling Faculty member at IPERC. She can be reached at sajizuby@gmail.com
