Wali Rahmani’s journey began from a ₹100 donation appeal to a grand institution for equal education
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – In a remarkable feat, 27-year-old Wali Rahmani from Kolkata successfully established the Umeed Global School in just one year, a project he started with a humble request for a ₹100 donation. Rahmani, who first shared his vision on 15 September 2023, now stands in front of the completed school building, addressing a crowd of students and supporters with pride.
The young visionary released a video marking the school’s completion on 15 September 2024, where he joyfully declared, “I started alone. People came along, and a caravan was formed.” His words encapsulate the overwhelming support that helped turn his dream into reality.
Army of Educated Youth
Standing before hundreds of students, Rahmani proudly called them his army. “This is my army, committed to eradicating poverty from the country. This is the army that believes the education system for the rich and poor should not be separate. While housing and food may differ, education cannot be different for the rich and the poor,” he said.
Rahmani emphasised that his ‘army’ does not bear weapons but wields the power of education, determined to bring about positive change in the nation. “With the power of knowledge, we believe we can do something better for the country,” he added.
The Vision
A year ago, Rahmani released a donation appeal video, requesting ₹100 from the public to build an institution where equal education could be provided to children from all walks of life. In the new video, standing in front of the impressive school building, Rahmani expressed his gratitude for the support he received, which amounted to crores of rupees.
Reflecting on the journey, Rahmani said Allah has done this work for a young man in 365 days. “Where are the big leaders of our nation? Where are the educationists, the think tanks, and the leaders of big institutions? If you have a strong will, a clear intention, and a spirit of sacrifice, you can achieve anything. We can all do it with the help of Allah in less than 365 days,” he said.
Beginning of a New Chapter
On 10 July 2024, the faculty of Umeed Global School officially began their work. The day started with a meeting of the Board of Trustees, during which a management committee was formed. This was followed by an orientation session led by Rahmani himself, who now serves as the school secretary.
Rahmani’s initiative, Umeed Global School, stands as a testament to the power of collective effort and the belief that education is a fundamental right for every child, regardless of socio-economic background.