The Vision
To empower every child with quality education, strong values, and essential skills, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s philosophy of Universalism, fostering confident, responsible, and empathetic individuals who contribute positively to society.
Empowering Future, Inspiring Change
The Purpose
Established in 1989 to restore children’s rights, Santiniketan Sishutirtha now supports its Ashram (orphanage) through a fee-paid school founded in 2019, ensuring financial sustainability and quality education.
In 1989, a group of compassionate individuals came together with a vision to restore the basic rights of less fortunate children, leading to the establishment of Santiniketan Sishutirtha (A Home for Children). The West Bengal government generously donated 6 acres of land in 1991, and social worker Pannalal Dasgupta laid the foundation stone that same year. The journey began in 1999 with just five children—one girl and four boys. Today, we proudly care for 20 children, and over 30 have successfully transitioned out of the orphanage and are now well settled.
For many years, the organization survived on donations from philanthropists. However, over time, regular contributions dwindled, and the number of voluntary workers decreased, making it increasingly difficult to sustain the orphanage. Without a steady source of income, we struggled to meet our basic needs and were unable to pursue essential expansions.
To address these challenges and ensure the sustainability of our mission, Santiniketan Sishutirtha established a fee-paid school in 2019. This school serves multiple purposes: it provides a quality education to the children of Sishutirtha Ashram through reserved seats (in addition to our regular admission), and it generates a steady cash flow to support the orphanage. By reallocating the surplus funds from the school, we can maintain our operations and reduce our dependence on sporadic donations. This initiative allows us to continue providing a nurturing environment for the children under our care while also planning for future growth and development.
Bridging the two worlds
Ashram-School Connect
We foster connections between Ashram and School children through various activities. Ashram children guide their peers during Nature Walks, helping them discover the campus’s natural beauty. They also collaborate on major annual programs. Talented Ashram children receive free admission to the School, with reserved seats. Skilled in sewing, they contribute to the School’s uniform needs, providing a steady income source. The School also offers employment opportunities, ensuring a smooth transition for Ashram children into adulthood. As friendships form, the strong School alumni network can help secure employment for Ashram graduates.
The People
Supriyo Tagore
President
Born in 1938, educated at Patha Bhavana, Visva Bharati, Santiniketan. He earned an M.A. in Education from the University of London. After teaching and administering in various Indian public schools, he became Principal of Patha Bhavana in 1973. In 1989, he founded Santiniketan Sishutirtha to promote social equality. He remains dedicated to this “Home for Children” and inspires the Sishutirtha School.
Shubhra Tagore
Board Member
Completed higher studies at Visva-Bharati. Worked for London County Council schools and various Indian public schools before becoming Head of the Primary Section at Patha Bhavana. She is the nurturing force behind the Home for Children and a guiding inspiration for the Primary Section of Sishutirtha School.
Ishita Das
Former Secretary
Educated at Visva-Bharati and served as a teacher and Principal at Kolkata Patha Bhavan. She left to join Sishutirtha, dedicating herself as Secretary and to teaching children from the Home and nearby villages.
Sudripta Tagore
Principal
Experienced in IB/CIE curricula and modern pedagogy. Established schools in Indonesia, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, and worked closely with Xseed Education. A Patha Bhavana alumnus, he integrates Rabindranath Tagore’s educational principles with modern pedagogy at Santiniketan Sishutirtha School.
Join for the Cause!
We need your support to provide a brighter future for children of Santiniketan Sishutirtha
