About Us

Rajan Kaur Saini, Founder Buddha's Smile School

We believe that primary education is the first step in breaking the endemic cycle of poverty and caste-based discrimination. At Buddha’s Smile School (BSS), ‘untouchable’ children are not just educated – they are taught to dream. Here, in a structured and caring learning environment, children not only learn, but discover that they are not condemned to walk in their parent’s footsteps, that the shackles can be broken.

Buddha’s Smile School (BSS) serves children from local slums and villages in north India, delivering primary education with love, care, and motivation since 2003.

We understand that education goes beyond classroom learning, requiring play and discovery. We teach music, crafts, and drawing and offer short summer courses in dance for the students to discover and develop their talents. Unlike typical schools in India, we foster an atmosphere of love, kindness, and healing.

Background

• BSS is a non-denominational, not-for-profit school
• Our mission is to teach and nurture hope for some of the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged children
• We have 220 students in nursery through 5th grade
• Students are taught Math, Science, Social Studies, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Art, Computers, and General Knowledge

3 Key Components

• Primary school for 220 students
• Daily nutritious meal for 220 students
• Middle School scholarships for BSS graduates

About the Founder

Originally from Calcutta, Rajan showed her unusually compassionate spirit from the time she was a child, often giving food to beggars as she walked to school. When she married for love after completing her B.A., Rajan was forced to cut ties with her entire family and move from Calcutta to a tiny village near BSS. Almost immediately, Rajan began tutoring the village children that she passed while walking to the private school where she taught. Soon her husband Suhkdev and she were able earn enough to support their small family through Sukhdev’s restaurant. Since 2003, Rajan has dedicated herself to serving the children of BSS.

Our Major Sponsors

BSS is a dream spun to reality by angels around the world. We are deeply thankful for the oceans of support!

Currently, we are supported by 2 major partner organizations:

• Amistad International (501 c 3 association in USA) has been a major source of support since 2004. Their sponsorship includes most operational costs and medical expenses. www.amistadinternational.org
• L’Arche de Dolanji (association in France)  has sponsored a freshly-prepared nutritious meal for all 220 BSS children since Februrary 2008.

Contact

Buddha’s Smile School
SA 15/129 k-1 Maiwaya Road,
(near Tibetan Institute)

Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007, India

phone: +91 9335418653