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 also discover that they are not condemned to follow in their parents’ footsteps; the shackles can be broken. Buddha’s Smile School (BSS) has been serving children from local slums and villages in northern India, delivering primary education with love, care, and motivation since 2003. We understand that education goes beyond classroom learning, requiring play and discovery.

Seven years ago, in April 2009, director and founder of BSS Rajan Kaur Saini received the Unsung Heroes of Compassion Award from Wisdom in Action. His Holiness Dalai Lama handed out the award to her in San Francisco. Receiving this award felt as a big blessing and a great honour to Rajan and it encouraged her to continue her good work and to face many difficulties.
Rajan: “I never thought in my dreams that my work would be recognized and to receive this compassion award. As a teacher I always do my work with love and a pure heart. Receiving this blessing of His Holiness made me feel more confident, energetic and encouraged me to do more for so many children in need.”

Big challenges
Receiving the compassion award also encouraged Rajan to overcome many challenges. Rajan: ”One of the major problems is to educate these untouchable children and motivating their parents to face and overcome everyday challenges and difficulties.
In the year of 2013 I chose the children from Chaukaghat community (the slums alongside the railway tracks), who live without shelter under a bridge. I put my attention and focus on these children, and surveyed their community. It was very difficult to bring these children to BSS. They did not know what school was or a childhood life! Most parents are alcoholic and don’t bother about their children’s future; instead they send them out for begging. Fortunately we succeeded in convincing the parents to send their children to school. We now have 35 motivated students from the Chaukaghat community at BSS.