An organisation named Vriksha Be The Change in Gaya, Bihar, is drawing attention to nurturing engineering talent. Every year, it helps 40 to 50 young individuals pursue their dream of becoming engineers. Over the past 11 years, more than 400 students from this institute have successfully gained admission to prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
The engineering preparation program in the region started 32 years ago. Patwa Toli, known as the textile hub of Bihar, has been recognised as the Manchester of Bihar. Since then, efforts to nurture engineering talent have continued. The first student from this area was admitted to IIT in 1992. Over time, there has been a consistent rise in the number of students pursuing engineering. Currently, about 40 to 50 students are chosen for engineering annually, and 100 students are currently preparing for the upcoming year.
Chandrakanta Pateshwari, an engineer, founded Vriksha Be the Change to support underprivileged children. Having left his job, he has helped hundreds pursue engineering careers. The initiative, initially for the Patwa group, draws students from various backgrounds seeking free education.
What distinguishes this organisation is its commitment to providing education free of cost. Located in Patwa Toli, Gaya, it has earned the title Village of IITians due to its outstanding achievements. Many graduates of the institute are now employed in various countries worldwide, such as Canada, Britain, and the UAE.
In Patwa Toli, dozens of students secure admission to IIT every year. Owing to the efforts of Vriksha Be The Change, nearly every household here boasts 4-5 engineers. But with the increasing number of looms, space for students to study together is getting limited. To address this challenge, a digital classroom model was introduced within the library in 2013, providing students with a dedicated space for learning.
Amidst financial challenges, students here possess a strong desire to pursue engineering. From 8 am to 6 pm, digital classes provide learning opportunities, complemented by guidance from former engineering graduates. Senior students lead classes, fostering teamwork among peers. Additionally, ITI Mumbai faculty offers online support. Admission is based on a passion for engineering rather than entrance exams.
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