Buddha’s Smile School is Shadhika’s newest project. Set in historical Sarnath in the northern province of Uttar Pradesh, BSS is a non-sectarian primary school for “untouchable” children. BSS was founded in 2003 by Rajan Kaur Saini, a young woman who has dedicated her life to the education of children. BSS gives hope to poor children who would otherwise be denied a chance to dream.

Sarnath, on the outskirts of the holy city of Varanasi, is a fitting place for giving hope to untouchables. It was in Sarnath that Gautam Buddha, after attaining nirvana or enlightenment, delivered his first lecture on Dharma. Buddha, though born a prince — hence a ‘high caste’ Hindu — rejected caste. He showed his followers the path to enlightenment achievable by all, not just the upper castes.

In 2009, Rajan was honored by Wisdom in Action, a nonprofit organization in California. She was presented the Unsung Hero of Compassion award by the Dalai Lama, the honored guest at a reception for Rajan and others like her who have dedicated themselves to bringing joy into the lives of others.

With your support to Shadhika, Buddha’s Smile School has been able to send a batch of children to middle school for the first time.

Website
http://buddhas-smile-school.org/