Profile
Social worker, geographer, environmentalist, human rights activist and educationist — working so that families with the least still get schooling, dignity and a say.
Founding Director, St. Xavier’s Convent School, Gomti Nagar
Who she is
Public Peace Laureate Dr. Arjumand Zaidi is a veteran social worker who has been doing commendable work with social organizations for more than two decades.
She is not only a veteran social worker, but also an Environmentalist, eminent Educationist, Human Rights & Peace Activist. She is serving the Nation towards the provisions of equal rights, peace & tolerance and nurturing humanity in the best possible way through her existence. She is also a part of the governing bodies of many international organizations of the world. She has received many national and international awards for her outstanding social activism.
What the work looks like
Different projects, the same question underneath: who is being left out, and what would it take to bring them in?
Schooling at a nominal fee, so that a family's income never decides a child's future.
The 30 articles taught in plain language to students, volunteers and shelter-home children.
Awareness on conservation of forests and green cover, carried into schools and communities.
Work created through NGO projects so that people can stand on their own feet.
The journey
The milestones below are placeholders — swap in the real years and details whenever you're ready, and this timeline will read as her story, in order.
Trained as a geographer, drawn early on to the link between a place, its people and the opportunities they're given.
Set out to prove that quality schooling and a nominal fee are not opposites — that good education can reach families of every income.
Started a self-financed NGO to carry education, hygiene and livelihood support to families in economically weaker sections — without waiting on government or outside funding.
Began teaching the 30 articles of human rights in plain language to students, volunteers and children in shelter homes.
Felicitated for services to education, human rights and community welfare — see the full list on the awards page.
Still teaching, still building — now with volunteers who carry the same rallies, workshops and school sessions forward.
Where to see more
A quick way into the rest of the story — press coverage, felicitations and the work still to come.
Vision
The Vision is to expand into the various fields of education and teaching and help them imbibe our principal methods that promote human rights and their understanding. We want to realise our dream of envisioning a nation where people respect each other irrespective of age, sex, gender, creed, caste, religion or nationality. We want India to become a nation that stands atop the pinnacle of an example of how creating peaceful awareness and education can change the entire scenario of progress for a country. I have always kept my goals and directives apparent for all to see. I have been working towards a more progressive path to be carved for India's youth, which can only happen with their support. I provide numerous opportunities to youngsters for them to propel their opinions, and express their individuality and their concerns about the nation's progress. This is why the workshops, seminars, conferences, summits, rallies, walks or any event I organise, includes many youth volunteers.
My vision of a better future includes equal rights for every human being, and for respect to be given to people irrespective of any socially constructed orientation. I want to guide the youth to work for a better environment for them to live in. This would help us survive through sustainability with the goodness of nature present for the generations to come and ensure that peace and tolerance is followed throughout India and the world around us. My vision for India is not just my dream but now my reality as many volunteers have partnered up with me and my organisations to help cement this dream into a prosperous reality. Through education, peace, and humanity we will build a better place for the world to live in.
We are called to make a difference. And we will.
Good education is the fundamental right of every child.Dr. Arjumand Zaidi
Volunteers run our rallies, workshops and school sessions. Come for one event and see how it feels.