In the heart of Lakhan Kalan Gram Panchayat, in the lap of  lush greenery and the hum of village life, stood GSSS Lakhan Kalan, a senior secondary school with a legacy dating back to 1988. Despite its sprawling 7-acre campus and proximity to the New Military Station Kapurthala, the school’s infrastructure painted a stark contrast to its glorious history. Dilapidated classrooms, inadequate sanitation facilities, and an unwelcoming boundary wall mirrored the disinterest of past administrations. Yet, as 2023 dawned, a wave of change was about to sweep through the school, rekindling hope among its 312 students and their families.

The turning point came with the collaboration between the ITC Mission Sunehra Kal and Shri Anandpur Sahib Khalsa Academy, an NGO led by Sardar Inderpal Singh. With a new administration at the helm, a shared vision of revitalizing the school began to take shape.

“Bachchon ke bhavishya ke liye, humein mil kar kuch karna hoga (For the future of our children, we must work together),” Sardar Inderpal Singh often said, igniting the community’s spirit.

Building with Purpose

The FINISH Society team, along with the School Development and Management Committee (SDMC), embarked on the journey with a detailed baseline survey. The findings were clear: GSSS Lakhan Kalan needed urgent intervention in sanitation, classroom infrastructure, and mid-day meal facilities. The first step was constructing a Gender and Child Friendly Sanitation Block in August 2024.

The block was more than just a structure—it symbolized dignity and equality. Separate toilet blocks for boys and girls, complete with urinals, squatting toilets, and a six-faucet handwashing unit, were a breath of fresh air for students like Ayesha and Rohit, who had long struggled with inadequate facilities. Ramps and handrails ensured accessibility for all.

Simultaneously, a 20×60 feet Mid-Day Meal Shed was built, providing a clean, elevated space for meals and even serving as a makeshift classroom during ongoing construction. The year concluded with the construction of a 100-meter-long boundary wall, giving the school a sense of security and identity.

A Community United

What made this transformation unique was the community’s involvement. The school administration, inspired by the FINISH Society’s commitment, rallied local donors and SDMC members to raise 20% of the total project cost. From financial contributions to physical labor, the community worked hand-in-hand with the project team.

“Hum sabka school hai, hum hi isse sudharenge (This is our school; we will improve it ourselves),” said Gaganpreet Singh, an SDMC member.

Sustained Growth

The collaboration extended into 2024-25, focusing on finishing a newly constructed classroom block. Plastering, painting, and ceramic tile work were undertaken, and the BALA (Building as Learning Aid) concept brought the walls alive with vibrant, educational paintings. The efforts culminated in a lively and inspiring learning environment for the students.

A New Beginning

With a total investment of ₹24,00,000, funded 80% by ITC Mission Sunehra Kal and 20% by the community, the transformation was nothing short of remarkable. Today, the children of GSSS Lakhan Kalan have access to gender-friendly toilets, proper handwashing facilities, a dedicated space for mid-day meals, and a rejuvenated classroom block.

Smiling, Ayesha summed it up best: “Ab lagta hai, yeh school hamara hai, aur yahan aane ka mann karta hai (Now it feels like this is our school, and we want to come here).”

Through the synergy of ITC-FINISH Society, the school administration, and the community, GSSS Lakhan Kalan has become a role model proving that with shared effort, transformation is possible.