ABOUT

GANESH SHANKAR PANDEY INITIATIVE (GSPI) been set up in the loving memory of Shri Ganesh Shankar Pandey. He was a well-regarded humanitarian who helped the less privileged and supported the vulnerable. Our aim is to continue his work and further his vision - 'To educate, is to empower'.

Srishti Shankar Pandey, the daughter of Shri Ganesh Shankar Pandey, inspired by the transformative impact of her father's work, took up the baton and carries forward his legacy. Srishti is the Chief Editor of 'The Global Politics', an internation affairs publication. Further, she holds a Masters in International Relations from the University of London, where she was the Bharti Foundation Scholar. Also she is an alumni ambassador for Queen Mary, University of London. Coming from a family steeped in the tradition of social service, with her grandfather being a distinguished freedom fighter, Srishti has been weaned on a culture that fosters 'vasudev kutumbakham' - the world is one family. From an early age, she has been associated with causes and issues that seek to address the social and economic injustice. She understood from her work at the bottom of the pyramid that 'equality of opportunity' must be at the core of any philanthropic initiative, and to achieve that education is the most likely pathway.

MISSION

EDUCATION

A nation's most valuable asset is its human resource. With India having one of the youngest populations in the world, it is set to reap the 'demographic dividend', given it is able to educate its vast population. GSPI will identify and support high-caliber students from disadvantaged sections and provide them with resources to reach their potential.

EMPOWERMENT

EMPLOYMENT

Despite the best efforts of the Indian state, rural employment remains at elevated levels. Given a majority of India lives in its villages, we as a nation can only achieve sustainable economic development if our rural population thrives and prospers. GSPI, under the joint liability group (JLG) model of micro-finance, would seed groups and provide support to achieve economic independence. Further, GSPI would provide financial support to promising women-led entrepreneurial ventures. The aim is to start a virtuous cycle of economic empowerment by breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and dependence.

VISION

To further and foster social and economic inclusion by focussing on the three Es i.e Education, Empowerment and Employment.

Ganesh Shankar Pandey (1957-2022) is a prominent (UP) in India and devoted much of his life to politics and social work with the dedication to an extent where not only his words but also his silence was impactful. He idolised Pandit Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi and, following their footsteps, studied law to became a successful lawyer. Being an avid reader and ardent traveller and having traversed across the globe as a political delegate, he recognised the tremendous potential of knowledge and strongly advocated for the education of underprivileged children. He resolutely disapproved the draconian gender bias against the girl child and had an unswerving emphasis on their right to education and equality. He is a well-regarded humanitarian who helped the weak and supported the vulnerable. He is an epitome of simple and ethical living whose charitable disposition helped uplift the downtrodden. He believed that nature is a gift of the almighty and was a fervent proponent of environment sustainability and conservation of natural resources.

Being an environmentalist he believed that though the fast changing world and technological advancements are welcome for the betterment of humanity, it should not be at the cost of our habitat. Ganesh Shankar Pandey Initiative (GSPI) is a pledge to carry his ideologies and legacy forward.