About the Organization
Prerana Educational Centre Established in 1998 in Siliguri, West Bengal, Prerana Educational Centre is a flagship initiative of the North Bengal Council for the Disabled, dedicated to the education, rehabilitation, and empowerment of individuals with disabilities, particularly those from rural, tribal, and economically challenged communities.
It provides residential and educational facilities for children with visual impairment, many of whom come from tea gardens and villages where access to schooling and healthcare is limited. Prerana also supports young adults with disabilities through vocational training and promotes livelihood generation for children with intellectual disabilities.
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Highlights and Impact Stories
Srishti Garodia
A young woman from Siliguri, was born with low vision.
Learnt to use assistive tools and techniques
Srishti Garodia, a young woman from Siliguri, was born with low vision, which is gradually declining. Raised in a supportive middle-class family as the only child, Srishti has always shown a strong desire to learn. She is curious, quick to grasp concepts, and often helps her peers academically.
Despite not using Braille, she completed her graduation through video magnifiers and audio-based learning. With strong family support, she has grown into a confident, independent individual. She manages her mobility well, navigating freely during the day and using a torch at night, occasionally using a cane when required.
Her hobbies include listening to music, sports, current affairs, and watching informative content online. Srishti’s goal is to secure a meaningful job to support her family and promote independence among children with disabilities. She is passionate about building an inclusive society and raising awareness about disability rights.
“After the training, Srishti worked with the coordination team at We.Shesh, and currently she is working with Anesha venture capital, Chennai based Financial company, marking a significant step toward her dream of empowerment and advocacy.”
Rikta Saha
From Birkhom, West Bengal, lost her eyesight during her second pregnancy
Learnt to use a Smartphone
Rikta Saha from Birkhom, West Bengal, lost her eyesight during her second pregnancy. While her family grew distant, her husband remained supportive. A chance meeting with a former trainee led Rikta to join the Foundation Batch at Prerana Parivartan Centre, in collaboration with Enable India.
Before training, Rikta was fully dependent and used only a basic phone. Over six months, she learned to use a smartphone, walk independently with a white cane, and even began operating a printer to support her husband’s work.
“Today, Rikta confidently manages household tasks along with cooking, helps her children’s education herself, and actively supports her family and currently she is willing to start a Cybercafe—proving that with the right training, disability does not limit independence”
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