CHIRAGH Society: A Glimpse into Our Origins

Our journey began in 1995 during the Pulse Polio campaign, where I (Zafar Alam) witnessed the harsh realities of Firozabad’s slum communities. Basic necessities like schools, roads, and healthcare were absent. Poor sanitation, including waterlogging and garbage, led to widespread health issues such as diarrhea, tuberculosis, and malnutrition. The lack of clean drinking water compounded these problems. Seeing the plight of uneducated families, malnourished children, and women confined by the purdah system deeply disturbed me. I was determined to help this underprivileged community and bring them into the mainstream.

Fighting for Change

We decided to establish a non-profit to uplift this vulnerable community. However, we soon discovered they were exploited by moneylenders, “Satta Mafia,” and drug dealers. These powerful mafias instilled fear, making people hesitant to speak out. When I chose to confront them, even my friends left me. But my late father, Mohammad Saleem, and other family members encouraged me. They believed we could bring light to this darkness through sustainable solutions. My younger brother, the late Farhat Alam, suggested the name “CHIRAGH SOCIETY,” symbolizing this light. Despite lacking experience, our passion and motivation for social change were unwavering.

CHIRAGH’s vision is a just society where men, women, and children are equal. We believe everyone, regardless of their sex, age, caste, class, or religion, deserves a life of freedom and dignity. They should enjoy all their rights and have the chance to fully develop their potential.

Our Approach to Social Change

To achieve this vision, CHIRAGH Society focuses on supporting vulnerable groups who face inequality and injustice. We aim to strengthen local community ties, encouraging people to work together for positive change in their lives. We particularly empower women and children to participate, as they are often the most marginalized groups in our country.

CHIRAGH Society provides them with opportunities to develop their decision-making skills and leadership capacity, enabling them to address issues affecting their lives. We act as catalysts, helping to implement sustainable development processes that will make communities self-sufficient in the long term.