On July 1, 2025, the grounds of Rahul Nagar Primary School in Bodh Gaya, India, were filled with anticipation and joy. For many of the 73 students, this day marked the first time they would receive a brand-new school uniform—an item that, for most, had long been out of reach. The uniforms, lovingly sewn by graduates of Tzu Chi's local vocational sewing class, were more than just clothing; they were a symbol of dignity, belonging, and hope for a brighter future.
A Village in Need of Extra Care
Rahul Nagar village is among the most impoverished communities in Bodh Gaya. Most families struggle to afford even the basics, and many children attend school in worn-out or mismatched clothes. Although the Indian government provides some support for uniforms, it is often not enough for families here. Recognizing this gap, volunteers and sewing class graduates decided to begin their uniform distribution at this school, where the need was greatest.
To ensure each child received a uniform that fit, Geok Kim Lim (林玉金) and local volunteer Chintu Kumar visited the school in advance to take careful measurements. With the support of Principal Durga Kumar and the teachers, the process went smoothly. The volunteers also measured the children’s feet, as many students still walk to school barefoot, their shoes worn out or lost to the muddy roads and scorching heat.
LEFT: Sewing class graduates, following the tradition of bowing in gratitude, hand over the uniforms they made to students at Rahul Nagar Primary School. RIGHT: On June 26, Malaysian volunteer Geok Kim Lim (left standing) and local volunteer Chintu Kumar (right, squatting in volunteer vest) measure students for their new uniforms. | Photo: Guit Tho On (left), Ranvijay Chaudhary (right)
A Day of Celebration and Learning
On the day of the distribution, the schoolyard was transformed. Students, led by their teachers, gathered under the shade of a Bodhi tree, their faces alight with excitement. Volunteers and Tzu Ching youth worked together to decorate the space and prepare for the event. The sewing class graduates, who had just completed their training, joined the volunteers to personally hand out the uniforms they had sewn.
LEFT: All 73 students from grades one to five at Rahul Nagar Primary School pose with their new uniforms and the volunteers. RIGHT: Tzu Ching youth and local volunteers hang banners and prepare the venue for the event. | Photo: Aliya Rahman (left), Guit Tho On (right)
The event included a short skit performed by the youth volunteers, highlighting the importance of wearing a uniform to school. Principal Durga Kumar encouraged the children to attend school regularly, wear their uniforms with pride, and study diligently.
Volunteer Kee Hong Sio (蘇祈逢), who led the project team, spoke directly to the students, asking if they were happy and explaining the significance of the uniforms. He encouraged them to wear their uniforms daily, maintain cleanliness and discipline, develop good habits, and always be grateful for the support they receive. “If you cherish this uniform and come to school every day, we will continue to support you,” he promised.
LEFT: On July 1, 2025, the project team, 18 local volunteers, and sewing class graduates arrived at Rahul Nagar Primary School for the uniform distribution. RIGHT: A student examines her first-ever school uniform, unable to imagine she could own something so new and neat. | Photos: Guit Tho On
Uniforms as a Bridge to the Future
For the children, the uniforms were more than just new clothes. Fourth-grader Shivani Kumari shared, “Before, I only had one set of clothes. Now, with my new uniform, I can come to school neatly every day. On Sundays, I’ll take it home to wash and dry, and wear it clean again on Monday. Thank you for caring about us.”
Fifth-grader Jeetu Kumar added, “I will keep my uniform clean and take good care of it. Before, I only had one set of clothes, but now I have another. I’ll wear my uniform every day and wash it after school to keep it clean. I’ll keep it in a safe place so mice don’t ruin it. I’m very grateful for this gift.”
The sewing class graduates, many of whom come from similar backgrounds as the students, felt a deep sense of pride and accomplishment as they handed over the uniforms they had made. For them, this was not just a job, but a way to give back to their community and support the next generation.
A Lasting Impact
The very next day, every student arrived at school proudly wearing their new uniform—a sight that brought immense joy to Principal Durga Kumar. “We are very grateful for the support,” he said. The volunteers’ commitment to the children of Rahul Nagar is ongoing, and their presence continues to bring warmth and encouragement to this remote village.
In a place where even a simple uniform can be life-changing, the collaboration between volunteers, sewing class graduates, and the school community has sown seeds of hope. Each stitch, each smile, and each act of kindness is helping to light the path for these children as they pursue their dreams.
Written by Hsiu-Lien Chu (朱秀蓮), Guit Tho Ong (王玥陶), Hui-Lee Cheok (石慧麗)
Source: 志工與縫紉班學員攜手 點亮印度貧童學習之路
