Haseen Taj, Mayraj Higher Primary School, Mysore
Haseen Taj, a B.Sc. graduate, was the most educated in her family. At just 23, in 1995, she took on the responsibility of starting Mayraj Higher Primary School in Mysore. She shares, “I was young and unsure, but my family’s faith in me gave me the strength to move forward. Their trust made me believe I could take on this challenge.”
Despite her age, Haseen embraced the task with determination. She says, “There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but I reminded myself this wasn’t just a school—it was a step toward building a future. That thought kept me going.”
The First Step
With limited resources, the school began in a small rented house for just ₹300 a month. Haseen recalls, “We started with only an LKG section in a community where private education was rare. Most children went to government schools, and convincing parents was a big challenge.”
Despite the financial struggles of the area, she stayed determined. Haseen shares, “I went door-to-door, explaining my vision for quality education. It wasn’t easy, but I believed in the importance of giving these children a chance.”
Her efforts paid off quickly. Within a month, over 70 students were enrolled, each paying just ₹15. The humble beginning marked the start of something meaningful, driven by her perseverance and belief in the value of education.
Bold Choices
At the beginning of her journey, Haseen earned a steady salary of ₹2400 per month as a personal assistant in the chemical department at Vasu Agarbathi. However, her desire to pursue a bigger purpose grew stronger. “The thought of creating an educational institution meant more to me than the comfort of a stable job,” she explains.
With only ₹300 in savings, she decided to resign and pursue a new career path. In retrospect, she says, “It was not an easy choice, but the hope of making a difference in education gave me the strength to leave behind security and take this leap of faith.”
Building Brick by Brick
After operating in a rented house for the first seven years, the school’s reputation progressively increased. Haseen and her family made a bold and life-changing decision in 2004.“We sold our home to buy land for the school. It was a difficult choice, but we knew it was the right step to build a better future for our students,” she recalls.
With limited resources, they could only construct a simple building without any finishing touches, yet it marked a turning point in their journey. Over the years, they added more floors, turning the school into a thriving high school. Reflecting on the progress, she shares with a smile, “Today, our school strength has grown to 700 students, and with LKG and UKG, it totals around 880 students. It’s been a remarkable transformation.”
Growing With Varthana’s Support
The school was focused on improving its infrastructure, particularly in the area of extracurricular activities. She shares, “We decided to take a ₹10 lakh loan through Varthana to build the compound for our playground. The entire process was so smooth—the loan was approved within just a week! It gave us the support we needed to make real progress.”
They have been consistent in repaying the EMIs on time, staying true to their commitments. Looking toward the future, she says with confidence, “Our next step is to expand further by constructing a third floor. With Varthana’s help, we believe we can achieve this and create better opportunities for our students.”
Affordable Education for All
What made Haseen’s school stand out was its combination of quality education and affordability. She explains, “Even today, high school students pay only ₹10,000 annually. Keeping fees low has always been important to us, ensuring that every child has access to learning.”
For Haseen, education was never about making profits. “I have always viewed education as a form of ‘seva’—a service to the community. I truly believe that when you serve others with sincerity, the blessings you receive are far greater,” she shares warmly.
A Chain of Compassion
One of the most touching examples of the school’s impact is the story of a young girl who lost her father, a newspaper driver, in a tragic accident. Haseen shares, “When her father passed away, we made sure she didn’t lose hope. We supported her education until she completed high school and earned her degree. It was our way of ensuring her future stayed bright despite the difficulties.”
Now, as a mother, the same girl has chosen to enroll her children in Haseen’s school. Reflecting on this, Haseen says, “What touches me deeply is how she has chosen to give back. She now sponsors the education of three other children, keeping the spirit of generosity alive.”
A Lifelong Dedication to Her Students
Haseen’s commitment to her students went far beyond the classroom. “I often stay late, sometimes until 11 p.m., tutoring and mentoring students from socially disadvantaged families,” she says. Many of these students have gone on to have success in their careers and have never forgotten her kindness. “After they graduate, they come back to school and bring donations or school supplies to thank the institution that changed their lives,” she adds.
Creating A Thriving Institution For the Future
Haseen’s children are continuing her legacy, and she proudly shares, “My daughter has become a teacher, and my son has opened a new school with 300 students.” She also has plans to enhance the infrastructure of the school to accommodate more students and support modern learning methods. “We even want to reach out to more economically disadvantaged sections of the community and plan to expand further,” she adds.
Her vision to make education more accessible continues through her family, ensuring that the values of kindness, education, and growth are passed down to the next generation.
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