Who are we?

Vision

We envision a world where every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive. Our vision is to create a society where education is a beacon of hope, guiding children away from the darkness of poverty and prejudice. We aspire to raise a generation of compassionate leaders who will champion peace, equality, and understanding, ultimately transforming the world into a more just and inclusive place for all

Mission

Our mission at The Footpath School is to empower the most vulnerable children in the world by providing them with holistic education that transcends traditional academics. We are dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty, violence, and inequality by nurturing values of equality, justice, and religious tolerance. Through personalized support and compassionate guidance, we strive to equip these children with the tools they need to build a brighter, more harmonious future for themselves and their communities.

In the heart of Delhi, amidst the cacophony of a city divided by religious strife, a vision for change was born out of one of the darkest moments in my life. At just 14 years old, I witnessed the horrors of a religious riot that ravaged my community—an event that seared images of violence, hatred, and despair into my memory. From the relative safety of our fifth-floor apartment, my family and I were powerless to stop the chaos unfolding below. But in that helplessness, a fire ignited within me—a burning determination to confront the roots of such brutality and to ensure that no other child would have to endure the terror that I had. This is the story of how that fire led to the creation of The Footpath School, a beacon of hope for Delhi's most vulnerable children.

The Story of how The Footpath School came into existence is from the POV of our founder Sohail Zulfiqar.

2018

The Riot That Changed Everything

At 14, while in 9th grade, I witnessed a devastating religious riot in Delhi. Trapped in our home, I saw firsthand the violence and hatred that tore through our community. This event ignited a deep resolve in me to fight against the forces of division and to create a better future.

2019

Motivated by the horrors I had witnessed, I founded Kudous, an NGO aimed at promoting interfaith harmony. I organized religious gatherings, storytelling sessions, and documented oral histories, all with the goal of fostering understanding and peace in a polarized society.

Founding Kudous

2021

Shifting Focus to Poverty and Inequality

As I delved deeper, I realized that many of those involved in the riots were impoverished and homeless, often manipulated by political and religious groups. To address this, Kudous shifted its focus to sanitation, cleanliness, and other basic needs of the most vulnerable populations.

2022

In 12th grade, I launched The Footpath School to tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality by educating homeless and slum-dwelling children. Our mission was clear: to break the cycle of violence and poverty by teaching these children values like equality, justice, and religious tolerance.

Establishing

The Footpath School

2023

Over the years, The Footpath School expanded its reach. We now support over 153 students with the help of 12 dedicated volunteers. Our efforts have borne fruit, with two students poised to enter government residential schools in Delhi in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Present

Today, The Footpath School is a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable children in Delhi. We remain committed to empowering these children to overcome societal barriers, break free from the cycle of poverty, and become leaders who champion peace and justice.

No act of kindness is too small, and that even the smallest effort can create ripples of change. The most important voice is the person who is at the end of the line.

Sohail Zulfiqar, President

Founder and chief visionary, Sohail is the driving force behind the Initiative. He loves to keep his hands full by participating in the development of the community. He is the person who has made it possible.

Adil Israr, Vice President