read

Let There Be Light

Rajabazar Education & Awareness Development Society — building stronger lives in Kolkata through education, skill, health and dignity.

25+

Years of dedicated service to communities

A trusted voice for the underserved since 2000

Founded by Sarfaraz Ali, READS works at the grassroots in Kolkata to bring education, awareness and opportunity to families that need it most.

Impact in Numbers

A quarter century of consistent, community-led change.

25+

Years of Service

12,000+

Lives Touched

45+

Active Programs

200+

Volunteers

Our Core Focus Areas

Five interconnected pillars that build resilient, dignified communities.

Education

Free schooling, tuition support and learning resources for underserved children.

Skill Development

Vocational training that creates real livelihoods for youth and women.

Health & Welfare

Health camps, awareness drives and care for vulnerable communities.

Shelter & Support

Safe shelter and social support for those without a home or family.

Child Protection

Safeguarding children's rights, dignity and futures.

Food Safety

Research and awareness for safer, healthier food in communities.

Featured Programs

Real interventions creating lasting change for children, women, and families.

Why Communities Choose Us

25+ Years of Trust

A proven, consistent track record across generations.

Transparent & Registered

Government registered with audited finances & open reporting.

International Partners

Collaborations with leading global development organizations.

Community-Led

Programs designed with — not for — the communities we serve.

Holistic Impact

We address root causes across education, health and livelihood.

Sustainable Change

We measure success by outcomes that last beyond our programs.

Glimpses From The Field

Stories From Our Community

"READS gave me the courage and the skills to support my family. I now run my own tailoring unit."

Ayesha KhatunBeneficiary, Skill Program

“Swasthya Bengal Program changed my life and provided me the opportunity to fulfill my life's dream. The respect and social recognition I received through this program is invaluable to me and I will continue to educate women about the food adulteration through the rest of my life.”

Mandira Adhikari

“I never realized that a few simple changes in the way I handled food and maintained hygiene could make such a big difference. These improvements not only helped my business grow but also earned me the love, trust, and respect of my customers, which means the world to me.”

Prasad MondalStreet Food vendor, Salt Lake Sector V