In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer for our special segment of Community Wise, Courtney Lalotra, the visionary founder of Samarpan Trust, delves into the transformative journey of her organisation, which has been at the forefront of empowering marginalised communities in India through a multi-faceted approach to education, healthcare and social welfare
In the depths of adversity, a spark of compassion can ignite a movement. For Courtney Lalotra, founder of Samarpan Trust, that spark was fanned into a flame by a poignant encounter with an abandoned special-needs child during her volunteer work in India. She has devoted her life to uplifting marginalised communities through a multi-faceted approach to education, healthcare and social welfare. The child’s death left a profound impact on Lalotra and ignited her desire to address the systemic issues affecting vulnerable populations.
“Caring for that child opened my eyes to the glaring gaps in the social welfare system,” Lalotra shared in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, as she goes on to add, “Millions of children and women were suffering due to systemic neglect and I knew something had to be done.”
This experience became the foundation of Samarpan Trust, which was built to uplift and empower women, children and families in vulnerable situations. She elaborated, “The struggles I witnessed within these communities—and the realisation of their immense potential—motivated me to create a platform that protects, educates and empowers. At its core, Samarpan is driven by the belief that every individual deserves dignity, opportunity and a chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances.”
The trust stands out for its integrated approach, addressing healthcare, education and social welfare as interconnected pillars of development. She explained that the organisation combines healthcare initiatives with educational programs, ensuring that children are healthy enough to attend school and succeed academically.
“Healthcare, education and social welfare are inseparable. For example, when we provide healthcare support to children, we’re not just treating illnesses—we’re enabling them to learn, grow and dream without limitations. Similarly, our skills training programs for women tackle systemic poverty and inequality, empowering families to become self-reliant and resilient,” she remarked.
This approach reflects the trust’s commitment to fostering sustainable development. She believes that by addressing these interconnected challenges, the trust creates a ripple effect of positive change within the community.
They employ a comprehensive system to assess its impact, using both quantitative and qualitative metrics. The trust places equal emphasis on qualitative outcomes. “For us, the impact is more than just numbers. It’s about real stories of transformation—women becoming financially independent, children achieving educational milestones and families breaking free from cycles of poverty,” she explained.
To refine and improve its programs, Samarpan conducts regular reviews, incorporates community feedback. “We see our role as dynamic. We’re constantly learning and evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve.”
Healthcare forms a crucial component of their initiatives, as access to quality care remains a significant challenge for marginalised communities. They have partnered with local doctors to organise free medical camps, dental health checkups and health awareness programs.
“We also focus on women’s health,” Lalotra said. “Through our sanitary pad distribution drives, we address menstrual hygiene—an often overlooked yet essential aspect of women’s well-being.” These efforts ensure that even the most economically disadvantaged individuals have access to essential healthcare services.
Then comes education, which remains a cornerstone of their work. Its Girls’ Education Program (GEP) sponsors the education of underprivileged girls at risk of child labour, early marriage, or dropping out of school. “We go beyond sponsorship by offering career counselling, computer training, English courses, job training and internships. This comprehensive support system gives girls the tools they need to succeed.”
They also operate free schools for the children of daily wage laborers, where students are taught up to a second-grade level before being enrolled in government schools. Special needs daycare centers provide safe spaces for children with disabilities, where individualised education plans are designed by experts.
The trust’s Virtual Interaction Interchange program connects children with global volunteers via video calls, helping them improve their English and confidence. Adult literacy programs further extend the trust’s mission, ensuring that even parents in marginalised communities have the opportunity to learn to read and write. Samarpan’s vocational training programs in tailoring, handicrafts and other skills have been pivotal in empowering women to achieve economic independence. “We’ve partnered with international markets to ensure that these women earn fair wages for their handmade goods. It’s not just about income—it’s about dignity, leadership, and creating change-makers within their communities.”
Leadership development programs equip women with the confidence and skills to advocate for their rights and inspire others. “When women become leaders in their communities, the ripple effect is extraordinary,” she explains.
Let’s not forget sustainability, which is a key priority for Samarpan. Lalotra explains how the trust builds community ownership and develops scalable models, such as tuition centres run by program graduates. “One of our graduates, Anita, started a study center on the roof of her slum home. It’s these grassroots efforts that inspire us and prove the impact of our programs,” she says.
Despite challenges such as resource constraints and cultural stigmas, the founder believes in the importance of community advocacy and flexibility. “Listening to the community and involving them in the solution design is critical. Every challenge is an opportunity to innovate and grow.”
Looking ahead, Samarpan plans to expand its initiatives into mental health counselling, environmental sustainability and digital education. “We’re exploring e-learning centers that focus on AI and coding to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. The future lies in equipping communities with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
