NGO pledges to keep Nitin Ivalekar's daughters in school

As late firefighter Nitin Ivalekar's family struggles to come to terms with the shock and grief of his loss, many from the city have stepped in to shoulder some of their burden. Take for instance the NGO Shree Sankalp Pratisthan, which has stepped in to sponsor the schooling expenses for both his daughters.

Also read: Family of deceased Mumbai fireman Nitin Ivalekar faces uncertain future

Shubhangi, Ivalekar's wife, has been worried sick about how she will provide for her daughters in the absence of her husband. Suha, the older daughter, is six years old and Sanavi is two

Ivalekar died while valiantly fighting the fire that gutted Lotus Business Park in Andheri on July 18. mid-day has carried a series of reports highlighting how Ivalekar's tragic death plunged his family into financial instability. He was the sole earning member of his family. Shubhangi, his wife, has been worried sick about how she will provide for her daughters in the absence of her husband.

mid-day had carried reports on the financial crisis that Ivalekar's family plunged into, following his death

Suha, the older daughter, is six years old and Sanavi is two. The call from Worli-based Shree Sankalp Pratisthan brought great relief for Shubhangi, with the co-founder of the organisation, Sangeeta Ahir, assuring her that she needn't worry about her daughters' school fees.

Speaking to mid-day, Shubhangi said, "The news that Shree Sankalp Pratisthan is sponsoring the school expenses for both my daughters brought some relief to me, even though it cannot compensate for the loss we have suffered. I am extremely thankful to Sangeeta Ahir and her organisation for coming forward to help me and take this responsibility."

Suha, Shubhangi's elder daughter is a student at St Xavier's High School in Virar (East). ‘Shree Sankalp Pratisthan has been working in the area of education since its inception, where it aims to empower under-privileged children and youth.

Education is the most essential part of a child's life and my desire and aim is to ensure these girls get the learning they deserve. I take responsibility of the education of courageous firefighter, late Nitin Ivalekar's two daughters. My deepest condolences to Shubhangi and the rest of the family,' says the letter, issued by Ahir.

Also read: Nitin Ivalekar's wife delays funeral, demands compensation in writing

Ramesh Saigaonkar, Shubhangi's uncle, who has been looking after the family since the incident, said, "We are extremely thankful to everyone who has extended their support to us in this hour of grief. We would also like to thank mid-day. It was after their article was published that the NGO came forward to help us. We hope others come forward in the same manner to help us."