Ruchi Agarwal
Ruchi Agarwal (7th February 1969 - 8th May 2025)
Ruchi grew up in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh in a large joint family, with her two sisters. Ruchi was an Economics graduate from the Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi and went on to study Rural management at the Institute of Rural Management, Anand, Gujarat (IRMA) between 1989 and 1991.
Professionally, Ruchi worked in the finance services sector, starting her career with the Gujarat Co-operative Oilseeds Growers Federation Limited in Ahmedabad and winding down her career with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Mumbai. With TCS, she worked on multiple projects including designing and implementing ICT led low cost financial services & payment solutions. Ruchi had a passion for her work as well as the many hobbies that she developed over time.
Over the years, Ruchi discovered her green thumb, and was always on the lookout for new plants she could grow and this led to her love for organic farming. Climate issues and supporting educational initiatives, including those started by her father in Bareilly, was something she had her heart set upon. She was keenly interested in Warli art and invited Warli artists to work on her walls. She loved to travel and with her innate curiosity, her travel tales were looked forward to by many of her friends. While she steered clear of controversy, she did not hesitate to speak her mind, breaking out into a laugh to ease any tension.
Ruchi is survived by her husband Rakesh, son Shivaank and her extended family. She lives on in the memories of all her batchmates, friends and everyone else whose lives she touched, with her infectious smile, good nature and irrepressible humour.
What this is about
Rainbow Bridge caters to children irrespective of their economic status. The children need multiple therapies and individualised education making the current cost per child Rs.14,000 per month. The centre also provides subsidised transport, school uniforms, bags and other materials as well as a nutritious lunch everyday.
On an average, about 70% of the fee is paid by the parents, and the remaining 30% contributed by donors. In the last academic year only, 21% of the students were able to pay the full fee. 39% of the students paid 83% of the fee and the remaining 40% paid about 42% of the fee. The Trust is also struggling with salaries and overhead costs, currently facing a deficit of about 24%
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Contributions to the Ruchi Agarwal Fund will support these children to get a quality education, necessary therapies and a better chance in their lives.
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You could make a one-time contribution or contribute each year to commemorate Ruchi’s birthday on 7th February.
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No amount is too small.
Currently the Rainbow Bridge Trust can only receive funds from Indian sources.
Account details for online transfer-
The Rainbow Bridge
TO PAY, SCAN
Karur Vysya Bank
Branch Ganapathy, Coimbatore
Current account number 1270135000010454
IFSC code KVBL0001270
Donations to Rainbow Bridge Trust are exempt under 80G of the Income Tax Act.
For further information you can visit their website
or contact Rema Menon at rainbowbridgeconnects@gmail.com
or send her a message on +91 9787 702 002
We look forward to receiving your support.
An initiative for our Ruchi by Soumya Alva, Soma Dutta, Seema Upadhyay, Seema Shendye, Preeta Lall, Pratima B, Madhumita Wadhwa Chaudary, Gouthami
Through Rema Menon
(IRMA PRM 10, 1989-1991)
FAQs
about the Fund
1. Rainbow Bridge Trust is open for children with special needs. Please tell us more about special needs..
Rainbow Bridge looks at children with physical and intellectual challenges. The first covers Cerebral palsy, Muscular dystrophy, Spastics, etc. The second covers autism, global developmental delays, Down’s syndrome and others which impact cognitive functioning.
2. What is the school curriculum? Is it life skills alone, readying for employment for those who can, further education (for those who can), etc.?
The school takes a life cycle approach starting with Early Intervention from 0-6 years. Children in this age group respond the fastest and the effort is to mainstream them into regular schools as early as possible. Those who are not able to go into the mainstream school for any reason are supported with individualised education that covers personal independence skills and age appropriate academics. Mainstreaming is given another chance till the child is about 10. Thereafter, they either continue to do advanced academics at their own pace and are enrolled as private candidates in schools or enrolled with NIOS (Open school) where they can get certified at the 10/12 standard levels. Those who cannot do academics continue with functional literacy and numeracy to be able to do basic reading and maths and lead independent lives. They also start training in prevocational skills. After the age of 18, they move into vocational training and are helped to find jobs.
3. Is there a need for specialized professionals (teachers/ doctors/ health workers/ nurses, etc.) for managing the needs?
A multidisciplinary team consisting of Special Educators, Occupational and Speech therapists assesses the child. If needed, they are referred to medical doctors and psychologists for assessment and directions. The same multidisciplinary team draws up short and long term individual goals in consultation with the family and this process is monitored every quarter.
4. What are the key expenses for the centre?
Teacher salaries, food, overheads such as rentals and admin costs, consumables such as books/ uniform/ bags, etc, materials for therapy, transport - the financial reports are published on the website every year.
5. What is the typical teacher student ratio?
The school maintains a ratio of 1:3 i.e., one teacher for 3 students. All therapies are one on one.
6. How long does a child spend at the centre?
A child with mild issues who enters the school at 3-4 years of age can get mainstreamed by 6-7 years. Others, with more severe challenges follow the life cycle plan till 21. It largely depends on the severity of condition and the age at entry.
7. What is the vision of Rainbow Bridge, and what is the specific social issue/ problem it is aiming to solve?
A. Build Independence to the maximum possible extent for the person concerned. B. Inclusion at all ages and stages within the larger community
8. What is the future like for Rainbow Bridge?
Rainbow Bridge started operations in an independent space in 2017 with 7 students and today there are 40 students. This is the maximum that the current space will allow and as mandated by government agencies. A second centre was set up in March 2025, it can take in 50 more children. Rainbow Bridge is aiming to construct a school in new premises if resources permit. Twice, they were lucky to have land donated to them. However they could not go ahead due to reasons beyond their control.
9. Who will administer the Fund and at what intervals will the interest come in?
Rainbow Bridge Trust will administer the Fund. The expenditure and investment decisions will be guided by the CA of the Trustees. The audited annual financial report will be shared on the website as well as with the donors.
10. Is this a one-time fund raising drive?
You could make a one-time contribution now as well as contribute each year to
commemorate Ruchi’s birthday on 7th February.