The guiding force behind the Saroj Educational Group (SEG) is the late Thakur Shivdan Singh ji, a great patriot. Thakur sahab led an exemplary life one that had an extremely positive impact on every person who came into contact with him. As a young man, Thakur Shivdan Singh Ji was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's ideology of non-violence. He lived in Iglas (Aligarh), and was liberal and progressive in his thinking. Naturally, he was drawn into the Indian Freedom Struggle and consequently, jailed several times by our British Colonists.
As an enlightened patriot, he was quick to realize the value of education in a nation where illiteracy was rampant, and the ignorance of the masses had led to British Colonial Rule. Therefore, soon after Independence, Thakur Shivdan Singh Ji started a High School in Aligarh in the year 1948. Eventually, the High School developed into an Intermediate College.
Through his continuous and consistent efforts,
Thakur Sahab played the role of a social reformer both before and after Independence. Though most of his efforts were concentrated in the sphere of education, he also helped and guided people of all ages and from all walks of life. Thakur Shivdan Singh ji was a remarkable freedom fighter, social worker and educationist because he was quite
simply a remarkable human behind SEG travels on
the path defined by his ideals.
The inspiration behind the Saroj Educational Group (SEG) is the late Smt.Saroj Singh, after whom it is named. She was the daughter-in-law of Thakur Shivdan Singh ji, the wife of his son, Choudhary Rajendra Singh (the former Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, Government of Uttar Pradesh). The thought and actions of Thakur Sahab had a profound impact on Mrs. Saroj, and she devoted herself to fulfill his ideals. Her efforts in the sphere of social work were considerable, and she also believed in the power of education in improving the lives of the masses.
In 1991, Smt. Saroj Singh established a degree college in Iglas (Aligarh), which is a boon to the students of the region. She also sensed the need for technical education, and laid the foundation stone of an institute named in honors of her father
in-law, i.e., the Shivdan Singh Institute of Technology & Management.
Mrs. Saroj was a devoted daughter-in-law, wife and mother. But above all, she was a complete woman, that is why she could play several roles with sensitivity and dedication. She realized the true value of education and worked towards making it accessible for the masses. SEG derives its inspiration from her diligence and sense of commitment to society