Swiss woman leaves corporate job to build free school in West Bengal village
Fifteen years ago, Sandra Lavie boarded a one-way flight from Switzerland to India, leaving behind a successful corporate career and financial security. Her destination was a remote village in West Bengal, where she helped establish a free primary school that has since become a catalyst for change.
The school provides education to children who previously had limited access. It also encourages students to speak out against child marriage, human trafficking, and domestic violence, empowering them as young changemakers within their communities.
Lavie's story gained widespread attention after she shared her experiences on Instagram. Speaking to indianexpress.com, she discussed her journey, the challenges of earning villagers' trust, and why she believes meaningful change begins in India's villages.
Growing up in Zurich, Lavie had a comfortable childhood and opportunities to travel. She recalls an early memory of giving her boots to a barefoot homeless girl, which she now sees as a first lesson in compassion.
Before moving to India, Lavie worked in the corporate sector in Switzerland and Dubai. Despite professional success and financial stability, she felt something was missing. 'The more I travelled, the more I questioned the inequalities I witnessed,' she said. 'I realised that success had given me comfort, but not purpose.'
She quit her job, packed minimally, and bought a one-way ticket to India. Upon arrival, she experienced culture shock, was scammed at the airport, and stayed in basic accommodation. However, she also encountered generosity from strangers who invited her into their homes.
Over time, Lavie was influenced by the philosophy of Sanatana Dharma, which emphasizes selfless service. She originally intended to donate her savings to charities but felt overwhelmed by the scale of need. She decided to focus on education, believing it to be a foundational step for long-term change.
Today, the school continues to operate, providing free education and fostering social awareness among its students. Lavie's story highlights one individual's effort to address systemic issues through grassroots intervention.
