Esteemed Citizens of the World Community,

I am deeply honored to extend a warm welcome to all of you. I would like to take this opportunity to provide a concise history of ERDA and share the driving force behind its establishment. I firmly believe that before affiliating with any individual or organization, it is paramount to understand their background, as it fosters trust and confidence.

In 2002, my journey in the field of education commenced in Patna, the capital of Bihar, India. In 2004, I relocated to Mumbai, a city where I was essentially a stranger, knowing no one. I settled in Santosh Nagar, Goregaon (East), and a nearby temple soon became a familiar place for me. I visited this temple daily shortly after my arrival in Mumbai. Within the temple precincts, a group of local students gathered each evening to study. I began sitting with these students and gradually formed connections with them. I introduced myself as a teacher from Bihar living nearby. Upon learning that I was an educator, these students bestowed great respect upon me.

One day, I noticed that these students were grappling with the intricacies of accounting concepts, as they were primarily commerce students. I offered to teach them Accountancy, emphasizing that I did not expect any financial compensation. Teaching was my passion, and I would be delighted to share my knowledge if they were interested. They eagerly agreed, and word quickly spread in their community that a teacher from Bihar was providing free Accountancy lessons near the temple. The number of students seeking instruction steadily increased, leading me to establish my own educational institute in the area with the help of these students.

Over the years, my reputation grew, and I had the privilege of teaching various national and international academic and professional courses. The students’ admiration for my teaching style and dedication reinforced my belief that teaching was my calling. Despite facing criticism from relatives for pursuing a career in coaching institutes, I persevered and never looked back.

During my early years in Mumbai, I aspired to make a significant contribution to society. I believed that living solely for personal gain was a trait of animals, not of humans. This belief fueled my journey, but destiny had different plans. At the end of 2013, I contracted tuberculosis, and my health deteriorated rapidly. I could only consume liquids, and there was no one to care for me. For two months, I fought to survive, but I required care. Ultimately, I made the difficult decision to return to my hometown.

I underwent treatment for approximately a year. At one point, I believed that my dream of becoming a great teacher would remain just a dream. As I gazed at my books (around three quintals of them, which had been part of my home library in Mumbai), tears welled up in my eyes. I felt that everything I had worked for had come to naught, and I had no prospects in life.

However, by the grace of God, I recovered from my illness and resumed teaching in Patna. Much like in Mumbai, I gained popularity among students here as well.

In February 2015, I shared my aspiration to make a positive impact on society with some of my students. I expressed my desire to establish an organization dedicated to improving education and serving society as a whole. I proposed the name “Education Research and Development Association (ERDA)” for this organization, with a vision to transform society through education, innovation, and compassion. They embraced this vision, and I explained that I needed four students to officially register ERDA. Finally, on February 28, 2015, ERDA came into existence.

To see ERDA become a great organization on the global stage is the dream of my life, and I humbly request all of you to join hands with us in making this organization truly remarkable.

While it is true that our physical presence may be limited due to the financial constraint, I firmly believe that one day, individuals from around the world will step forward to support this organization in every possible way.

In closing, I would like to reiterate that ERDA is highly committed to serving the global community.

Yours,

Dr. R. K. Mishra