Larzy Varghese | Facebook/ St. Mathew’s High School & Junior College
Larzy Varghese has been a guiding light for underprivileged children for almost three decades, transforming their lives through education. At 57, she remains dedicated to ensuring that slum children receive quality education and a promising future.
Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Larzy moved to Mumbai in 1992 after marriage. Settling in Malvani, she was deeply moved by the plight of poor children living in unhygienic conditions without access to formal education. Determined to make a difference, she took a bold step – selling her ancestral land and gold to establish a school in Malvani’s Azmi Nagar in 2004. Starting with just 25 students, her institution has grown into St. Matthew’s High School and Junior College, offering education from the first standard to junior college in arts, commerce, and science streams. She serves as the Principal and Founder of the school.
Larzy’s commitment to education and women’s empowerment has gained international recognition. Recently, she represented India at a United Nations Organisation (UNO) session, where she shared insights on education for the underprivileged and gender equality. This was her second time at the UNO, having attended the Women’s Day session in 2022.
Speaking about her journey, Larzy said, “When I first came to Mumbai, I worked in different private schools. At that time, Malvani was plagued by crime, including murders and robberies, and I saw how children’s lives were being ruined. I wanted to do something for these underprivileged ones. After several sleepless nights, I finally decided to teach them. Initially, I started giving education in two rented rooms, and after years of struggle, I now run a proper school in the slum area.”
Larzy holds an MA in History and a B.Ed. She was involved in Kerala’s literacy campaign before her marriage. Upon arriving in Malvani, she realised the dire need for a school and began her initiative with borrowed electricity from an acquaintance. Despite financial hardships, she persevered, using her savings and the proceeds from selling her gold and an acre of land she had received as a wedding gift. Her husband, who worked in a diamond polishing company, and his family provided moral support throughout her struggle.
“The first eight years were challenging,” she recalled. “I faced financial constraints, infrastructure issues, and difficulties in obtaining government permissions. Slowly, several NGOs stepped in to support me. In 2006, education department officers visited my school, appreciated my efforts, and granted official recognition in 2009. Today, many of my former students have become lawyers, engineers, doctors, and even MPhil graduates and PhD holders. Some have returned to help me run the school. It brings me immense satisfaction to see the change I once dreamed of.”
Beyond education, Larzy introduced free skill development programmes for mothers through the NGO Akshaya Shakti Project called ‘AkshayaDaga Stitches,’ empowering thousands of unemployed women and their families. She has won several prestigious awards, including the ‘International School’ Award from the British Council. She has represented India at international education summits in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Finland, further showcasing her impact on global platforms. She is also an active participant in International Women’s Peace Group Korea and an award recipient.
