Ekal Surtal Program Showcases Cultural Talent in Mumbai

Mumbai | 14 March 2026

The Ekal Surtal Program was organized by the Friends of Tribals Society, Mumbai Chapter at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, celebrating the artistic talent of tribal students associated with Ekal Vidyalayas.
The event featured soulful performances including Ganesh Vandana, patriotic songs, and Ramayana-based acts, beautifully presented by the students.
Renowned actor Anupam Kher attended as the Chief Guest, while Satyanarayan Kabra was the Guest of Honour. Both shared inspiring thoughts with the audience.
The program began with ceremonial lamp lighting and included addresses by Puneet Goenka and Ghanshyam Das Mundra, who highlighted Ekal’s initiatives. Tribhuvan Kabra also provided valuable guidance.
The event concluded with Bharat Mata Aarti, leaving the audience inspired by the cultural richness and social message of Ekal’s work.

“Holi ke Rang, Kaviyon ke Sang” Kavi Sammelan Draws Enthusiastic Support in Bengaluru

Organized by the Ekal Shrihari Vanvasi Foundation, the Kavi Sammelan titled “Holi ke Rang, Kaviyon ke Sang” was successfully held in Bengaluru with great enthusiasm. The event aimed to generate public support for the service initiatives of the Ekal Abhiyan.

The program began with a patriotic song dedicated to Bharat Mata, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The Chief Guest, Mahesh Mittal, graced the occasion along with several dignitaries, office bearers, and social workers.

Renowned poets including Surendra Sharma, Ahsaan Qureshi, and Dinesh Bawra captivated the audience with their engaging and humorous performances, creating an atmosphere of joy and laughter.

The event witnessed the presence of around 850 attendees, reflecting its popularity and success. Beyond entertainment, the Sammelan emerged as an inspiring platform that strengthened the spirit of service to the nation, with active participation from diverse sections of society.

— Kartar Dogra
Ekal Abhiyan South India

Ekal Run 3.0 in Surat Marks Historic Success with Strong Participation and Social Impact

Surat | Veer Narmad South Gujarat University

The Half Marathon Ekal Run 3.0, organized by the Friends of Tribals Society, concluded successfully in Surat, promoting the cause of tribal upliftment and social harmony.

The marathon began at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University and was flagged off by Anupam Singh Gehlot. The event was further graced by Dr. Kishor Singh Chavda and Tribhuvan Kabra.

The event witnessed participation from over 6,000 runners and pacers, including nearly 500 participants from outside Surat. Upholding its motto “Run to Educate,” the marathon effectively spread awareness about education for tribal communities.

The event received strong support from sponsors Vishal Budhia (Steam House), Rajesh Gupta (Om Satya Group), and Arvind Kothari (NiveshAay), contributing to its grand success.

Key contributors included Pramod Chaudhary (Patron), Shyam Garg (West Zone Chairman), Shrinarayan Pediwal, Lalit Pediwal, and the youth coordination team comprising Gopesh Agrawal, Gautam Prajapati, Anurag Jain, and Jay Swarnkar, along with many dedicated volunteers and office bearers.

A major highlight was the announcement by Shrinarayan Pediwal of the next edition, Ekal Run 4.0, scheduled for 14 February 2027, which was warmly received by participants.

Guided by the mantra “Small Steps – Big Intentions,” Ekal Run 3.0 stood out as more than a sporting event—it became a powerful celebration of education, unity, and social responsibility.

— Gautam Prajapati
Secretary, FTS Surat

“Know Ekal” Program in Delhi Highlights Vision of Holistic Rural Development

New Delhi | 21 March 2026

The “Know Ekal” program was organized at Kamala Devi Complex, India International Centre, Delhi, under the aegis of Ekal Abhiyan Gram Sangathan to spread awareness about Ekal’s vision and activities.

Ekal Abhiyan, guided by the concept of Panchmukhi Shiksha, is working towards holistic village development through one lakh one-teacher schools across India, focusing on education, healthcare, awareness, and self-reliance.

The program featured a documentary and presentations on Ekal’s work. The keynote address was delivered by Seema Ajgaonkar, life worker of Ekal Abhiyan who elaborated on Ekal’s initiatives and impact.

Eminent speakers included Dr. Niranjan Kumar (Professor, Delhi University), Noopur Tiwari (educationist and researcher), Shantanu Gupta (author and communication strategist), and Vinay Kumar Singh (author, researcher, and columnist), who shared insights on national challenges and India’s rising global role.

Rajesh Goyal, in charge of Ekal Abhiyan, highlighted plans to expand the “Know Ekal” initiative across the country to reach wider sections of society.

Ekal Central Planning Workshop Held Successfully in Varanasi

Varanasi | 26–28 February 2026

The three-day Ekal Abhiyan Central Planning Workshop was successfully held at Marwari Bhavan, Varanasi, bringing together central and divisional karyakartas (volunteers) from across the country.
The program began with deep prajwalan (ceremonial lamp lighting) and was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Shrikant Mishra. Key leaders including Rajesh Goyal, Dr. Lalan Sharma, and Sunil Gupta were present along with other dignitaries.
Over three days, detailed presentations highlighted Ekal’s Panchmukhi (five-fold) education model and various yojanas (initiatives/programs) for rural development. The workshop served as a key platform to plan and strategize activities for the coming year.
The concluding session was attended by Ramesh, Deep Kumar, and other senior functionaries.
The workshop reinforced Ekal’s commitment to expanding its mission of holistic village development across India.

Capacity Enhancement Workshop at GRC Sui Strengthens Grassroots Impact

GRC Sui, Haryana | 20–23 March 2026

A Capacity Enhancement Workshop was successfully conducted at GRC Sui, Haryana, bringing together central and field teams from across Bharat.
The workshop focused on strengthening alignment, collaboration, and effective implementation to enhance grassroots impact. It served as a meaningful platform for sharing insights, building coordination, and reinforcing commitment toward Ekal’s mission.
The initiative reflected the collective energy and dedication of all participants, contributing to stronger execution of programs on the ground.

EVFI Central Team Visits GRC Gajraula, Showcases Rural Self-Reliance Initiatives

Gajraula, Western Uttar Pradesh | 6 March 2026

A grand ‘Darshan’ program was organized at the Gramotthan Resource Center (GRC), Gajraula, reflecting the spirit of “Nar Seva hi Narayan Seva”—service to humanity is service to God. The visit by the central leadership of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of India highlighted the growing impact of rural self-reliance initiatives.

A 12-member delegation led by Prem Asudani and Anand Badhaira arrived from Delhi and was warmly welcomed by young girls with traditional tilak and flower greetings. The children’s discipline and confidence reflected the strong values nurtured at the center.

Through a ‘Van Yatra,’ the delegation observed key initiatives driving transformation in rural areas, including:

• Sewing Center: Training women in stitching and embroidery for financial independence
• Beautician Training: Providing vocational skills to young women
• Computer Lab: Promoting digital literacy and technological exposure

The team also visited the Ekal school at Dhanaura (Fatehpur village) to understand the grassroots educational impact.

The program was further strengthened by the presence and guidance of key functionaries, including Ashutosh (Divisional Campaign Head, P5), Ranjit Singh (Divisional Activity Head, P5), Rajiv Kumar (Regional Campaign Head), Ranjan (EOW Head), and Veer Kumar (Manager, GRC Gajraula).

The central team appreciated the center’s work and the skills demonstrated by the children. The visit served as a powerful reflection of Ekal’s efforts toward building a self-reliant and empowered rural India.

Kisan Mela at IVD Prayagraj Promotes Organic Farming and Rural Self-Reliance

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh | 20 February 2026

A grand Kisan Mela cum Agricultural & Horticulture Exhibition was successfully organized at the Integrated Village Development (IVD) Center, Prayagraj, under the aegis of the Ekal Gramothan Foundation, with enthusiastic participation from farmers, dignitaries, officials, and community members.

The program began with Vedic chanting and ceremonial lamp lighting by the Chief Guest, Indranath Mishra. The exhibition showcased organic farming models, advanced agricultural tools, vermicompost, Jeevamrit, nurseries, and fruit and vegetable cultivation, highlighting sustainable agricultural practices.

In his address, the Chief Guest emphasized the importance of organic farming in building a healthy society and ensuring farmers’ prosperity. Government officials also guided farmers on various schemes, land records, and agricultural benefits, encouraging them to utilize available resources effectively.

Through a virtual address, Dr. Lalan Sharma inspired farmers toward self-reliance and collective village development. Agricultural experts shared valuable insights on crop rotation, natural fertilizers, and improving productivity through organic methods.

Farmers were honored with tools and angavastra in recognition of their commitment to sustainable agriculture. The event stood as a strong example of grassroots transformation, reinforcing farmer empowerment and advancing the vision of a self-reliant rural Bharat.

Pune Van Yatras Offer Firsthand Experience of Ekal Schools

The Pune Ekal Chapter’s Van Yatra continues to be a meaningful initiative for those wishing to experience Ekal schools firsthand.

Over the past three years, the Pune chapter has received the Protsahan Puraskar (Encouragement Award), recognizing its consistent efforts in organizing these impactful journeys.

So far this year, 11 Van Yatras have been successfully conducted, attracting participants from Canada, the United States, Nigeria, and various parts of India, making the initiative diverse and far-reaching. In March alone, Van Yatras were held on the 4th, 9th, and 15th.

Each visit offered a unique experience. Participants were especially impressed by the enthusiasm of the children, who actively engaged in prayers, recited poems, solved mathematical tables, and eagerly explored new learning activities—reflecting their talent and growing confidence.

The visits to the schools at Sarewadi, Ganpati Chi Wadi, and Chavadi were particularly memorable and left a lasting impact on all participants.

Dindigul Vanyatra Combines Service, Culture, and Health Initiatives

Dindigul | 7 March 2026

A Vanyatra to Dindigul was jointly organized by the FTS Chapter Coimbatore and the Ekal Mahila Samiti, bringing together 10 participants, including 4 FTS members and 6 Mahila Samiti members.

The program began with a traditional welcome through tilak, followed by lamp lighting and prayer. The team interacted with dedicated Acharyas and enthusiastic students, gaining firsthand experience of Ekal’s grassroots impact.

The visit was enriched by vibrant cultural performances by students. To support their education, stationery items were distributed. On the occasion of Sankranti, Acharyas and workers were honored with gifts including steel utensils, books, towels, stationery, and other essentials as a token of appreciation for their service.

With the support of Shankara Eye Hospital, an eye check-up camp was also organized for children, Acharyas, and workers, promoting health and well-being.

A community lunch arranged by the FTS Chapter provided an opportunity for all participants to connect and share a warm meal together.

The Vanyatra concluded on an inspiring and emotional note, leaving participants with a deep sense of satisfaction and a memorable experience of service and connection.