Newsletter October 2026
Ekal National Conference 2026 Celebrates 25 Years of Ekal USA
The Ekal National Conference (ENC) 2026, held from September 25–27 in Raleigh, North Carolina, marked a significant milestone—25 years of Ekal USA’s journey of service and community empowerment.
The conference brought together the Ekal family for three days of reflection, inspiration, meaningful connections and celebration, highlighting the collective efforts that have strengthened rural and tribal communities across Bharat.
Over the past 25 years, the commitment of donors, volunteers, supporters and well-wishers has helped advance Ekal’s work in education, healthcare, skill development and self-reliance, bringing opportunities and hope to millions across rural Bharat.
ENC 2026 celebrated this shared journey while renewing the Ekal family’s commitment to building a stronger and self-reliant Bharat.
Ekal Math Olympiad Raises Support for Five Ekal Schools
After a successful event in November 2025, on Sep 19th, 2026, Ekal Math Olympiad 2026 brought together students from grades 1–8 for another amazing day of mathematical challenge and community service.
Organized by Ekal Youth Leaders Vineeth Godavarti and Harsha Aravindan, the annual event gave students an opportunity to test their problem-solving skills while supporting Ekal Vidyalaya’s mission of bringing education to children in rural India.
Students participated in an individual mathematics competition, with top performers recognized with trophies and every participant receiving a certificate. The event raised enough money to support five Ekal schools for a year, supporting over 150 children in rural India, thus connecting the students’ enthusiasm for mathematics with a meaningful cause.
This year’s Olympiad also marked an important milestone in youth leadership. As Vineeth enters his senior year of high school and prepares for college, he has worked closely with Harsha, a sophomore at Westford Academy, to pass on the experience and responsibilities of organizing the event. Through this mentorship, Harsha will carry the Olympiad forward in the coming years, ensuring that the initiative continues to grow as a student-led Ekal tradition.
The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors such as Nucar Honda of Westford and other local businesses. Special thanks were extended to Monika Soni, Director of Mathnasium Westford Chelmsford, for opening up her Center to host the event. Thanks to all Ekal leadership, including Manisha Jain, Arushee Divyakirti, Manisha Kumar, and Srilakshmi Srinivasan, for their presence and encouragement. Their collective efforts helped make the Olympiad a celebration of mathematics, service, and community and demonstrated how one generation of youth leaders can help prepare the next to carry the mission forward.
Ekal Youth Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with Community Heroes
Ekal Helping Hands youth in Bloomington-Normal celebrated Raksha Bandhan with local police officers, firefighters, veterans and City Council members.
Through the meaningful tradition of tying rakhis, the youth shared a message of unity, respect and togetherness, while strengthening bonds between Ekal and the wider community. The celebration reflected Ekal youth’s commitment to building bridges and fostering meaningful community connections.
Ekal and Sewa Chicago Unite for Second EkSe Garba
The Ekal and Sewa Chicago chapters successfully co-hosted the second EkSe Garba, drawing around 500 supporters for a vibrant Friday evening of community, culture and service.
This year’s event focused on raising funds for Nepal flood victims through donations and raffles, generating valuable support for relief efforts. The Ekal youth team played a significant role in organizing the programme and contributing to its success.
The evening featured a heartfelt musical performance by the Rinki and Parth music group. Volunteers, supporters, senior members, the Ekal Chicago North and Metro teams, and RP Ankita contributed their time and support, making the event a meaningful demonstration of community solidarity and teamwork.
Ekal New Hampshire Launches with Successful First Fundraiser
The newly formed Ekal New Hampshire Chapter marked an important milestone with its first annual fundraising event, drawing strong community participation and successfully raising support for 75 Ekal schools while also covering the event expenses.
The event was led by Aarti Khuranaa, supported by Rakhi Grover and the New Hampshire team, with guidance from Manisha Jain, Executive Director, Ekal USA. Mahesh, Subra and Ranjani also joined the chapter for this memorable inaugural event.
With an enthusiastic turnout and a successful fundraising outcome, the evening provided an encouraging start for the new chapter and demonstrated the community’s commitment to advancing Ekal’s mission.
From Ekal Acharya to Home Guard Constable: Deepika Kumari’s Inspiring Journey
Deepika Kumari of Soradighi Vidyalaya Gram, Balrampur Sanch, Katihar Anchal, began serving as an Ekal Vidyalaya Acharya in 2017, educating children while nurturing values, discipline and confidence.
Alongside her responsibilities as an Acharya, Deepika continued working towards her own career aspirations. Through determination, hard work and self-belief, she successfully achieved her goal of becoming a Home Guard constable.
Her journey from teaching and inspiring rural children to achieving her own professional goal is a powerful example of perseverance and empowerment. Deepika’s success is a source of encouragement for young women in rural communities, demonstrating that responsibilities and personal aspirations can progress together with commitment and confidence.
Ahilyabai Holkar’s Life Inspires Message of Service and Patriotism in Surat
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FTS Yuva Surat’s ‘Vandan’ Brings Families Closer in Shabari Basti
On September 20, 2026, FTS Yuva Surat organised the “Vandan” programme in a Shabari basti in Surat, bringing together 10 families and nearly 100 children.
Led by Anurag Jain, President, FTS Yuva Surat, and Nakul Rathi, the programme created a welcoming environment for parents and children to communicate, share their feelings and strengthen family bonds. Interactive games and activities also encouraged children to develop memory, teamwork and social skills.
The programme concluded with refreshments for the children and a message of social harmony, equal opportunity and inclusion, encouraging greater engagement with families in Shabari settlements so that the benefits of knowledge and education reach every child.
- Anurag Jain
President, FTS Yuva Surat
Ekal’s Structured Network Strengthens Last-Mile CSR Impact
Ekal Abhiyan has developed a structured organisational network designed to translate CSR support into coordinated action at the grassroots level. The system connects the Kendra (Centre) to individual villages through seven levels: Kendra → Prabhag → Sambhag → Bhag → Anchal → Sanch → Village.
This framework enables initiatives to be coordinated, monitored, reviewed and analysed at different levels while maintaining a clear connection with communities on the ground.
For CSR organisations and partners, the structure provides greater visibility into how initiatives move from planning to village-level implementation. By combining resources with defined responsibilities and grassroots coordination, Ekal aims to create sustainable and accountable last-mile impact.
‘Chai Par Charcha’ Strengthens Fellowship and Coordination in Surat
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FTS Surat organised “Chai Par Charcha,” an informal morning gathering aimed at strengthening communication, coordination and fellowship among supporters, executive committee members, Mahila Samiti, FTS YUVA and teams associated with various Ekal Abhiyan initiatives.
Held at the residence of Pramod Chaudhary at 7:30 a.m., the gathering brought together around 45 industrialists and social workers associated with Vanbandhu Parishad, Surat, who exchanged experiences, ideas and perspectives on strengthening the organisation’s service initiatives.
Shyam Gupta, a senior guide and source of inspiration for Ekal Abhiyan, shared his thoughts and guidance with the participants.
The gathering helped strengthen personal connections, encourage greater coordination across teams and renew the participants’ collective commitment to togetherness, cooperation and service.
- Gautam Prajapati
Secretary, Friends of Tribals Society – Surat
Mega Blood Donation Drive Collects 365 Units Across Surat
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On Independence Day, Vanbandhu Parishad and FTS YUVA organised a Mega Blood Donation Drive simultaneously at five locations across Surat, collecting an impressive 365 units of blood in a single day.
The initiative brought together 365 donors, along with volunteers, venue partners, supporters and well-wishers, united by the goal of helping save lives and serving the wider community.
Under the message “Nar Seva, Narayan Seva”, the drive highlighted the importance of voluntary blood donation and encouraged citizens to recognise their shared responsibility towards those in need.
The successful campaign reflected Vanbandhu Parishad and FTS YUVA’s commitment to humanitarian service and positive social impact, reinforcing the message that every blood donation can offer someone a new hope for life.
- Gopesh Agrawal
Secretary
Chashma Project Expands Eye Care Access in Rural Madhya Pradesh
The Arogya Foundation of India, through its Chashma Project, is providing eye screening and vision care services to rural communities across villages in Harrai Sanch, Madhya Pradesh.
The initiative aims to bring essential eye care closer to underserved communities, enabling residents to access timely vision screening and support within their local areas.
The project is supported by Janki Foundation (EVF USA), whose contribution is helping expand access to vital eye care services for rural families.
Arogya Sevikas Bring Healthcare Closer to Rural Odisha
Arogya Sevikas are helping strengthen access to healthcare across rural Odisha by serving as a vital link between communities and medical services.
Through basic health screenings and assistance with remote medical consultations, they help rural residents receive timely healthcare support closer to their homes. The initiative reflects Arogya Foundation of India’s commitment to making essential healthcare more accessible to underserved communities.
Vanyatra and Medical Camp Bring Healthcare and Learning to Barajudi
On September 6, 2026, a Vanyatra and Medical Camp was organised at Barajudi Vidyalaya Gram under Ghatshila Anchal and Sanch, bringing together the FTS Jamshedpur Chapter, FTS YUVA, Ghatshila Anchal, Mahila Samiti, Gram Samiti, healthcare professionals and local volunteers.
The programme was led by Kamal Nath Gupta, Vice President and Medical Camp In-charge, with Deep Chand Agrawal, Lalit Agrawal, Saurav Sonthalia, YUVA President; Peter Chandra Agrawal, Ghatshila Anchal President; and Manik Barik, Chapter Project Head.
A medical team comprising Dr. Gaurav, Dr. Deepak Giri, Dr. Namita Anand, Dr. Rai and ophthalmologist Dr. Mardi provided healthcare support to the rural community.
Alongside the medical camp, volunteers engaged Vidyalaya children through interactive and educational sessions, competitions and activities designed to encourage creativity, confidence and learning. Outstanding participants were recognised with prizes. Acharya Manju Singh, Gram Samiti members, students and more than ten Ghatshila Anchal workers actively participated.
The initiative combined healthcare, education and community engagement, strengthening connections between the village, its children and the wider FTS family.
Raksha Bandhan Van Yatra Strengthens Bonds of Service in Tapi
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On August 22, around 35 women from Vanbandhu Parishad, Surat Mahila Samiti undertook a Van Yatra to Tapi Anchal, combining firsthand exposure to Ekal’s rural development initiatives with a meaningful Raksha Bandhan celebration.
At the Ekal Gramothan Centre in Songadh, the group explored computer education, tailoring, mehendi and beauty training, organic farming and other self-reliance initiatives. They also participated in a tree plantation drive. Later, joined by around 30 women from the Songadh Samiti, they celebrated Raksha Bandhan by tying rakhis to 60 service volunteers, symbolising affection, respect and solidarity.
The group then visited Katasvan village in Naranpur Sanch, where Acharya Sangeetaben and Ekal Vidyalaya students presented educational and value-based activities. Inspired by the visit, four women pledged to sponsor the education of four students for one year.
The Vanyatra also strengthened participation in the organisation: of the 15 first-time participants, 10 joined the Friends of Tribals Society Mahila Samiti.
The programme was led by Vibhag Mata Vijaya Kokada and Ritu Goyal, President, Mahila Samiti, with the support of all participating members.