Blast from the Past (26 February 2005) - Celebrating 25 Years of Ekal USA Building Awareness in the Washington DC Region
As part of our 25 Years of Ekal USA celebration, we revisit an awareness meeting held on 26 February 2005 at the residence of Dr. Vinod Jain in Virginia. Hosted for friends and well-wishers, the gathering was attended by Dr. Shashi Shrivastav, Ekal Regional Vice President, along with Ekal volunteers, who shared Ekal's mission and grassroots impact. The programme generated strong interest, with several attendees pledging their support for Ekal's work.
A Personal Journey Toward Seva
My journey towards Seva began long before I became an engineer or joined Ekal. It began with my grandfather, a dedicated teacher whose life embodied guru-sevā, compassion, and ācārya-dharma. One of the most touching moments I witnessed was when a former student requested my grandparents to stand in as his parents at his wedding—a tribute to a teacher whose influence had shaped not just minds, but lives, families, and futures. Inspired by this legacy, I pursued Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras and built a career in smartphone chip design. Today, I have the privilege of working alongside our Chairman, Shri Mahesh Navani, whose vision for Ekal Vidyalaya has inspired me to help build the next generation of leaders through Ekal Yuva Udaan.
Building the Next Generation of Leaders
Today, through Ekal Yuva Udaan, that vision is becoming a reality. We are establishing a National Youth Council that will empower young leaders to organize cultural and fundraising events, lead seva activities such as tutoring underprivileged children, distributing books and educational materials, serving in food banks and shelters, and creating meaningful community impact. Building on the success of our 2025 Youth Cultural Exchange, where seven youth leaders travelled to Songarh and Chhindwara to teach painting, basketball, and technology while learning local music, dance, and traditions from village children, this year's programme will expand to three locations, bringing together 14 youth from the United States and 14 from India in a shared journey of learning and service. At the heart of Ekal Yuva Udaan is our Dharma Education Initiative, which seeks to make timeless values such as Truth, Ahimsa, Dama, Daana, and Shraddha relevant to everyday life while nurturing clarity of thought, wise decision-making, resilience, confidence, and the courage to uphold Dharma. Alongside these values, youth will cultivate inner strength through meditation, pranayama, and yoga, with our Dharma curriculum launching as pilot programmes in Boston before expanding nationwide.
I believe Ekal Yuva Udaan is more than a youth programme—it is a movement to ensure that the spirit of Seva continues unbroken by preparing the next generation of leaders for organizations like Ekal. I warmly invite our youth to step forward with fresh ideas and enthusiasm, parents to encourage them, mentors and volunteers to guide them, and donors to support this transformative initiative. Together, we can build compassionate leaders rooted in character, service, and Dharma, and empower tribal and rural Bharat for generations to come.
Dr. Subra Dravida
President, EVF USA
Ekal Yuva Udaan 2026: Nurturing Global Youth Leaders Through Service and Culture
Ekal Yuva Udaan 2026, jointly organized by Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation (USA) and Ekal Gramothan Foundation, successfully concluded its second edition as a six-day international youth leadership internship from 29 June to 4 July 2026. Conducted simultaneously across three Gramothan Resource Centres (GRCs), the programme brought together youth from the United States, urban India, and Ekal's rural communities.
Designed to provide immersive exposure to rural and tribal Bharat, the internship introduced participants to Ekal Gramothan Foundation's integrated rural development model through education, environmental initiatives, technology workshops, cultural exchanges, and community engagement. Living and working together enabled participants to gain firsthand insight into grassroots development while strengthening leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Each day focused on a distinct theme:
29 June: Orientation, Foundation Exposure & Community Immersion
30 June: Sustainable Living, Culture & Creative Expression
1 July: Capacity Building & Collaborative Learning
2 July: Language Exchange & Cultural Learning
3 July: Values, Leadership & Environmental Stewardship
4 July: Celebration, Reflection & Valedictory
The programme fostered meaningful cross-cultural exchange, helping participants develop a global perspective while remaining connected to India's rich cultural heritage and spirit of service.
Ekal Yuva Udaan reflects the vision of Mahesh Navani and Laxmi Narain Goel to create an international platform that develops socially conscious, compassionate, and globally connected young leaders. The successful second edition reaffirmed Ekal's commitment to empowering the next generation through experiential learning, community engagement, and nation-building.
The programme concluded with participants returning home enriched with lasting friendships, deeper empathy, a greater understanding of rural India, and a renewed commitment to creating positive social change.
Bloomington Youth Team Demonstrates Inspiring Leadership
The Bloomington Youth Team continues to set an example through its consistent youth-led initiatives, showcasing outstanding leadership, teamwork, and commitment to community service. Congratulations to the team for its inspiring efforts over the years.
Khushboo: From Training to Employment
Ekal's computer training helped Khushboo secure a job, support her family, and pursue higher education.
Watch: Khushboo's Story
Manoj Ram: From Labourer's Son to Entrepreneur
After completing Ekal's three-month computer training, Manoj Ram established a successful cyber café, creating employment opportunities in his community.
Watch: Manoj Ram's Story
Chandni Kumari: Empowered Through Digital Skills
Ekal's computer training enabled Chandni Kumari to gain digital skills, opening new opportunities for education and employment.
Watch: Chandni Kumari's Story
Tailoring Centre: Women Towards Self-Reliance
Ekal's tailoring centres equip rural women with livelihood skills, enabling them to earn a sustainable income and achieve financial independence.
Watch: Tailoring Centre Story
Historic MoU Signed Between Friends of Tribals Society and Rotary International
Bengaluru | 23 July 2026
Friends of Tribals Society (FTS), Bengaluru Chapter, and Rotary International signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Dhanyavaad Project, marking a significant step towards expanding educational opportunities in rural and tribal India.
Under the partnership, Rotary International will support 5,000 Ekal Vidyalayas across the country through financial and institutional assistance, strengthening access to quality education for children in underserved communities.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Ravi Shankar Dakoju, Governor, Rotary International District 3192, and Ramesh Maheshwari, National President, Friends of Tribals Society, at 1947 Restaurant, Jayanagar, Bengaluru.
Addressing the gathering, Hathimal Baid, President, Friends of Tribals Society, Bengaluru Chapter, highlighted that Rotary International's support would significantly strengthen educational initiatives in rural and tribal regions, creating a lasting social impact.
The event was attended by national and regional leaders of Friends of Tribals Society, Rotary representatives, donors, and volunteers. The partnership was widely welcomed as a milestone in advancing the shared vision of education, service, and nation-building, and is expected to benefit thousands of children across remote tribal and rural communities.
FTS Surat Youth Wing Holds Annual General Meeting
The FTS Surat Youth Wing held its Annual General Meeting on 27 June 2026 at Maharaja Agrasen Palace. Members approved the 2025–26 annual report and financial statement, reviewed key achievements, and outlined plans for 2026–27, focusing on youth engagement, Vanayatras, environmental initiatives, and community service. Office bearers encouraged members to continue serving with unity and dedication towards the welfare of tribal communities.
Sanatan Kala Utsav Nurtures Young Talent
The Ekal Shri Hari Vanvasi Vikas Trust Youth Women's Committee, Surat, organized a Drawing Competition under 'Sanatan Kala Utsav', with over 200 children participating. The event celebrated creativity, culture, and artistic expression, with guests appreciating the enthusiasm and talent displayed by the young participants.
'Know Ekal' Programme Highlights Ekal's Nation-Building Initiatives
The 'Know Ekal' programme in Noida brought together social leaders and intellectuals to showcase Ekal's work in literacy, self-reliance, healthcare, women's empowerment, and rural development. Chandresh Sona, Commandant, BSF and former Director, PMO, shared Ekal's contributions to nation-building, while Shantanu Gupta, author and founder of The Ramayan School, spoke on the relevance of the Valmiki Ramayana. The programme also featured patriotic cultural performances and encouraged greater public participation in Ekal's mission.
Ekal Shri Hari Temple Rath Inaugurated in Sivasagar
The Ekal Shri Hari Temple Rath was inaugurated on 28 June 2026 at the Lions Club Auditorium, Sivasagar, in the presence of Manoj Barthakur, senior journalist and social worker, along with Ekal leaders and community members. The inauguration marked another step in promoting Ekal's mission of strengthening spiritual values, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
Surat Women's Committee Vanayatra Showcases Ekal's Rural Impact
The Ekal Shri Hari Women's Committee, Surat, organized a one-day Vanayatra with nearly 50 members to experience Ekal's work in education, service, and rural development. Participants visited the Ekal Vidyalaya and Sanskar Education Centre at Hirawadi and the Songadh Gramotthan Centre, where they witnessed initiatives in education, vocational training, nutrition, and digital learning. The visit provided members with a deeper understanding of Ekal's mission to empower rural and tribal communities through holistic development.
Donor Appreciates Ekal's Community Health Initiatives
Rakhee Langer from Shrewsbury USA along with her family, visited the IVD Centre - H.D.Kote, Karnataka, to learn about Ekal's educational, developmental, and community programmes. The team witnessed the ARC – Preventive Health Care and Home Remedies initiative, where a Sevika shared her inspiring experience and Pallavi demonstrated the health instruments used in the programme. Rakhee appreciated the dedication of the Sevikas and Ekal's impactful efforts in promoting preventive healthcare at the grassroots level.
Karanjo GRC Showcases Holistic Rural Development
Madhuri Aggarwal visited the Karanjo Gramotthan Resource Centre (GRC), Ranchi, and appreciated its diverse rural development initiatives, including turmeric processing, tailoring, computer training, organic farming, Arogya Bhavan, Ekal Vidyalaya, goshala, agriculture, and a handloom centre. She also interacted with the Women's Committee and Acharya trainees, describing the visit as inspiring and a reflection of Ekal's holistic approach to community development.
Ekal Gramotthan Expands to Leh–Ladakh Border Regions
Ekal Gramotthan has expanded its reach to the remote Leh–Ladakh region, including areas near the China and Pakistan borders, by establishing computer and tailoring centres in Leh, the Aryan Valley, and the Zanskar Valley. Supported by Vasant Patel and Champa Patel (USA), the initiative is creating new opportunities for education, skill development, and self-reliance in some of India's most remote communities.
Eye Care Medical Camp Benefits Rural Community
An Eye Care Medical Camp was organized on 24 June 2026 at Mota Kakadiya Amba under the coordination of Chhaganbhai Vasava, Ekal's Eye Care Coordinator. The camp provided eye examinations and basic eye care services, reinforcing Ekal's commitment to improving healthcare access in rural and tribal communities.
Godaan and Vanayatra Inspire Rural Service
19 July 2026
The Surat Women's Committee organized its seventh Godaan and Vanayatra with 14 participants at the Songadh Gramotthan Centre. Kailash Sarawgi and Lata Sarawgi donated a milch cow and calf to the Goshala, fulfilling their long-cherished wish of Godaan.
Participants visited the Gramotthan Centre and the Ekal Vidyalaya at Katasavan village, witnessing Ekal's rural development, vocational training, and education initiatives. The Vanayatra concluded with participants inspired by Ekal's service and transformative work in rural and tribal communities.
- Geeta Agarwal
FTS Mahila Samiti, Surat
Donor Visit Appreciates Bareka Field Team
Smiti Gandhi, a donor from Orlando, USA, visited Bareka, Sanch, and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the field team in implementing Ekal's community initiatives. The visit reflected the team's commitment to grassroots service and community development.
The Arogya Gram induction training programme was inaugurated in the presence of Smiti Gandhi, marking the beginning of the training initiative.
Chicago Youth Experience Ekal Vanyatra in Gujarat
Riya and Arpan Shah, members of the Chicago Youth Board, participated in a Vanyatra at Navakuva, Gujarat, where they experienced village life, local culture, and Ekal's grassroots initiatives. Inspired by their parents, Rocky and Mansi Shah, the visit highlighted the importance of youth engagement in service and community development.
Watch: Vanyatra Spotlight – Riya & Arpan Shah
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