From Playgrounds to Purpose – Vaishnavi’s Journey from Ekal Vidyalaya to Navodaya

- Kumari Vaishnavi Jaiswal
Village: Rampur | Block: Charanva | District: Raebareli
Vaishnavi Jaiswal, once, more interested in playing than studying, found her turning point when her mother enrolled her in the village’s Ekal Vidyalaya, run by Manjari Devi. The fun-filled learning through songs, games, and stories quickly drew her in, making education a joyful experience. Alongside academics, yoga, group songs, and life values shaped her personality.
Inspired by her teacher, Vaishnavi prepared for the Navodaya entrance exam, supported wholeheartedly by her parents. Her hard work paid off when she passed the exam, bringing tears of joy to her family. Today, she studies at Navodaya School, proud and confident, crediting Ekal Vidyalaya for transforming her life and helping her dream beyond her village.

A Day in a Village- Ekal Perspective

An interactive session held on 27 th November 2025 at Avichi college for Arts and Science, Chennai with Ekal Campus study Circle. It was a very interesting interactive session on 27 th Nov 2025, at Avichi college of Arts and science, Chennai, after signing the MOU a month ago. Madhavan, Prabhag 10 Prasikshan Prabhari in charge of training full-timers,
gave a practical outline about a village and the role played by Ekal in those villages. The Panchmukhi Siksha, Ekal on wheels project, E- shiksha, Productive work deployment for women-folks in village.

Students were engrossed with his speech and also excited on seeing the Ekal video. The Question and Answers session ignited the sparks on what ideas are there with them to explore in a village. Vidhya and Dr.Gowri Ramachandran moderated the questions. The management of the college felt a preliminary visit is needed for the students before undertaking a study. It was proposed to have a field visit on 3 rd Jan 2026. They will be oriented again before the actual visit.

Ekal Bharat Manch 3.0 Celebrates Unity, Culture, and Leadership

The third edition of “Ekal Bharat Manch” was held on October 31, 2025, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, by Ekal Bharat Media Foundation. Renowned journalist Rajat Sharma, Chairman of India TV, was the chief guest and first-ever recipient of the Ekal Bharat Gaurav Award.
The event promoted national unity, cultural diversity, women’s leadership, and media’s role in integrity. In a session with Laxmi Narain Goel, Chairman of Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad Trust Board, Rajat Sharma stressed combating fake news and online hate.
Panel discussions featured experts like Satish K. Singh, Gautam Khattar, Prafulla Ketkar, Bhakti Sharma, Madhuri Agarwal, Muskan Raghuvanshi, and Dr. Jitendra Adhiya, covering culture, leadership, and health.
Inspirational stories were shared by Chhaya Kangne (Maharashtra), Sonika Singh (Uttar Pradesh), and Mangat Ram (Jammu & Kashmir), who highlighted Ekal’s grassroots impact and rescue efforts in Operation Sindoor.
Youth participation stood out, adding vibrant perspectives on unity. The event concluded with thanks and a call to continue strengthening national dialogue.
Watch the event

Ekal Yuva Indore Bridges Urban-Rural Learning for Children

Ekal Yuva, Indore is actively engaging children through initiatives at both village and city levels. At Sanch Karhi Anchal in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, they organized a drawing competition for Ekal Vidyalaya students, sparking creativity and participation. In urban Indore, Ekal Yuva is providing computer education to children from Shabri Basti, helping bridge the digital divide and empower underprivileged youth through essential skills.

EKAL BLSP – CSR 2025 Showcases Collective Power for Rural Transformation

On November 11, 2025, the CSR Vibhag of Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad hosted ‘EKAL BLSP – CSR 2025’ at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event brought together national leaders and changemakers focused on rural empowerment through education.
Distinguished guests included Piyush Goyal (Minister of Commerce & Industry), Dr. Jitendra Singh (Minister of State for Personnel), and Suresh Bhaiya Joshi (RSS Member), who emphasized the transformative role of collective CSR efforts in nation-building. The event celebrated impactful partnerships fueling rural development, self-reliance, and value-based education across India.

Empowering Rural Lives Through Skill-Based Education

Ekal Gramothan Foundation inaugurated the Women Empowerment Center and Computer Training Lab at Gidhni, West Bengal, marking a significant step toward rural transformation through skill-based education.
Supported by Dinesh Shah for the Women Empowerment Center and Mrugesh & Pallavi Parikh for the Computer Training Lab, these facilities aim to equip rural women and youth with practical skills, fostering confidence, financial independence, and community upliftment.
The inauguration began with the chant of ‘Om’, symbolizing the beginning of a journey towards learning and self-reliance. Ekal Gramothan continues its mission of building sustainable livelihoods, reinforcing the belief that empowering a woman uplifts entire generations.

Innerwheel Midtown Visit Highlights Progress at IVD Centre and Ekal School

On November 12, 2025, women from Innerwheel Midtown, along with Shashi Poddar, Nidhi (Central Treasurer), and Vinita Vaishya (Bhag Committee), visited the Ekal Gramothan Foundation’s IVD Centre in Prayagraj. They reviewed ongoing programs such as the Computer Training Lab (CTL), Women Empowerment Center (WEC), beautician and farming training, and appreciated the impactful work. The EOW Computer Bus especially impressed the visitors with its tech-driven approach.
The team then visited the Ekal Vidyalaya in Hathigani village, where children showcased their talents through engaging activities. Innerwheel Midtown distributed shawls, caps, and socks to the elderly and gifted notebooks, stationery, and snacks to the students. A solar light was also installed at the school by Innerwheel Midtown. Acharya Savita Patel was praised for her efficient teaching and the children’s strong academic responses, making the visit a heartwarming experience.

Free Eye Check-up Camp Brings Vision Care to Samuchi Village

Under Ekal Abhiyan's Arogya Foundation of India, a free eye check-up camp was conducted via the Eye Care Mobile Van at Samuchi village, Khedli (Anchal – Bharatpur, Sambhag – Rajasthan). Coordinated by Gajendra Kashyap (Eye Coordinator), along with Sevika and Sarathi Sitaram Gurjar, the camp benefited 39 villagers.
Key findings included 9 cataract cases, 5 with pterygium, and 19 with refractive errors. One patient was referred for further treatment, while medicines were provided as needed. The majority of patients were children aged 5–16, highlighting the camp’s outreach to young rural populations. No spectacles were distributed in this session.

Van Yatra Strengthens Urban–Rural Bonds and Cultural Values

Organized by Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad – North Delhi Chapter, Ekal Abhiyan’s “Van Yatra” in Laxmi Nagar successfully reinforced its mission of education, culture, and rural development. Led by North Delhi Chapter President Rajesh Mittal, the yatra aimed to foster harmony and cooperation between urban and rural communities.
Held in the villages of Firozpur and Bahupura (Shukratal region), the event featured a warm welcome by villagers, inspiring cultural performances by Ekal Vidyalaya students, and spiritual visits to Shukr Tirth on the banks of the Ganga. Fifty-seven guests from Delhi witnessed Ekal’s impact on grassroots education and cultural revival. Leaders like Ashutosh Vajpayee, Amit Goel, and Amit Gupta praised Ekal’s commitment to nation-building. Participants unanimously lauded the Van Yatra as a powerful step toward holistic rural upliftment and national unity.

Vanyatra to Merna Valley Forges Strong Urban-Tribal Connection

On November 8, 2025, under the leadership of Kailash V. Azok, Vice President of Lohar Chapter, a unique vanyatra was organized to Merna valley, a remote tribal region 160 km from Lohar. With enthusiastic participation from over 160 brothers, sisters, and youth volunteers, the initiative aimed to inspire greater involvement in rural service and connect more people to tribal life.
The team engaged with local students through educational and creative activities, encouraging hygiene, communication, and emotional well-being. Handmade gifts and performances by the children touched everyone deeply. Teachers, villagers, and participants shared heartfelt reflections, noting the transformative impact of such direct connections. Volunteers like Diksha Azok, Sanchita, Vishakha Laxmi, and Poonam Yashika expressed renewed commitment to tribal upliftment, inspired by the community's simplicity and resilience.
The vanyatra not only highlighted the strength of rural life but also built a bridge of empathy and service between urban volunteers and tribal communities, setting the stage for more such initiatives.
— Lohar District President,
Vanavasi Kalyan Parishad

Our Heartfelt Visit to an Ekal School in Sarvapur, Telangana

-  Sana & Shanker Salavath, Ekal BMI Team
My name is Sana Salavath, and I’m a 7th grader. During our recent trip to India, my dad, Shanker Salavath, and I had the incredible opportunity to visit an Ekal school in the remote village of Sarvapur, Kamareddy district, Telangana.
It was a truly special and unforgettable experience. The students welcomed us with such warmth, respect, and joy. I felt so happy to see how kind, confident, and talented they were. Their beautiful sloka recitations and love for Indian culture and Hindu heritage made me feel proud and deeply connected to our roots.
We were equally moved by the dedication and care shown by the Ekal teachers. Their passion for teaching and commitment to giving every child a strong education and solid values was truly inspiring.
This visit reminded us just how powerful the Ekal movement is—changing lives and keeping our traditions alive in rural India. Our family has been part of this mission for over a decade, and this experience made us even more grateful and proud to support Ekal.
Heartfelt thanks to all the Ekal donors, volunteers, teachers, and everyone involved in this noble cause. Thank you!