Newsletter

Newsletter November 2018

THE FUTURE OF INDIA - Gala

This year October 6 -13 had lot of significance in 30 year history of EKAL Vidyalaya. Three high end galas during these 8 days period, hosted in different parts of the United States raked in a combined $ 5.5 million.
In Houston the gala was a resounding celebration of the spirit of giving. More than 600 guests attended the gala and for the first time an estimated 150 youth members were among the guests. In DC, Ms Nisha Desai Biswal, President of the US-India Business Council, delivered the keynote address. The support for the gala in the DC area was overwhelming. In NYC Gala everything went flawlessly, Mr Mohan’s opening remarks set the tone for the evening, Ms Ranjani’s presentation of EKAL was simply great and Key-note speakers: Mr John Scully and Mr Anupam Kher were amazing.
There was boundless synergy and people enjoyed it to the hilt.

Panel discussion on 'Economics of Agriculture - Vision 2022'

Driven by the aim to increase the income of Indian farmers, expert panellists participated in a discussion, and exchanged ideas on ‘Economics of Agriculture – Vision 2022’ on 6th October 2018 in Delhi organized by Ekal Sansthan – the R&D Wing on policy and projects. Ekal Gramothan Model was very much appreciated. Speaking on the occasion Shri Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-convenor Swadwshi Jagran Manch, explained the challenges in increasing farmer’s income. He lauded the efforts of Ekal Gramothan through its Gramothan Resource Centres. Speaking on the occasion Dr Nidhi Chanana from TERI showcased models best suited for hilly areas. The Gramothan model was put forward by Dr Lallan Sharma where he presented how agriculture can be self-sustainable by maintaining the quality of soil.

Health Awareness Program

Awareness program on Managing Anemia and Malnutrition through home remedies was conducted by Smt Hemamalini at Anaadhi Foundation, Palani on 8th September and The Department of Tourism at Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education, Coimbatore on 9th September. A similar program was also conducted by Smt Sangitha Varier and Smt Lakshmi on 25th September at Kongunadu College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. The participation and response for all the programs were encouraging.

Empowering by Skilling!

Celebrate this Diwali 2018 with ‘Ekal Deep’. The Prayag Bhag Samithi members selected 30 villages of Chaka Sanch to train the Ekal Teachers, Gram Samithi Women and some senior students of Ekal in Deepam Painting. The beautifully painted Deepams have attracted many. The profits from the sale will go to Swavlamban of Chaka Sanch Ekal Vidyalayas. Skilling to Empower!

Navratri Utsav by FTS

Like every year, FTS Surat chapter Mahila Samethi celebrated Navratri Utsav, on 8th October 2018. The function was attended by Ex- Mayor Smt Sushma Agraval and heads of different social organizations. 200 members from FTS and 40 members of youth wing participated in Garba and Dandiya. First, second and third prices were presented in different categories. During this function 15 new members joined FTS.
President Smt Vijayakokada explained the gathering about the different plans of the Mahila Samithi. Smt Ritugoyal, Smt Manjumittal, Smt Akshitanangliya, Smt Padma tulsyan and other members of the committee who organized the program made sure that it was grand as always.

Ekal Children visit city for kolu

Smt Lavanya and family, Shri Mohan Sankar and family, Smt Kalyani Sankar and family, Smt Dharma Subramaniam and family of Ekal Study Circle, Coimbatore invited students of Ekal, Ooty to their Kolu at home in Coimbatore. Children from three Ekal Vidyalayas - Guntur Colony, Valuvar Colony and Queensolai of Kothagiri Sanch, accompanied by five teachers and the President of Sanch and his wife visited.
The arrangements made by the hosting families were phenomenal and they equally enjoyed spending time with Ekal children.
The children were very happy visiting Kolu in all four houses, where the hosts shared the importance of Kolu with the children explaining each theme with stories, interactive sessions and bhajans. The children were given anna prasadham, takeaway gifts and loads of love and blessings.
Out of 22 children, 16 were first time visitors to Coimbatore city.

Ekal Sansthan's Chennai Study Circle Second Meet

The second meet of Ekal Sansthan’s study circle took place at MOP Vaishnav College on 22nd September. The theme was on ‘Health in your Hands.’
 
Shri Ramasubramaniam, Sr. V P of Equitas Bank, welcomed the gathering and stated the initiatives taken by Ekal Sansthan, Chennai. Smt Kirti Baheti, Chairman of Ekal Yuva, Chennai briefed about the activities of Ekal Abhiyan. The Chief Guest, Shri D. Suresh, Pioneer in Green Initiatives, spoke about the simpler methods to convert Bio waste into Bio gas through inverter using electrical energy. He presented cost effective methods to produce solar energy at home. Smt Sangitha Varrier, Head of AVP Hospitals Training Academy, who is also associated with Ekal gave an illustrious presentation on ancient tradition and culture and practices that pave way for healthy and hygienic lifestyle. Smt Gowri Ramachandran summed up the speeches and added financial dimensions to health verses wealth. The audience found the program extremely useful.

Ekal Yuva initiated by Defense Minister

NATIONAL EKAL YUVA was initiated by defense minister Dr Nirmal Sitaraman at Indore on 25th October. Youth from Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bhopal and Indore received Ekal Yuva Badge from the defense minister in the presence of audience strength of over 700 people.
Dr Nirmala Sitaraman appreciated the effort and work of Ekal and encouraged the youth to contribute to the society through such organizations.

51 Chennai college girls at Ekal villages for 6 days!

To acknowledge the Year of Sharing, M.O.P Vaishnav College for Women joined hands with Ekal Abhiyaan through Ekal Study Circle, Chennai and organized a camp at five different villages near Yercaud from 26th September to 1st October. 51 students from the Department of Journalism along with two faculty members went on a six days camp.
The students were divided into five groups and were sent to selected villages. The villages chosen were Pattipadi, Periyakadu, Sengalathupadi, Sollur and Koothamuthal.
About 10 students were asked to stay with a representative from Ekal in each village. The faculty members stayed at Periyakadu with one set of students.
The activities were mainly catered to the children below the age of 15 years in the village. The areas that were mainly focused on included Basic English, Drawing, General Knowledge, Painting, Financial Literacy, Health and Hygiene.
The student volunteers approached the women and girls in the village and briefed them about general and menstrual hygiene.
A Media literacy survey was conducted in all the villages and children below the age of 15 years were questioned to understand their knowledge about media.
The student volunteers had a good chance to interact with the locals and the Ekal Acharyas in each village were of great help to the student volunteers in conducting the activities.
Competitions were conducted and gifts were presented to the prize winners.
The student volunteers performed Traditional Tamil Dances like Kummi, Therukoothu and Bhajans that were organized by the Ekal members.
The villagers were highly cooperative and their hospitality was overwhelming.
Shri Harish Karat, Publisher Ekal News appreciated the event saying, ‘Thanks to Damaniji, Dr Gowri and all who chose to give MOP this opportunity. Congratulations to all team members. Special thanks to the Ekal villagers who took care of all students and faculty members for 5 days. They deserve all appreciation and greetings. Also our full time Karyakartas who put their full efforts to make this happen with great success. Our sincere thanks to the young students for taking so much interest in Ekal Activities. Our salute to each and everyone involved in this great event.Congratulations to entire Team of Ekal including the students and teachers of MOP Vaishnav College for participating in Ekal Learning Van Yatra’.

Ajay's summer experience from HSS Germany

Ajay from Germany visited Ekal Vidyalaya Nagargali, a small village in Khanapurtaluk in Karnataka. On the way he saw a manmade lake. The lake was built by the villagers with the help of Ekal and Hitachi (Construction Company). Hitachi dug up the soil and the villagers offered services and food during the construction and as a team the entire village was able to createa big lake, which will help them overcome any shortage of water.
Ajay observed, “It is really inspiring how beautifully Ekal is shaping the young minds and building the skills of the villages. Ekal brings to reality the dream of Swami Vivekananda by taking education to the children.  And also, as Gandhiji said, ‘The future of India lies in its villages’, Ekal is trying to help villages reinvent themselves by identifying their strength- education oriented towards the practical world of farming, mathematics, basic science, conserving and protecting environment- overall maintaining and boosting the ecology of the villages. The experience of Ekal can only be understood by visiting one.”