FTS Pune Charts Vision 2026, Supports 681 Ekal Schools

Friends of Tribals Society (FTS) Pune Chapter organized the “Ekal Meet, AGM & Vision 2026” on 16 May 2026, attended by over 125 members, donors, volunteers, Mahila Samiti and Yuva Committee members.

Ghanshyam Mundra, Working President of the Mumbai Chapter, shared the vision and impact of Ekal Abhiyan, while Vasant Rathi welcomed the gathering and reflected on his tenure. Padma Lohia, Secretary, presented the AGM report, highlighting Pune Chapter’s support for 681 Ekal schools during FY 2026–27 through CSR and individual donors.

Dinesh Mundada, Yuva President, showcased key initiatives undertaken during FY 2025–26, including educational outreach, healthcare and dental camps, Robotics & AI learning programs, Ekal Run 3.0, cultural activities, inter-school chess competitions, and youth initiatives. Neha Laddad, President of Mahila Samiti, presented the activities carried out by the Mahila Samiti during the year.

Manoj Behede, President of FTS Pune Chapter, outlined the roadmap for membership growth, support for Karyakartas’ children, Swami Vivekananda competitions, Sanskar Gurukul, the Gurukul Learning App, interactive learning kits, Shabari Basti initiatives, Ekal Run 4.0, and continued chess competitions. Ashok Nawal, Past President, will lead the Shabari Basti initiative, with more than 12 centres proposed for inauguration in June.

Keynote speaker Mangesh Ghatpande, RSS Pune Mahanagar Sahakaryavah, encouraged participants to contribute actively to nation-building through social service. The event reinforced the chapter’s commitment to Seva, Shiksha, Sanskar, and Rashtriya Punarnirman.

Mananthavady Anchal Kalolsavam Successfully Conducted

Ekal Abhiyan, Mananthavady Anchal Samiti, organized the Anchal Kalolsavam (art and cultural festival) in March 2026 at Pazhassi Vidhya Mandhiram, Thonichal, Wayanad, Kerala. The event saw participation from 110 people, including 75 children.

A total of 45 students showcased their talents in singing, storytelling, dance, speech, and drawing competitions. Parents, Acharyas, Karyakartas, and Gram Samiti members also attended the program.

Winners were awarded prizes and certificates. The event provided a platform for rural Ekal Vidyalaya children to display their talents while promoting Indian culture and values.

— Kavitha R Sharma
Ernakulam, Kerala

Inauguration of Yoga & Herbal Remedy Training Program

The annual virtual Yoga and Herbal Remedy Training Program was inaugurated on 20 May, ahead of International Yoga Day. The month-long program, jointly organized by Ekal Abhiyan, the Ministry of AYUSH, Career Point University Hamirpur, and Om Sanatan Spiritual Institute, will run from 21 May to 21 June with daily Yoga and Herbal Remedy sessions.

Professor Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of AYUSH, attended as Chief Guest. Lakshmi Narayan Goyal, Chairman of Ekal Gramotthan Foundation, was the Guest of Honor. The program was guided by Rajesh Goyal, National In-charge of Ekal Abhiyan, with Dr. Lalan Sharma as keynote speaker.

Dr. Lalan Sharma highlighted Yoga as a path toward spiritual growth and harmony with nature. He emphasized the importance of discipline, natural living, and safe home remedies through Ekal’s initiatives. He also shared that efforts are underway to spread awareness on Yoga, nutrition gardens, and herbal remedies across one lakh Ekal school villages and four lakh villages connected with Ekal initiatives.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Deep Kumar, Co-Campaign Head of Ekal Abhiyan.

— Sanjay Malviya
Head, Central Publicity Department
Ekal Abhiyan

Ekal Aarogya Yojana Bringing Healthcare to Villages

Through Ekal Aarogya Yojana, trained Aarogya Sevikas are spreading health awareness, providing primary healthcare support, conducting basic health tests, and connecting rural communities with doctors through telemedicine services.

The initiative is helping make healthcare accessible while promoting healthier, informed, and self-reliant villages.

42 Patients Referred for Cataract Surgeries in Hubballi

As part of its ongoing healthcare initiatives, Ekal Abhiyan’s Haliyal Seva Clinic facilitated the referral of 42 patients for cataract surgeries at M.M. Joshi Hospital, Hubballi.

The initiative aims to provide timely eye care and restore vision, improving the quality of life for rural patients through accessible and affordable healthcare services.

49th Ekal On Wheels Bus Launched in Ranchi

Union Minister of State for Culture and Law Arjun Ram Meghwal inaugurated the 49th Ekal On Wheels bus on 3 May in Ranchi and praised Ekal Abhiyan’s efforts in promoting digital literacy among rural communities. He stated that village children possess immense talent and need opportunities to develop their potential.

Operated by Ekal Gramothan Foundation, the Ekal On Wheels bus is equipped with 10 laptops and provides computer training in villages. Each three-to-four-month training cycle helps around 20 children become computer literate.

Padma Shri Ashok Bhagat, Secretary of Vikas Bharati, also appreciated Ekal’s initiatives. Chandrakant Rayapat, Trustee of Ekal Gramothan Foundation, shared details of the project and noted that the bus was provided by Goa Shipyard through the efforts of Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.

The event was attended by Sanjay Seth, Roshni Khalkho, Neeraj Kumar, Lalan Kumar Sharma, and other Ekal functionaries and dignitaries.

New WEC Center Inaugurated at Arkuna

A new WEC Center under the P4 Zone of Ekal Gramothan Foundation was inaugurated at Arkuna on 18 May 2026. Anil Bansal, Zonal Head (P4), attended as Chief Guest, along with Jyotsna Pal, Additional Advocate General, and Ramchandra Verma, Former Central Jagran Pramukh of Ekal Abhiyan.

The program began with lamp lighting, prayers, and devotional recitations, followed by the formal inauguration of the center. Speakers encouraged girls and women toward education, skill development, self-employment, and self-reliance.

Anil Bansal emphasized the importance of education and skill training in empowering society and said the WEC Center would become an important platform for women’s empowerment. The event concluded with the presence of Ekal workers, Acharya sisters, women participants, parents, and local villagers.

Donors Visit Ekal Projects in Uttarakhand

Donors from Shri Hari Nagar Sangatan visited Ekal Abhiyan projects in Uttarakhand Division on 17 May 2026, covering Khateema Anchal, Nanakmatta Cluster, Sitarganj, and Shaktifarm areas.

The group visited Gurudwara Sahib, IVD centers, Gaushala activities, and Ekal Vidyalaya Gram Ratna Farm No. 3, where villagers warmly welcomed them. Donors interacted with children and villagers, who shared the positive impact of Ekal activities in their villages.

At Devnagar satsang village, the guests received a traditional Bengali welcome, and village women presented devotional bhajans. The visit concluded with a community meal shared by guests and villagers.

Brijmohan Agrawal Visits Dang Anchal Schools

Brijmohan Agrawal visited Dang Anchal under Dharampur region on 1 April 2026 and inspected Shishu Mandir and Ekal Vidyalayas in several villages.

At Tamchhadi village, he reviewed the Shishu Mandir operated by Manav Seva Sangh (Chhaydo), which focuses on early childhood education, cleanliness, and nutrition for rural children. Discussions were also held on utilizing the premises for Ekal activities, monthly Acharya meetings, and Gramotthan projects.

During visits to Ekal schools in Kelipada, Dhamni, Umarmaal, Ukta, and Shivpada villages, gaps in regular school functioning and monitoring were observed. It was also noted that cluster heads lacked proper route knowledge between schools, affecting coordination and movement.