Massive Participation in Pune Chapter’s Ekal Marathon 2026

The Pune Chapter of FTS organized the Ekal Marathon on 4 January 2026 at the Balewadi Sports Ground, Pune, witnessing enthusiastic participation from around 3,800 runners across Pune and nearby villages.

A day prior, on 3 January, 191 students from Ekal Vidyalayas, accompanied by their teachers, Sanch Pramukhs, and Narayan Gaon Anchal Pramukh (225 in total), arrived in Pune. Special sessions on Artificial Intelligence and robotics were arranged for them, which sparked great curiosity and engagement among the children.

The marathon featured 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km race categories. Ekal students participated in a 3 km race, and the winners were honored with trophies.

3 km Ekal Student Winners – Boys:

• 1st: Tushar Muthe (Sanch Otur)

• 2nd: Jaydeep Vede (Sanch Otur)

• 3rd: Sarthak Adhari & Sanket Talpe (both from Sanch Dehne)

3 km Ekal Student Winners – Girls:

• 1st: Kavya Pawar (Age 13, Chasole, Sanch Nyahadi)

• 2nd: Sanskruti Anil Muke (Age 13, Wadvasti, Sanch Chikhalgaon)

• 3rd: Sakshi Tukaram Muke (Age 13, Wadvasti, Sanch Chikhalgaon)

Special Mention:
Aditya Sonawane (Sanch Dehne) completed the 21 km race and was specially felicitated with ?7,000 and a certificate.

The event was a memorable success for the Ekal Pune Chapter, showcasing talent and spirit.

- Vrinda Vinayak Joshi, Pune

Delhi Chapter Hosts Annual Celebration “SITA” with Enthralling Solo Play

On 18 January 2026, Vanbandhu Parishad, Delhi Chapter, held its annual celebration at Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, New Delhi, featuring the powerful solo act “SITA” by Bengaluru-based artist Anjana Manish Chandak. Her performance depicted Sita’s journey as a symbol of strength and resilience, leaving over 500 attendees mesmerized.

The event began with the Ekal Abhiyan video, lamp lighting, and welcome by Chapter President Sangita Gupta. Special guest Bajrang Lal Bagda shared insights into Ekal’s journey. North Zone Chairman Rajkumar Karwa urged attendees to join Van Yatras and experience Ekal’s rural work firsthand.

Chief Guest Deepak Agrawal (Continental Milkose), and other dignitaries including Rajesh Goyal, Ravidev Gupta, Vijay Maru, Vinod Kila, Prabhakar Kabra, Sushil Daga, Madhurika Mundra, and Indu Laddha graced the occasion. Anchored by Abha Karwa, the event also honored key donors.

Supported by Rotary Club of Delhi Divine, Heritage, Maheshwari Club New Delhi, and Marwari Conference South Delhi, the program was a memorable success.

- Sangita Gupta, President, Delhi Chapter

Surat Chapter Organizes Eye Care Camp in Patlamau Village

Friends of Tribals Society, Surat, in collaboration with Swami Vivekananda Eye Care Centre and sponsored by Anupam Rasayan India Limited, organized a large-scale eye care camp on 7 December 2025 at Patlamau village, Narmada Anchal.

Led by Jay Swarnakar, Joint Secretary, the camp successfully served 508 patients. Key outcomes included:

• Spectacles distributed: 268

• Cataract screenings & surgeries: 130

• Special cases treated: 3

• Other eye ailments: 3

• General check-ups: 72

A heart-touching highlight was the successful surgery of one-year-old twin children with congenital cataracts, enabling them to see for the first time.

The camp stood out as a shining example of dedication, coordination, and service. Gratitude goes to Jay Swarnakar, the medical team, volunteers, and Anupam Rasayan India Limited for their unwavering support.

- Gautam Prajapati, Surat

Annual Meeting of Ekal Gram Sangatan Highlights Service, Challenges, and Vision

The Annual Meeting of the Ekal Gram Sangatan was held on 6–7 December 2025 at Terapanth Bhavan, Chhatarpur, Delhi, under the guidance of Alok Kumar, Liaison Officer, Ekal Abhiyan. Representatives from all ten divisions and senior workers across the country participated.

The two-day event included 11 sessions covering reports, presentations, and discussions on roles of youth, women, education, fieldwork, and future planning. Emotional insights were shared by Chandrakanta Sharma and Sarita Mittal on challenges faced during field visits.

Key leaders like Atul Shah, Santosh Gangwar, Suman Chandra Dhir, Rajesh Goyal, and others outlined strategies, achievements, and the way forward. Alok Kumar emphasized Ekal Vidyalayas' role in sensitive regions and called for disciplined, purpose-driven efforts.

The event concluded with heartfelt gratitude by Patron Indramohan Agrawal and coordination by Vinod Agrawal.

- Sanjay Malviya, Head, Central Publicity Department, Ekal Abhiyan

Ekal Shri Hari Cricket League–2 Celebrates Sports and Unity in Surat

Ekal Shri Hari Vanvasi Vikas Trust, Surat, organized the 2nd Ekal Shri Hari Cricket League on 20–21 December 2025 at C. B. Patel Cricket Academy, featuring 20 men's teams, 6 women's teams, and 3 children's teams.

Winners:

• Men’s: Kushal Knight Riders

• Women’s: The Legends

• Children’s: Hard Hitters

Trophies, prizes, and individual awards were presented, including Man of the Match and Man of the Series.

Dignitaries present included Mahesh Mittal (National President), Vishwanath Singhaniya (VP), Ramesh Agrawal (Surat President), Sumit Mittal (Youth President), and mentors from the Surat chapter. Active support from the Women’s Committee added to the event’s success.

The tournament fostered youth engagement, team spirit, and Ekal unity.

- Sumit Mittal, President, Ekal Shri Hari Youth Wing, Surat

USA Students Join Ekal Arogya Health Initiative in Gundavan Village

On 2 January 2026, a special health outreach program was conducted under Ekal Arogya in Gundavan village, Mathamogar Sanch, Narmada Anchal, Uttar Gujarat Division, featuring a visit by students from the USA.

The program included ARC practical sessions and eye care services, providing vital healthcare to the local community. The presence of dignitaries such as Dr. Mukul Bhatiya, Shaileshwar Swamiji, Dhirendrharne, and service leaders including STOs and PTOs from Gujarat enriched the event.

Coordinated by Anmol Modi and supported by 15 active Sevikas, the initiative showcased the power of international collaboration and grassroots health service.

Nilesh Shah Visits IVD Shamlaji Center to Review Ekal Gramothan Initiatives

On 30 December 2025, Nilesh Shah, along with Ekta Shah, Shivam Shah, and Milan Shah, visited the IVD Shamlaji Center in Gujarat to review ongoing programs under the Ekal Gramothan Foundation.

The visitors received a warm traditional welcome and engaged with beneficiaries of the Women Empowerment Center and Computer Training Lab, appreciating their skill development and progress toward digital literacy and economic self-reliance.

They also visited the vermi compost units, nutrition gardens, and participated in interactive sessions with students and karyakartas, fostering dialogue on aspirations, challenges, and community service.

In Navankua village, they met Arogya Sevikas, reviewed community health efforts, and visited a medicinal garden. The visit also included interaction with students at an Ekal School, where they observed classroom engagement and learning outcomes.

The day concluded with a temple visit and a donor appreciation video reflecting on the field experiences.

The visit offered deep insights into grassroots implementation and encouraged strengthening of program quality and impact.

11 New Initiatives Launched to Empower Villages

In just three months, Ekal Abhiyan has launched 11 impactful initiatives to promote education, digital literacy, skill development, and rural empowerment:

• 6 Computer Training Labs

• 4 Women Empowerment Centers

• 1 Integrated Village Development Project

These projects are transforming lives by opening new learning and livelihood opportunities in underserved areas.

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