Newsletter July 2026
Blast from the Past: Ekal USA National Meet 2005
As Ekal USA celebrates its 25th anniversary, we look back at the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA National Annual Meet held in San Francisco from 23–25 September 2005.
The conference brought together around 70 participants from across the United States and 13 delegates from India, including Shyam Gupta, Satyendra Prakash, R. P. Khaitan, and Swami Satchidananda. The meeting reviewed Ekal's progress during 2004–05 and laid out strategies for expanding the Ekal movement, strengthening the foundation for the remarkable growth witnessed over the past two decades.
Celebrating 25 Years of Ekal USA: The Vision of Ramesh Shah
As Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA celebrates 25 years of dedicated service, it also celebrates the vision and leadership of its founder, Ramesh Shah, whose unwavering commitment - supported steadfastly by his wife, Kokilaben Shah, who has been with him from the very beginning - transformed a small volunteer initiative into a nationwide movement.
Inspired by Ekal's mission of educating children in rural and tribal India, Ramesh Shah founded Ekal USA in 2001. Through his leadership, the organization expanded across the United States, mobilizing thousands of volunteers, donors, and well-wishers to support Ekal's holistic development initiatives in education, healthcare, women's empowerment, digital literacy, and sustainable rural development.
His belief that the Indian diaspora could become a powerful force for nation-building helped build strong bridges between communities in the United States and villages across India. Today, the impact of Ekal USA reaches millions of lives through its support of Ekal Abhiyan's transformative work.
Ramesh Shah's extraordinary contribution has been recognized with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2017, India's highest honour for members of the Indian diaspora. In 2021, he was appointed CEO of Ekal Abhiyan, the global umbrella organization of the Ekal movement, a fitting recognition of his decades of dedicated service.
As Ekal USA marks this milestone year, the journey of Ramesh Shah stands as a powerful reminder that one person's vision, combined with selfless service, can inspire generations and create lasting change across continents.
Ekal NH Chapter Hosts First Youth-Led Robotics Workshop
The workshop encouraged teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving while reflecting Ekal's vision of empowering youth through education and service. The chapter acknowledged the support of its leaders, mentors, volunteers, and community partners who contributed to the success of the initiative.
Ekal Boston's 'UTSAV' Blends Devotion with Philanthropy
Led by Manisha Kumar and Arushee Divyakirti, Co-Presidents of Ekal Boston, the event raised awareness and support for Ekal's work in education, healthcare, skill development, women's empowerment, and rural development.
Manisha Jain, Executive Director of Ekal USA, said the success of UTSAV demonstrated that philanthropy begins with connection. She noted that through music, faith, and community, the event brought people together in support of Ekal's mission of empowering rural India, making UTSAV not just a fundraiser but a celebration of service and positive change.
The overwhelming community response has inspired the Boston Chapter to make UTSAV an annual signature fundraising event.
- Manisha Jain, Executive Director, Ekal Vidyalaya USA
Ekal Honoured at Vibha Boston Kite Festival
Ekal expressed its gratitude to Sumana Hatwar, Nisha Dave, and the entire Vibha Boston team for organizing the successful event and fostering collaboration to create a greater social impact. The occasion strengthened the shared commitment of both organizations towards empowering communities through education and service.
Success Story
Despite initial family resistance, Savitri pursued her passion to serve others. Today, she is a respected community health worker who travels independently to nearby villages, inspiring other women to step forward as leaders. Her journey reflects how Ekal Arogya, in partnership with Intelehealth, is empowering women while expanding access to quality healthcare in rural and tribal India.
Ekal Pune Launches Seva Basti Digital Education Initiative
The initiative combines digital education, skill development, and value-based learning, with every session beginning with Sanskar Varg and concluding with Pasayadan (universal prayer for the wellbeing of human beings). Addressing the gathering, Ashok Nawal appealed for community support to establish more centres and expand the initiative to benefit a larger number of underprivileged children across Pune.
International Yoga Day Celebrated Across Ekal Villages – June 21
International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm across Ekal villages, where students, teachers, Arogya Sevikas, and community members participated in yoga sessions and awareness programs. The celebrations reinforced the importance of yoga as a way of life, promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and holistic health while inspiring communities to adopt healthy and disciplined lifestyles.
Visit the link - International Yoga Day Celebrated Across Ekal Villages
GRC Songadh Empowers Rural Women Through Skill Training
During the recent Vanyatra visit by Mahila Samiti members, the Gramothan Resource Center (GRC), Songadh showcased skill development programs in tailoring, mehndi art, and beauty parlour training, helping rural young women become self-reliant. The visit also highlighted grassroots livelihood initiatives, including cotton wick making, traditional Badkule preparation, and village outreach programs supporting women across the region.
Support for Skill Development Centre in Viratnagar
The Skill Development Centre (CTL & WEC) at Viratnagar, Rajasthan, inagurated on 6th June, 2026, continues to empower rural youth and women through the generous support of Harinath and Kalpana, dedicated Raleigh volunteers, donors, and Board members. Their contribution has strengthened the centre's efforts to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development.Visit the link - Inauguration of the Skill Development Center (SDC), Viratnagar, Rajasthan
Support for Skill Development Centre in Viratnagar
The Skill Development Centre (CTL & WEC) at Viratnagar, Rajasthan, inagurated on 6th June, 2026, continues to empower rural youth and women through the generous support of Harinath and Kalpana, dedicated Raleigh volunteers, donors, and Board members. Their contribution has strengthened the centre's efforts to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development.Visit the link - Inauguration of the Skill Development Center (SDC), Viratnagar, Rajasthan
FTS Yuva Pune Conducts Sanskar Gurukul Training
Around 30 members participated, with 22 participants successfully completing the training and receiving certificates from Swami Suryanand Giri Ji Maharaj. The valedictory function was attended by Manoj Behede, President, FTS Pune Chapter, along with other office bearers. The initiative was conceptualized by Anjali Tapadia and executed by the FTS Yuva Pune team under the leadership of Dinesh Mundhra.
An encouraging outcome of the training is the planned launch of four Sanskar Gurukul centres in the coming weeks, further strengthening value-based education among children and families.
BLSP Southern Delhi Chapter Organizes Chamba Van Yatra 2026
The Southern Delhi Chapter of Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad successfully completed its Chamba Van Yatra 2026 in Himachal Pradesh with 28 participants.
The participants visited Ekal schools, experienced rural development initiatives, enjoyed cultural performances by children, and visited Bhalei Mata Temple, Khajjiar, and Dalhousie.
The Van Yatra strengthened the participants’ connection with Ekal’s mission of nation-building through education, values, and rural development.
PTC India Officer Visits Ekal Schools in Shukratal
During the visit, he observed the school activities, student discipline, value-based learning, and the dedication of Ekal workers. He appreciated Ekal Abhiyan’s efforts in promoting education, service, and rural development.
The visit was a proud and encouraging moment, reflecting the trust of donors and the sincere commitment of Ekal workers toward nation-building through education and values.