National Sports Meet 2025: A Grand Celebration of Talent and Unity

From February 8 to 10, 2025, Ekal Abhiyan hosted the National Sports Meet at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

• Day 1: Athletes competed fiercely in various sports to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
• Day 2: The competition intensified with the semifinals and finals.
• Day 3: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi felicitated the top-performing players, while Union Sports Minister Raksha Nikhil Khadse and other dignitaries graced the occasion, adding to the event’s prestige.

This initiative aimed to empower rural youth by providing a national platform for sports, fostering self-confidence, social harmony, and discipline. The Abhyudaya Youth Club played a key role in organizing the event, ensuring opportunities for tribal and rural participants to excel.

The competition was structured across village, cluster, district, state, and national levels, with outstanding participants progressing to the final National Dwand Sports Festival. Events included athletics (running, long jump, high jump), Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, and a special Yoga segment for spiritual development.

The meet saw participation from 23 states, 30 teams, 192 districts, and 412 villages, with 1,176 athletes, teachers, and youth groups competing. Esteemed guests, including government officials, education and sports leaders, and spiritual figures, graced the event.

Looking ahead, Ekal Abhiyan envisions expanding sports engagement in rural India, integrating athletics into village life, and nurturing tribal youth for national and international recognition.

Ekal Shrihari Box Cricket Tournament Concludes Successfully

The Ekal Shrihari Youth Committee organized a two-day Box Cricket Tournament on January 11 and 12, 2025, at CB Patel Ground, Valsad. The event featured 24 men’s teams, 8 women’s teams, and 8 children’s teams.

In the finals held on January 12:
Men’s Champion: First Shore Titans (Runners-up: Vijay Titans)

Women’s Champion: Mavericks (Runners-up: Sacred Royals

Children’s Champion: Ekal Warriors

The tournament was inaugurated with a lamp-lighting ceremony and prayer yatra. Distinguished guests included Jagdish Aazad, Omprakash Luthakyavala, Rajsundar Kherun, Avani Pokhriyal, Madhu Kaushik, Shilpi Jankal, Jaya Dasturwala, and Sushila Kheskani, along with committee members.

Welcoming 2025 with the Recitation of Shri Hanuman Chalisa

With devotion and enthusiasm, members of FTS, Surat Chapter—along with the Women’s Wing, Youth Wing, and other committees—welcomed 2025 with spiritual chants.

The Surat Chapter of Shri Akal Parishad organized a 108-time recitation of Shri Hanuman Chalisa on December 31st, from 9 AM to noon. This sacred tradition, upheld for 16 years, serves as both a divine prayer and a social initiative.

In the esteemed presence of Shyam Gaur, FTS, Surat Chapter, contributed ?30,00,000 to support 100 Ekal Vidyalayas. This marked a powerful start to the 2025 fundraising drive, filled with dedication and commitment.

Members expressed heartfelt gratitude to Akal Parishad for its unwavering service.

— Gore Pratipar, President
FTS, Surat

Makar Sankranti Honor & Gift Distribution by FTS, Jabalpur

On February 5, FTS, Jabalpur Chapter, organized a Makar Sankranti Gift Distribution Program at Samnvay Seva Kendra, Adi Shankaracharya Chowk, Gorakhpur.

During the event, the main, women’s, and youth committees honored 410 Acharyas from Mandla and Jabalpur, presenting them with clothing and gifts in appreciation of their dedicated service to the Ekal Vidyalaya Movement.

The program was attended by key members, including Ganesh Purohit (President), Gopal Krishna Asawa (Executive President), D.D. Sharma (Secretary), Om Prakash Khare (Joint Secretary), Pramod Vaishya, and representatives from the Women’s Committee—Manisha Dubey (President), Anita Yadav (Secretary), Padam Sharma (Sankranti Coordinator), and Chitralekha Chauhan.

The event was a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering commitment of Ekal Acharyas.

FTS Kolkata Raffle Drive Raises ?13 Lakh for Ekal Schools

Friends of Tribals Society, Kolkata Chapter, successfully conducted the Raffle Drive in collaboration with MCKV Group. M.C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth once again demonstrated its commitment to the cause, raising ?13 lakh to support 43 Ekal Vidyalayas and impact over 1,000 children.

FTS extends heartfelt gratitude to Kolkata Chapter President and MCKV Chairman Kishan Kejriwal, Director Neelkantha Gupta, Principal Sharmilee Bandyopadhyay, teachers, students, and parents for their enthusiastic participation.

The cheque was presented to the FTS delegation, including Mahila Samiti President Prathiba Binani, Secretary Nilam Patwari, Working President Sudha Bhatter, Yuva Vice President Abhay Kejriwal, and Raffle Program Chairman Yogesh Choudhury. The delegation addressed the school assembly, spreading awareness about FTS’s mission.

The FTS Raffle Drive, a long-standing initiative across Kolkata schools, continues to empower students to contribute and promote Five-Fold Education. FTS welcomes new schools to join this impactful program.

Sakhi Sangam: Celebrating Patriotism and Seva

FTS, Surat Mahila Samiti successfully hosted Sakhi Sangam on January 29, 2025, at Steam Restaurant, bringing together 45 enthusiastic participants.

Seva Patra in-charge Premalatha Gaur introduced the Seva Patra Yojana, encouraging urban households to support tribal children’s education through small contributions while instilling a spirit of giving in their own children.

The event featured an engaging musical quiz on patriotic songs and an interactive session on India’s rich heritage, fostering knowledge and enthusiasm among attendees.

The gathering concluded with a soulful rendition of patriotic songs, followed by a community lunch.

FTS Members Visit Ekal Vidyalaya in Sawai Madhopur

Justice (Retd.) J.K. Ranka and Renu Ranka, accompanied by two friends from the USA, undertook a Van Yatra to an Ekal Vidyalaya in Sinoli village, Sawai Madhopur district.

The visit provided a heartwarming opportunity to interact with the village children and witness firsthand the impact of Ekal’s education initiatives. Shail Mehta and Lakshmi Chand Mehta, long-time residents of the USA, were deeply moved by the enthusiasm and talent of the students. They expressed their admiration for Ekal’s mission and prayed for a brighter future for India, emphasizing the need for continued support and guidance for dedicated Ekal teachers.

The Vanyatra was an inspiring experience, reinforcing the significance of Ekal’s work in transforming rural education.

FTS New Delhi Chapter Hosts Annual Program with Musical Tribute to Lord Krishna

On January 26, 2025, the FTS New Delhi Chapter held its Annual Program at the Munjal Auditorium, Arya Samaj, Kailash Colony, G.K.-1. The highlight of the evening was the musical play Isliye Woh Krishna Hai, directed by Hemant Agarwal, which beautifully conveyed the timeless values of Lord Krishna.

Supported by the Rotary Club of Delhi Divine, Maheshwari Club, and Marwari Sammelan South Delhi, the event drew an audience of around 500 attendees. The thought-provoking performance received high praise, and several donors pledged their support for Ekal schools.

The chief guest, Mr. Gobind Ram Choudhary (MD, Anmol Industries Ltd.), was honored alongside other donors for their contributions. The success of the event was made possible by the dedicated leadership of North Zone Chairman Rajkumar Karwa, Patron Vijay Maru, President Sangeeta Gupta, Executive President Vinod Kila, Secretary Prabhakar Kabra, Coordinator Sushil Daga, and the entire Executive and Women’s Committees.

President Sangeeta Gupta expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and supporters, looking forward to continued commitment towards the cause.

An Unforgettable Ekal Pilgrimage: Transforming Lives in Rural Bihar

Between January 28 – February 1, my wife Neela and I embarked on an extraordinary 3-day Ekal Pilgrimage—not just a journey, but an eye-opening experience through Ekal’s impactful projects in Bodhgaya-Nalanda, Bihar. Witnessing first-hand the transformative work being done at Ekal schools, a Tailoring Training Center in Tekari (supported by our family), a Women Empowerment Center in Kabar, and a computer training session in an Ekal-on-Wheels van, we were deeply moved by the power of education and skill development in uplifting rural communities.

Our visit, flawlessly planned by Bhaskar Sharma (Exec. Dir., Skills Development, Delhi), and guided by Ranjan Kumar & Bholanath Mishra, gave us an inside look at Gramotthan Foundation’s grassroots impact. Meeting the dedicated Ekal volunteers and interacting with bright-eyed children, we saw hope and ambition come alive. The training centers are empowering young girls to become independent entrepreneurs, earning ?3,000-3,500 part-time—testament to the self-reliance Ekal fosters.

Everywhere we went, villages welcomed us with Jai Shri Ram chants, pujan, and tilak, making us emotional and grateful. Despite Bihar’s underdevelopment, the dedication of Ekal’s ground force, overcoming even Naxalite threats, was inspiring. Having supported Ekal’s mission through articles, advertisements, and media, nothing compared to witnessing its impact firsthand. This experience reaffirmed our commitment—Neela & I are simply two Ekal karyakartas, blessed with the means to support our rural and tribal brethren.

— Prakash Waghmare

Vanyatra to Chhattisgarh: Expanding Women Empowerment Centers

During a four-day Vanyatra in Chhattisgarh, 30 village clusters (Sanch) were visited to assess and prepare for the opening of 8 new Women Empowerment Centers (WECs) across different districts by March 2025.

Currently, the state has one well-established WEC and one Ekal on Wheels (EOW), both running successfully for over six years. Efforts are underway to encourage village women to participate, ensuring the initiative's impact and sustainability.

— Hasmukh Shah

Empowering Youth: Swami Vivekananda Jayanti Celebrated at Ekal Gramothan Foundation

On January 12, 2025, the Ekal Gramothan Foundation in Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh, celebrated Swami Vivekananda Jayanti with a prize and certificate distribution ceremony for winners of the Swami Vivekananda Youth Club Sports Competition. The event began with floral tributes and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp before Swami Vivekananda’s portrait.

Center President Sheshadri and Prabhakar Reddy welcomed the guests with flowers and traditional shawls. Chief Guest Dr. Subbaraju Gupta spoke on Swami Vivekananda’s vision for youth empowerment, while Zonal Head (P9) Uday Khardekar emphasized employment opportunities, encouraging trainees to work with dedication. He also highlighted how stitching skills can help women achieve financial independence. Successful trainees shared their experiences, inspiring others to pursue skill development.

Prizes and certificates were distributed to outstanding students, with around 180 students, villagers, and distinguished guests in attendance. The celebration reinforced the values of self-reliance and perseverance, aligning with Swami Vivekananda’s vision of empowering youth for a brighter future.

Ekal Gramothan Foundation Inaugurates Tailoring Training Sub-Centre in Hundi Village, Mysuru

On February 24, 2025, Ekal Gramothan Foundation inaugurated a Tailoring Training Sub-Centre in Hundi Village, Mysuru, under its Integrated Village Development Scheme. The initiative aims to empower rural women with skills for self-employment and micro-entrepreneurship.

The inauguration was led by Kunte Gaudru, Vice President of Ekal Anchal Samiti, who highlighted the project's significance. State Coordinator Govit Kiran emphasized the benefits of training in fostering self-reliance. Sanch Samiti President Mahadevappa encouraged women to actively participate and contribute to their own growth and community development.

The event included a lamp-lighting ceremony and speeches from local leaders, Mahila Samiti members, and trainers, with enthusiastic participation from villagers and trainees. The initiative received strong community support, reinforcing the commitment to women's empowerment and skill development.

Certificate Distribution Ceremony for Ekal on Wheels in Kolli Hills

On February 16, 2025, a certificate distribution ceremony was successfully held for students of Ekal on Wheels in Kolli Hills, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. A total of 250 students who completed computer training received their certificates.

The event saw the participation of Sambhag Sanrakshak Seshadri, Anchal Samiti members Vadivel, Sathyamoorthy, Shankar, and Logendran, along with senior karyakarta Karthikeyan and several Sanch Samiti and Sevavrithi karyakartas.

The program was a resounding success, celebrating the students’ achievements and reinforcing Ekal’s commitment to digital literacy and skill development in rural areas