The Impact of Education – Children Helping Children

While the Indian-American community at large is known for success because of higher education, India still holds a record for illiteracy. Even in the 21^st century, the overlooked villages of rural India are devoid of education.

Ekal Vidyalaya is a non-profit service organization, dedicated to bring education and village development to rural India. Ekal’s mission is to increase literacy rates by targeting the underprivileged communities. Currently, there are over 54,000 schools with approximately 1.5 million students throughout rural India.

To run a single Ekal school for one year, it costs $365, an equivalent of $1 per day. People are encouraged to “adopt a village” for $5000 and the school in that village can run for a lifetime. In return, the school is named after the donor.

The Ekal movement has impacted thousands of people across the United States including one young girl from Andover, Massachusetts. Neeharika Munjal was so touched from hearing stories about Ekal that she donated her pocket money to the cause. Her parents, Preeti & Manoj, were quite moved by her decision and agreed to combine their money, allowing her to adopt a school. In the district of Mathura, the village of Radhai will have an Ekal school in Neeharika’s name. Thanks to her generosity, more children will now learn to read and write. Her story is truly motivating and demonstrates the power of helping each other. After interviewing Neeharika, I am also inspired by her words and actions:

How did you hear about Ekal Vidyalaya?

I heard about Ekal Vidyalaya through Mrs. Ranjani Saigal, Ekal Executive Director - USA. After speaking with her at an event about the organization, I was highly motivated to help those children.  I came home, learned more about Ekal through their website, www.ekal.org, discussed it with my parents, and was prepared to do something to help.

Since childhood, my parents have taught me to share and give back some of my privileges to those in need. I consider myself very fortunate to enjoy many pleasures in life that many other children from my generation are deprived of.  I want to share my happiness with those children and want them to experience the same.  I firmly believe that it all starts out with education and knowledge, which is the key to success in life.

After my conversation with Mrs. Saigal, I felt that if I can do something to help these children, I am at least able to accomplish something in life. I believe that every drop in the ocean counts.  Although my contribution may be small, it all adds up and makes a substantial difference.  This fall, I am going to be a sophomore at Andover High School.  I realize how important education is and want these children to get an opportunity to receive the same.

I was inspired to donate all my pocket money savings to adopt a village in India and help children get basic education there. It saddened me to hear that children who have full capabilities do not get the opportunity to acquire knowledge due to economic constraints.  I think that basic education is integral and that everyone should be able to receive it. There is no end to acquiring even more but I have learned to share with others.  I don’t think I can help all right now, but at least I can help a few to get on the right path in life.

Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world". If children are willing to learn, nobody can stop them from getting a good education. It is their determination and internal spirit that can take them to greater lengths in their lives. 

​What more will you do for this cause in the future?

I will continue to help these children who are deprived of basic education in India. I have enrolled to become a Youth Leader for Ekal Vidyalaya to help them in their mission.  I will reach out to the local community and ask them for more help. I am willing to work with Ekal Vidyalaya’s management team, youth leaders, and many others to bring improvement in the educational infrastructure of Indian villages. Every small action creates a greater chain reaction. It is up to our generation today to spark these extraordinary outcomes.

People should love and support each other. Growing up in Andover, I have seen the importance of outreach in my community from a young age. I realize how difficult fundraising can be but with full support from the community, we are able to accomplish our mission for education reform. I want to continue to do the same for Ekal children.

By doing volunteering activities for the last few years, such as helping out at a local hospital, assisting at a nursing home, helping at homeless shelters and now adopting a village, I consider myself fortunate that I am able to contribute in some way and hopefully bring happiness and difference in others’ lives.  I sincerely pray and hope that God willing, some day, I am able to help many more children who are deprived of the basic opportunities in life such as education, food and shelter.

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