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Apr-06-2014
Ekal Sansthan gave a fitting tribute to the magnanimous movement of Ekal Vidyalaya in India by organizing a seminar on ‘Dynamics of Development in Rural & Tribal Bharat’, on February 22, 2014, at PHD Chamber of Commerce, New Delhi.
Ekal Sansthan’s, mission is to bring forward the ideas, which can change the landscape of rural and tribal development in India. The seminar was a part of the efforts of Ekal Sansthan to enlighten people about the success story of 25 years of Ekal Vidyalaya Movement that has its presence in nearly 60,000 villages across India.
In his Inaugural address, the Key Speaker Dr. Subramanian Swami, a well-known political activist, and an anti-corruption crusader reminded about the huge reservoir of richness in India, lying in forest and villages, yet to be explored and utilized.
The other dignitaries on the dais were Dr P.L. Chaturvedi, Chairman, Ekal Sansthan Trust Board and former Vice Chancellor, Ajmer University, Dr. Kailash Nath Gupta, former Professor, IIT Delhi, and presently President of Ekal Sansthan, Sri Ramesh Shah, Global Chairman of Ekal Foundation, U.S.A., and Sri Ashok Bhagat, Founder and mentor of Vikas Bhart, Bishnupur, Sri Laxmi Narain Goel, Essel Group and Ma. Shyam Gupt, Founder Member, Ekal Abhiyan. Ma Shyam Gupt expressed his tremendous faith and self-confidence at the grassroots. He said Ekal is for “Dharti Ki Takat Jagayenge, Bharat ko Sukhi Banayenge”. Sri Laxmi Narain Goel, Founder trustee of Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad, proposed the vote of thanks. Dr. Sushila Madan conducted the inaugural session.
The most important event was the release of the book ‘Bharat That is India”, written and edited by Sri. Mallikarjun Iytha and Ms Tanu Jain. The book intends to bring forward the stories of some of the exemplary models at grassroots in rural and tribal Bharat. This book also brings forward the story of Ekal Movement and 25 years of its historic journey and different models being used for its success.
Sri Ashok Bhagat, Founder and Mentor of Vikas Bharti, Bishunpur, Jharkhand gave many examples of social changes in Jharkhand tribal villages by various innovative efforts conceived by Vikas Bharti. He is also an example of a true Gandhian.
Dr. Ashwani Mahajan, an academician by profession, and serving as Associate Professor with Delhi University emphasized the national pride of being swadeshi instead of depending on foreign aids and perquisites.
Dr. Kamal Taori (IAS Retd.), a former member of Planning Commission with 35 years of vast experience spoke about his many experiments. He engaged the whole audience and gave many formulae for how we can develop grant-less concepts for self-employment by enhancing productivity and by applying eco-friendly ways and means.
Sri Bajrang Lal Bagra, Global Coordinator, Ekal moderated the session.
The session on ‘The Pillars of Ekal Movement’ highlighted the Ekal Model for Social Change.
Shikshit Bharat: Sri. Sriniwas Panda, one of the key brains behind Ekal Schools, gave his presentation on “Prathmic Shiksha” for tribal/rural children.
Capacity Building and Value: Sri K.E.N. Raghvan, and expert in the field, gave an effective presentation on integrated training program and its holistic impact of functional education in Ekal villages.
Arogya Education: Ekal grew systematically and Health Care Education was added to Ekal Scheme. Dr. T.N. Satpathy made a comprehensive power point presentation focusing on Ekal’s efforts for eradication of anemia, child and mother care.
Sanskar- Ethics and Value Education: Dr. Surya Prakash Sharma spoke on Ethics and Value Based Education; an integral part of Ekal’s education programs.
Village development and empowerment: Sri Lalan Sharma, spoke about the unlimited potential of growth in villages by mobilizing huge natural resources.
To conclude the session, Sri Madhwendra Singh, Kendryia Abhiyan Pramukh, explained the successful implementation of the components of Ekal’s vision and planning, and how each component is synchronized meticulously with others.
These pillars of Ekal Movement were honored with shawls as mark of respect for their dedication and compassionate commitment for serving the country.
‘Role of Good Governance and Social Partnership’ was the next session.
Dr. Manisha Priyam, an academician, economist, and a political analyst of national repute, quoted the example of Bihar where the education ratio of girls improved once the government took interest in the implementation of the schemes.
Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma (IAS) gave heart touching examples of Tribal’s life in M.P. and the help was given to them by officials to improve their living standards by understanding and addressing their problems.
Dr. Rajesh Sinha (UNDP) narrated his experiences about the social impact studies and their outcome especially related to PRIs.
Smt Rama Popli, a core member of Ekal Abhiyan since its inception, revived vivid memories of initial efforts in Jharkhand tribal villages, when Ekal was emerging. She also spoke about the vision of late Dr.Rakesh Popli, an architect of the ‘One Teacher One School.’ Sri Mallikarjuna Jythe was the moderator.
As reported by Prof. Manjushree
Ekal Sansthan
