Ekal Youth Leader - Nikita Minocha, from Boston, MA, writes about her recent visit to ‘Ekal Vidyalayas’ in India

           My family and I have been volunteering for the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA for almost three years now. During our India trip this year, we got an opportunity to closely watch the exemplary work being done by the organization.

            Waking up early is no easy task for a teenager like me, especially during my winter break. After getting ready, my parents and I leave Vadodara, Gujarat and embark on a four-hour journey to visit Ekal schools. The Express Highway turns into narrow roads as we enter the tribal areas in deep woods. Ekal Karyakartas (workers) lead our way, first into the Samarpada village and then Chuli. Upon arrival, the children and teachers greet us with bright smiles and there is a puja for our welcome. I am touched by how close these communities are to traditional Indian values. Next, we are guided into the classroom or the ‘Ekal Vidyalaya’, in a small clean mud-house of the teacher. The teachers direct the kids to demonstrate a typical day at school. Their curriculum consists of a prayer, patriotic songs, reading, math, dancing, and learning through simple games. We break our barriers as I join them to dance. We also enjoy ‘black tea’ made with several local herbs.

             I have never seen happier children, who are genuinely excited to learn. Their joy for dancing has brightened my own knowledge of life. Education is their step to an optimistic future and to understand the world. The villages share an appreciation for this basic knowledge, opening the door to many opportunities. Even without the most materialistic things, the children are content with what they are given and look forward to school every day. Each kid helps at home or in the fields, just a part of their routine. We ask the kids the popular question of what they want to do when they are older. Some want to be a teacher, a nurse, a soldier, but the unanimous theme is that they wish to help the country, which I believe is something very special. I am touched to see their spirits so high and hearts open.

             After volunteering for Ekal, I am now able to see the transformation this organization can make. Although the children are the ones learning in the schools, they definitely taught me something. They taught me to find happiness in the little things, to never take a moment for granted, and to love each and live everyday as if it is the last. I encourage people to fully understand the value of higher education and give back to those who wish to learn but have not had the opportunity.  Education is powerful and represents change—change for equality, justice, and love, besides being a means for humans to excel.

Words are only a small expression to capture my visit, something so unique that others would have to experience it for themselves. The next time you travel to India, I strongly recommend taking an ‘Ekal Vanayatra’ (http://www.ekal.org/visit-a-school).

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