Bright smiles of giggling children spread like wildfire throughout the village.

This is the beauty of Ekal Vidyalaya, where the benefits of the organization are tangible. Ekal seeks to bring education and reform to the rural villages of India. Although this statement has been re-iterated numerous times, the message needs to be continuously shared. Ekal demonstrates how education is an important step towards a brighter future.

The New England chapter has launched an Ekal Youth Leaders (EYL) program to receive more involvement from younger generations. The program has been a success, with participation ranging from elementary school kids to college students. We all come together to raise awareness for Ekal.

When I think of a ‘Youth Leader’, two heart-warming stories come to mind.

Aarzu, an eighth grader from the McCall Middle School in Winchester, decided to donate to Ekal on her birthday instead of accepting gifts. When I asked her why she made this choice, I was touched by her response.

            "I decided to donate an Ekal School instead of getting a gift on my birthday because I already have everything. I feel blessed to have a very privileged  life, where my parents give me whatever I want. But there are many kids who aren't as fortunate as me. They can't even get a proper education, which I take for granted. So instead of asking for some silly toy, I decided that the money could be better spent giving kids in India an education, something everyone deserves to have, so they can have a better future and life. I strongly believe that this is the least I can do to make that possible."

Aarzu excels in academics. She is also an avid reader, passionate about math, and loves robotics. With her kind gestures and helpfulness, Aarzu is very easy to love. Her role as an older sister contributes to her compassionate nature.

Next I think of Janani Baskaran, who is a rising sophomore at Tufts University. A few weeks ago, the New England chapter hosted its annual fundraiser and had the privilege of auctioning two beautiful paintings. The proceeds would go directly to the organization. Janani felt compelled to buy one of these paintings. She described why this meant a great deal to her.

            “Sanjana’s painting tells a story. It depicts a young village woman, who is going through her daily routine and chores of cleaning and cooking. This   young woman could easily be one of the many children in an Ekal school, or  she could easily be someone who does not have access to any education. For me, this painting represents much more than just a painting. It represents a seed that has just been planted. It is the gift of a school for an impoverished village in rural India or Nepal, touching the lives of young men and women just like that young woman in the painting. Ekal empowers aspiring children to accomplish their dreams, whatever that may be. It is the gift of the  blossoming young talent of Sanjana that created the painting. I have known Sanjana from a young age, and my family has always wanted to have one of her paintings. This was the first painting that she decided to give up for auction, and I wanted to get this painting for my family to enjoy. Both causes of education and supporting Sanjana’s artistry are extremely       important to me, and when I saw this painting up for auction at the Ekal Main Event, my heart guided my actions. Over the summer, I work at internships and part time jobs to earn some money, and there is no better rewarding feeling than putting back those efforts for Ekal's cause. I am incredibly blessed with this painting because it reminds me that the greatest impacts start with the humble gesture of planting a seed.”

Janani is majoring in Biomedical Engineering at Tufts. She enjoys spending time singing in the Tufts Concert Choir, dancing in Tufts Jumboraas (a competitive garba raas team), and volunteering for causes that support education. She is a member of BUILD: India, a club that sponsors a learning center, eco-friendly toilets, and other projects in a rural village in Tamil Nadu, India. She believes that by bringing education to everyone, there is no problem we cannot face.

I hope these stories resonate with readers because I am definitely inspired to do more. Ekal Youth Leaders represent the next generation of volunteers and leaders, who will work hard to make a difference in the world.

|