I am back with another story in the EYL series. Ekal Youth Leaders from all different age groups and backgrounds unite in a common goal: to provide education to the children of rural India. They incorporate creative ways to raise money, all while having this goal in the back of their minds. Throughout my life, I have been deeply involved in volunteer work and it is a pleasure to see others who are equally as passionate.

    Recently two siblings, Akul and Amirtha, decided to organize a bake sale in order to raise funds and then donated this money to Ekal. Akul, the older brother, provided his compelling reasons for the donation and included some information about himself.

“My name is Akul Chennakesavan and I am in 8th grade. I am 14 years old and I live in Groton, MA. I decided to donate to Ekal Vidyalaya because I wanted kids who live in rural/tribal areas all over India and Nepal to have the opportunity to get a great education. We raised most of the money needed for one school for one year by organizing a bake sale. During spring break, my sister and I made and sold many different kinds of baked goods, such as brownies and chocolate chip cookies. We created fliers and distributed them to our neighbors. We also made a poster to display our bake sale and to attract passersby so that other people, not just our neighbors, could help us with our bake sale fundraiser. Besides the bake sale, we raised money in other various ways, such as taking care of our neighbors’ pets. In my free time, I like bike riding and playing outside. I am an active Boy Scout and I also play the piano and mridangam. For the past six years I have been a part of “Young Einstein’s Science Club” (YESC) in Acton, MA. I will also be participating in the North South Foundation (NSF) National Science Bee this August in Tampa Bay. This will be the fourth time that I am attending the national science bee.”

    Akul is involved in many activities and I am inspired to see him give back to the community. His younger sister has a great story as well, having a big heart at a young age.

“My name is Amirtha Gowri Chennakesavan. I am 6 years old and I am in 1st grade. I wanted to donate money to Ekal because poor kids who live in India cannot get money to study. That is why I donated money to Ekal Vidyalaya. I have been learning piano and bharathanatyam for an year or so. I have been attending the Acton sloka class in Acton Ma for couple of years. I like to play on the tablet, and play with my Shopkins. I like to read books like the Owl Diaries.

By doing the bake sale and taking care of pets, we both have raised enough money to donate to one school for one year.”

I have enjoyed getting to know several of the Ekal Youth Leaders; they are determined and excited about helping Ekal. I encourage others to also discover creative and fun ways to participate for a good cause!

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