"We are grateful to Ekal for an amazing opportunity to holistically develop the 30 villages in rural Mathura! We have full faith in the very dedicated Ekal team to do justice with our quarter million to achieve the stated goal," says Vandana Sharma.
Vandana Sharma is an award winning designer, fine artist and a Kathak Dancer. She has a Masters in Interior Architecture from Suffolk University. Her Fine art has been displayed in several art exhibitions. She has also designed several commercially successful kids’ educational products. She has won the prestigious "A Design Award" in Italy for her innovative light fixture and restaurant design.
In addition to financial support, Vandana also believes in giving her time and talent and has used her fine design talent to help design the Ekal annual reports.
Vandana and her husband Vivek are actively involved in several philanthropic organizations.
Vandana talked to Lokvani about her passion for Ekal and Philanthropy.
What motivated you to support Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA?
We got impressed with Ekal’s holistic and integrated approach for rural development. Ekal’s leadership’s commitment and dedication to bring grass root changes has been very inspiring.
Could you describe your journey with Ekal?
We have been associated with Ekal for sometime. The more we got involved the more we feel connected to the Ekal community. It has been a heart warming experience with every step we took deeper into it. It gave us a sense of belonging to its welcoming community, actually we got lots more in return.
In addition to money, what motivates you to give time to support Ekal?
I am just going to repeat myself it’s just the people, people, people in the Ekal community, that keeps us coming back to it. It’s like who doesn’t want to have a family...an extended family who are so down to earth, so approachable and so warm.
Could you tell us why you think people should support Ekal?
People should support Ekal Because it’s approach is wholistic with a firm and effective apparatus on the ground, where they serve in the rural India.
There they are covering the primary education at grassroots levels yet they aspire to take rural India to the digital era.
When it comes to giving back you are an inspiration. What motivates you to give back to such a large extent?
We are fortunate to be in a position that we can give back and God has been kind to us. We are just hoping to do something good that he has given us.
Given by the Lord and Doing it for the Lord.
As a Philanthropist, what advice do you have for people who may want to follow in your footsteps?
I advise others to share their wealth, knowledge and time with those who will benefit from it. When we give in my view we are doing it for our own happiness and growth.
As Winston Churchill said , “ We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.â€
We applaud you for your compassion and large heart . We look forward to seeing the progress in the Ekal villages.
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