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The Auckland chapter of the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of New Zealand organised a community awareness event on 22 March 2026 at the New Lynn Community Centre, aiming to shed light on the transformative work of the Ekal Abhiyan. This initiative is dedicated to delivering education to children living in rural, remote, and border regions of Bharat, where access to formal schooling remains limited.
The gathering drew a diverse audience, including community leaders and members of the media such as Venkat Raman and Yugal Parashar. The programme commenced with a prayer, setting a reflective tone for the event. This was followed by a welcome address from Shivani Arora, President of the Auckland chapter, who outlined the foundation’s mission and its commitment to educational outreach. She also introduced the local leadership team, highlighting the contributions of Vice-President Sunil Das, Organising Secretary Ashish Goyal, and General Secretary Niranjan Kirtikar.
A key highlight of the event was a detailed presentation by Ashish Goyal, who explained the scale, structure, and impact of the Ekal Abhiyan. His presentation illustrated how the initiative operates single-teacher schools in underserved areas, providing basic education along with values-based learning. Attendees responded positively, gaining a deeper understanding of how the programme is changing lives in communities with limited resources.
Adding a personal dimension to the discussion, trustee and senior member Shrikant Bhave shared his firsthand experience from visiting an operational Ekal school in India. His account offered valuable insight into the on-the-ground realities and the tangible difference the initiative is making in children’s lives.
Participants were encouraged to contribute to the cause by spreading awareness within their own networks and communities. The organisers also invited attendees to visit Ekal schools during their travels to Bharat, helping in arranging such visits through the Auckland chapter. This approach aims to foster a stronger personal connection between supporters and the initiative’s work.
The event concluded on a warm and social note, with refreshments provided through the support of sponsors including Shivani Restaurants, Better Future Trust, and Enkay Entertainments. The informal setting allowed attendees to engage in further discussions and explore ways to get involved.
Currently, the Ekal Abhiyan operates approximately 93,000 schools across remote and border regions, each serving between 25 and 40 children. With an annual operating cost of around NZ$600 per school, the initiative offers an accessible sponsorship model. Individuals can support a school either through a one-time annual contribution or by committing NZ$50 per month.
Those interested in supporting or learning more about the initiative are encouraged to connect with the Auckland chapter. Additional information is also available through the organisation’s official website and its presence on platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, where updates and stories from the field are regularly shared. -TIN Bureau