The ‘Karmayogi Ekal Shikshak Mela’ will bring together teachers, individuals, and organizations from across Maharashtra to celebrate and honor contributions through the Karmayogi Award. A key highlight of the event will be the presentation of an ambitious plan to expand the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative—currently operating in Vidarbha under the Nagpur-based Lt. Laxmanrao Mankar Smriti Sanstha—across the entire state of Maharashtra. This initiative marks a significant step toward accelerating efforts to transform the lives of forest-dwelling communities.
Three decades ago, with the aim of spreading education in the tribal regions of Vidarbha, Ekal (single-teacher) schools were established. Today, nearly 30,000 tribal students are being educated through approximately 1,300 schools in remote areas, including Gadchiroli and Melghat, supported by over 1,800 teachers. Building on this success, the organization has set an ambitious goal of reaching 100,000 tribal students by establishing a network of 5,000 schools and 6,000 teachers across Maharashtra.
The event will be attended by prominent dignitaries, including Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh; Union Minister Nitin Gadkari; Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis; and the state’s Tribal Development Minister, Prof. Ashok Uikey.
The Late Laxmanrao Mankar Smriti Sanstha operates under the guidance of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and is chaired by noted Mumbai-based businessman Atul Shirodkar. Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Shirodkar said, “Education is a powerful tool for social and economic transformation. The Mankar Trust is committed to bringing tribal communities into the mainstream, nurturing their skills, and improving their quality of life.” The organization’s work is inspired by the ideals of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
