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On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, a day that celebrates knowledge, learning, and new beginnings, the Gajanand Learning Centre was inaugurated in Village Fatanpur, Pratapgarh. The day carried deep symbolic meaning, marking not just the opening of a physical space but the beginning of a shared journey rooted in education, curiosity, and community.

The inauguration of the Gajanand Learning Centre represents an important milestone for Sampoorna Shiksha and our partners, and more importantly, a collective commitment to the children and families of Fatanpur and neighbouring villages.

Why the Gajanand Learning Centre?

In many rural communities, children have limited access to digital tools, engaging learning resources, and safe spaces that encourage exploration and confidence-building. The Gajanand Learning Centre was envisioned as a response to these gaps — not as a one-time intervention, but as a community-owned learning space that can grow and evolve.

Designed to serve over 1,000 children and more than 200 families, the centre aims to strengthen foundational learning, introduce digital literacy, and foster joyful, play-based learning experiences for children across age groups.

What the Centre Offers

The Gajanand Learning Centre brings together multiple learning resources under one roof:

• A fully equipped computer laboratory to introduce children to digital learning and technology
• Smart boards are aligned with the State Board curriculum, supporting classroom learning and concept clarity
• A Toy & Book Library that encourages imagination, curiosity, and learning through play

Together, these elements create an environment where learning feels accessible, engaging, and empowering.

Built With the Community

Supported by PCPL Foundation and implemented by Sampoorna Shiksha, in partnership with Udbodh Foundation and Pagaria Welfare Foundation, the Gajanand Learning Centre reflects the power of collaboration. The inauguration brought together community leaders, partners, and local supporters, reinforcing the belief that education becomes truly transformative when communities are actively involved.

During the event, Jatashanker Tiwari, a noted social worker, shared how Udbodh’s long-term educational work had transformed his native village, Kasauli. His reflections highlighted the tangible impact of sustained, community-led initiatives and strengthened confidence that the Gajanand Learning Centre could bring similar change to Fatanpur.

A Space Designed for Children

As children explored the centre for the first time, interacting with computers, browsing books, and engaging in activities, it became clear that this was more than infrastructure. The centre is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and create positive early experiences with learning.

Learning through play, guided exploration, and peer interaction lies at the heart of the centre’s approach, helping children see learning as something joyful and empowering.

Looking Ahead

The Gajanand Learning Centre is envisioned as a long-term resource for the community. Over time, it will support regular learning sessions, digital exposure, parent engagement, and the involvement of local educators and volunteers. As shared during the inauguration by Indramani Shukla, Secretary, Udbodh Foundation, the centre has the potential to be a game changer, enabling children and families to build skills, aspirations, and collective ownership around education.

The launch of the Gajanand Learning Centre on Basant Panchami serves as a reminder that meaningful change often begins with shared belief and sustained effort. At Sampoorna Shiksha, we believe that learning spaces built with communities can create lasting impact, and we look forward to walking this journey alongside the people of Fatanpur.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to PCPL Foundation for their support, and to our partners Udbodh Foundation and Pagaria Welfare Foundation for building this vision with us.

On 21st January, our team travelled to Dahanu, a tribal region in Maharashtra, with a clear purpose: to strengthen early childhood education through play-based learning.

In many tribal communities, Aanganwadis serve as a child’s first point of contact with structured learning. These spaces play a crucial role in shaping how young children experience education, curiosity, and confidence. Keeping this in mind, our focus was on creating joyful, engaging environments that encourage children to learn naturally.

Toy Libraries in 16 Aanganwadis

During the visit, we inaugurated 16 toy libraries across 16 Aanganwadis. Each toy library has been thoughtfully curated to support early childhood development, including cognitive skills, fine and gross motor skills, language development, and social interaction.

These toy libraries are not merely collections of toys. They are learning resources designed to encourage exploration, imagination, problem-solving, and communication. Through play, children can engage deeply, learn at their own pace, and build foundational skills in a stress-free, joyful manner.

Training Aanganwadi Teachers

Alongside the inauguration, a key component of the visit was training Aanganwadi teachers on using toys as effective learning tools.

The training focused on:

• Integrating toys into daily classroom routines
• Using play to build early literacy and numeracy skills
• Encouraging communication, collaboration, and social interaction
• Supporting emotional development through guided and free play

By equipping teachers with practical strategies, the toy libraries become sustainable learning spaces rather than one-time interventions.

Joyful Learning in Action

One of the most heartening moments of the day was observing the children engage with the toys. Seeing these tiny tots participate with enthusiasm, come to school regularly, and immerse themselves in play-based activities was deeply rewarding.

There was a visible spark of curiosity and joy in their eyes. For many children, the toys became a source of excitement and motivation, transforming the Aanganwadi into a space they looked forward to each day.

Why Learning Through Play Matters

Early childhood is a critical period for brain development. Play-based learning helps children develop creativity, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and emotional resilience. In resource-constrained settings, such approaches are especially impactful as they make learning accessible, inclusive, and engaging.

Looking Ahead

The inauguration of these 16 toy libraries in Dahanu marks an important step in strengthening early learning ecosystems. By supporting Aanganwadi teachers and creating joyful learning environments, we aim to build strong foundations for children during their most formative years.

Because when learning begins with play, it nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning.

We are deeply honoured to share that Sampoorna Shiksha has been awarded the CSRHAT – Socio Star Award 2025 in the category of Education (Digital & Innovative Education).

This recognition is a moment of pride for our entire community, students, teachers, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters, who believe that meaningful change in education is possible when intent meets sustained action.

At Sampoorna Shiksha, our work has always been guided by a simple yet powerful belief:
“The best of wealth is education.”

Over the years, this belief has taken shape through initiatives that make learning joyful, relevant, and future-ready for children from underserved communities. From Project Kitab Khilona that nurtures curiosity, to Project Tech Pathshala and Project E- Smart Shiksha that bridge the technology gap; from SS Academy, our teacher capacity-building programs to our Skill Development programs, experiential and hands-on learning initiatives, every effort is designed to strengthen learning ecosystems.

This award recognises not one project, but a collective journey of educators who go beyond the textbook, volunteers who show up with commitment and compassion, donors who place their trust in long-term impact, and partners who walk alongside us in building sustainable solutions.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain deeply grounded in our purpose. The real reward lies in classrooms where children feel confident to ask questions, teachers feel supported to innovate, and communities feel empowered to participate in their children’s learning journeys.

Alone we are a drop, together we are an ocean.

We are grateful for this recognition and even more grateful for everyone who continues to be part of our mission to strengthen the spirit of social change, one classroom, one child, one community at a time.

We are proud to share that Sampoorna Shiksha was named a Finalist at the iVolunteer Awards 2025 in the category Leader in Volunteer Engagement.

This recognition reflects the heart of our work, the volunteers who show up with consistency, compassion, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. Across classrooms, communities, and geographies, our volunteers continue to be catalysts of change, creating learning spaces that are inclusive, joyful, and impactful.

A particularly special moment for our organisation was seeing Rekha Sriram, our Overseas Volunteer Leader, named a Finalist in the Volunteer Hero category.

Based in Dubai, Rekha has played a pivotal role in building and sustaining Sampoorna Shiksha’s global volunteer ecosystem. Over the last four years, her leadership has enabled:

• 1,000+ volunteers to engage meaningfully

• Partnerships with 7+ schools in Dubai

• Direct impact on 1,000+ students in India, through both in-person and virtual learning initiatives

What sets Rekha’s work apart is not just the scale of engagement, but the intent behind it. She has nurtured a culture of empathy, responsibility, and purpose, helping young people understand that service is not about charity, but about solidarity and shared growth. Through her mentorship, volunteers learn that even small, consistent actions can create lasting change.

This recognition is a tribute to Rekha’s vision, commitment, and the strong volunteer-led model she has helped build, one that bridges geographies while keeping children and classrooms at the centre.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our volunteers, partners, donors, supporters, and the iVolunteer team for believing in our work and walking alongside us on this journey.

As this milestone reaffirms, strong volunteer engagement is not an add-on—it is the foundation of sustainable impact.

Congratulations, Rekha. Your impact truly travels beyond borders.

A quiet classroom. Twenty thoughtful faces. A moment of hesitation - followed by the spark of a rising voice. This is the beginning of a transformation.

At iTeach NMMC’92 English Medium School, Nerul, Sampoorna Shiksha has launched a powerful new journey: the 15-Session Public Speaking & Oratory Program, starting 5th December 2025, conducted every Friday from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Designed for 20 students from Grades 9 and 10, the program promises not just skill-building, but confidence, courage, and character.

Guided by our dynamic facilitator, Ms Swikriti Pati, each session is crafted to help learners break barriers, find their voice, and speak with conviction.

The Journey Ahead: Fifteen Fridays of Transformation

The 15-session journey is a carefully crafted arc of growth. Students will progress from building foundational speaking skills to mastering higher-order communication techniques. They will explore storytelling, persuasive speaking, rhetorical devices, debate strategies, academic speaking, and impromptu speech-building.

In the final stages, they will craft a powerful speech - an opportunity to showcase who they have become.

• A speaker who stands tall.
• A thinker who speaks clearly.
• A young leader ready to inspire.

This journey will not only make them confident on stage, but also confident in life.

Why This Program Matters: Voices That Shape Futures

Communication is no longer an optional skill - it is a life skill, a leadership skill, a future skill.
This program empowers students to:

• Break free from stage fear
• Speak with clarity, expression, and structure
• Command presence through body language
• Deliver ideas with confidence and respect
• Think critically and respond thoughtfully

Each session reinforces one core truth: when students learn to use their voice, they learn to shape their future.

A Classroom Alive With Expression, Energy & Growth

Once a week, the classroom transforms into a vibrant speaking arena filled with energy, laughter, and bold attempts. Students dive into:

• Voice drills that strengthen tone, pace, and expression
• Storytelling journeys that spark imagination
• Impromptu challenges that sharpen thinking
• Debates & opinion circles that enhance reasoning
• Short speeches that build confidence step-by-step
• Peer feedback exercises that encourage growth
• Confidence exercises that help them stand tall

Every session pushes them one step further - from hesitation to expression, from expression to confidence, and from confidence to leadership.

The Heart of the Program: Our Facilitator

Behind every confident student is a patient guide. Ms. Swikriti Pati brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a deeply supportive approach to every session. She ensures that every child feels:

• Heard without judgment
• Encouraged to try
• Safe to make mistakes
• Confident to rise again

Her presence turns each session into a space of trust - where students are not afraid to speak, stumble, or shine.

Looking Forward: Voices That Will Lead Tomorrow

As the program unfolds week by week, we expect to see students evolve into:

• Confident public speakers
• Clear communicators
• Thoughtful thinkers
• Respectful listeners
• Young leaders with powerful voices

At Sampoorna Shiksha, we believe that leadership begins with the courage to speak—and when children discover that courage, they don't just grow, they influence, they inspire, and they illuminate the world around them.

The Public Speaking & Oratory Program is more than a set of sessions - it is the beginning of a lifelong journey of expression, confidence, and impact.