1.Since 198627 27G o ous Yea s Gllorriious YearrsRuralEducation.in129 Value-based Rural Schools Low Cost CBSE English Medium Schools60000 Rural Students 2 Private Universities 1 MissionOrganization Profile An initiative of The Kalgidhar Trust & Kalgidhar Society

2. OurBeliefsRuralEducation.in An initiative of The Kalgidhar Trust & Kalgidhar SocietyOur VisionConceptualized in 1906To establish permanent peace in the world through value based education and spiritual rejuvenation, creating good global citizens.Our MissionGurukuls of Modern IndiaTo build 500 low-cost English Medium Rural Schools by 2020 3. OurTeamRuralEducation.in An initiative of The Kalgidhar Trust & Kalgidhar SocietyPresident: Mr. Iqbal Singh Kingra (affectionately addressed by all as Babaji) Chancellor: Eternal University M.Sc. (Agriculture), Director-Agriculture (Retd.), Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, India. Vice President: Padma Bhushan Dr Khem Singh Gill Ph.D (USA), Former Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab. Secretary: Dr. Davinder Singh M.B.B.S., M.D. (Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi) Mr. P Kohli, IAS (Retd.) .S. M.Sc, MPA, Former Chief Secy. - Govt. of Bihar, Former Advisor Governor of Punjab, Consultant to World Bank & EEC. Dr. M.S. Atwal Vice-Chancellor: Eternal University M.Sc. Bio Chem.: Univ. of Illinois, Ph.D. (Medical Chemistry), MBA (Exec.): Columbia University, M.P (Health Policy): Johns Hopkins University, Former Dean: Johns Hopkins Univ. .H. Dr. Brigadier J.S. Bhalla (Retd.) M.B.B.S., M.D., Indian Army, B.A. (Maths), DCD, FCCP FIACPS , Dr. Gautam Singh, E.N.T. Specialist Chief Medical Officer: E.S.I. Hospital Kapurthala, M.B.B.S., M.S. Dr. B.S. Sekhon, Professor (Retd.) Jackson State University, Mississipi, USA, M.Sc., Ph.D.: University of Wisconsin, USA Mr. Gian Singh B.Sc. (Agriculture)THE KALGIDHAR TRUST & SOCIETY* - A NOT FOR PROFIT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION FOR THE UPLIFT OF UNDERPRIVILEGED RURAL MASSES* Two different organizations (legal entities under Indian law, undertaking the same task and same mission) were established. The Kalgidhar Trust was established first and the The Kalgidhar Society was established a year later to broaden the scope of the mission. Both organizations complement and supplement each other's work and functions in an integrated way. 4. ExecutiveSummaryThe Kalghidhar Trust &The KalgidharSociety - Two different organizations (legal entities under Indian law, undertaking the same task and same mission) were established in 1982 and 1983 respectively to broaden the scope of the mission. 5. The Kalgidhar Trust and Kalgidhar Society (TKT/TKS) are Education focused, non-profit charities that are striving for rural-transformation through value-based Education along with Women Empowerment, Health-Care and Social Welfare to under-privileged rural Indians. The mission was conceptualized 107 years ago to re-invent the erstwhile Gurukuls (on the pattern of Nalanda and Takshila), wherein moral values could be harmoniously woven along with modern scientific education, in rural youth to produce good global citizens. TKT/TKS have embarked upon an ambitious mission of RuralEducation.in to set up 500 low cost rural schools by 2020. Of these, 129 English medium CBSE rural schools with 60,000 students are already operational in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Local reports say that drug addiction, alcohol abuse and general crime rate have reduced markedly post the establishment of the schools, within a 30 km radius from every school (Akal Academy). The impact is primarily due to the positive influence brought in by the students of these schools, who play a pivotal role in turningaround and inspiring their family members, neighbors and village community against the prevailing social evils. The students of these shrines of value-based education, who are ambassadors of peace and goodness, move into society and transform lives. A small estimate shows that each school after reaching senior secondary stage, will contribute Rs. 135 crores to Indias GDP within the next 20 years. To maintain academic standards, TKT/TKS initated one of the largest women skill development program of 'Free Teachers Training' to train 10th and 12th pass rural girls into qualified Elementary Teachers, who are then provided jobs within theseschools. This ensures that talent is retained within the villages and each empowered girl positively impacts the mindsets of at least seven families. TKT/TKS also run a Charitable Hospital in the backward district of Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh. More than 30,000 poor underprivileged patients annually are attended to with primary healthcare and emergency interventions. Four Free Medical camps are held in Sirmaur every year wherein free expensive surgeries are provided to poor beneficiaries by Doctors from India and abroad. A social catastrophe is looming large in rural North India due to serious social issues like rampant drug addiction, alcohol abuse, female feticide, farmer suicides etc. that have now contributed towards a tumultuous economic decline. This problem has reached epidemic proportions with even the State Dept. of Social Security for Women & Children in a survey shows that 67% rural households in Punjab have at least one drug addict while on the other hand 69% rural households do not have a matriculate, clearly establishing the linkage of illiteracy to the decaying social fabric. There is need for a massive counter-program to repair this on a war footing since these are the border states of India. History is proof that India has not only withstood but also shone brighter every time it has faced challenges and hardships. Without doubt, this instance is going to be no different. The battle at hand is a tough one and hence needs to be fought with all our strength, with the best of the minds and resources. These 'value-empowered' rural students would be the future assets of the nation and help transform rural society. 6. Our Outreach129 Rural Schools 5 States 33 Districts (3 Backward & 31 Gender Critical Districts. 33 Educationally Backward Blocks)6450 Villages 18,00,000 Rural Citizens 7. OurImpactWell Placed Alumni 8150Teachers Employed 4162Teachers in Training 2000GDP contributed 57 Crores p.a.Employment Generated 25,000Rural Population Impacted 18,00,000Committed Volunteers (National & Intl) 50,000Underprivileged Benefitted 5,00,000Students pursuing Higher Education abroad 765Trees Planted by students 1,25,557E- Classrooms 1510CBSE National champions produced 93Growth - Students and Schools 70,000 60,000 50,000Students40,000 30,000 20,000200920102011201220132009201020112012201320082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961986-19900199510,000140 120 100 80Schools60 402008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199501986-199020 8. Our Focus To Empower and Enshrine rural children with value-based EducationRural Education Empowering our children 9. Rural Teachers Training Empowering Rural Women as Teachers and Role-modelsRural Social Change Empowered children, harmonious society, reduced social ailmentsRural Healthcare Delivering quality healthcare in remote areas 10. TheNeedIndia is a booming economy that lives in its villages. But sadly, the contribution of rural folks to this uprising economy is not significant. Under the veneer of prosperity lies a scary truth in the Northern States of India, which if not addressed, can lead to severe problems for India. The dismal scenario: Drug Addiction Punjab is the Worlds no.1 transit point for Opium (World Drug Report released by the UNO on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 2007). Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh top in the intake of opioid, opium and heroin in the country. The state Govt. has stated that 70% of the youth in Punjab are on drugs, which is destroying many homes and breeding a silent time-bomb for society Female Feticide The states of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have the worst child sex ratios. Female infanticide is a rampant practice and has increased over time. Out of 33 districts that we are serving now, 31 are gender-critical. Dowry Deaths While most cases go unreported, studies have indicated high increase in cases of Dowry Deaths. Farmers' Suicides While Punjab was intended to be the paragon of the Green Revolution success story, farmers of the region face an estimated debt of Rs 10,000 crores. Conservative estimates indicate that the number of suicides in these districts works out to over 2,500 per year. Rural indebtedness has reached such alarming proportions that entire communities are being forced to distress-sell their lands. Poor Education The education scenario in North India is in a poor state. Thousands of schools lack teachers, classrooms, furniture or even drinking water. Poor enrollment rates coupled with high drop-out rates of 48% are a reality. The situation is further worsened by the fact that many existing Govt. schools are not staffed appropriately and also those which are, the teachers do not attend classes. Learning Outcomes are rated to be bottom of the table amongst all Indian states.State wise Growth Rates: 2009 to 2012In conclusion S.N. The situation in North India is grim as has been revealed by various studies and social issues mentioned above. The backbone of the country is its Human Capital, which in this case besides being non productive, also runs the risk of becoming destructive. It is our belief that the future rural generation need to be brought into the mainstream and also empowered through value-based education, which further lead to growth in both productivity and harmony. Empowered youth, with sound moral values and scientific education will be the change agents who will impact their community positively and create an environment of prosperity, harmony and peace. The rural social fabric gets healed thereby enabling India achieve the potential that it truly has.State2009201020111Haryana11.009.598.12q2H.P .8.128.807.59q3Punjab6.296.815.68q4Rajasthan4.309.694.41q5UP6.107.866.23qSource: http://pbplanning.gov.in/pdf/merged_document.pdf 11. RuralEducation.inTHE SOLUTIONRuralEducation.in 12. To embed values in a child when his mental software is being formed and neuron pathways are getting generated. A child with such seeds embedded within will be a good, harmonious, happy and productive human being. He will catalyze positive change wherever he goes, through the qualities that he will demonstrate and live by. 13. Howwe do RuralEducation.in 14. Rural Education: Kinetising Tomorrow! A walk across the Akal Academy campus is an absorbing experience.RuralEducation.inThe atmosphere is distinct, simple with modest uncomplicated approach, rich with the spirit of potential, the heritage of past achievements, and the vitality of inquiry and discovery. So much happens here. This rural school holds the promise of a different life. A sophomore discovers inner peace and happiness. An inquisitive child identifies the power to unburden by confession. An asthma patient lives longer and better. An artist creates unforeseen beauty. An old couple realizes the real essence of their lives. A teacher hones a revolutionary theory. A widow finds her esteem restored. An athlete achieves a championship dream. RuralEducation.in is an unsung unassuming fountainhead that for decades now has been advancing all aspects of life: education, health, socio-economic-moral empowerment. We map the child's heart to create an enabler that spreads love and compassion. We examine the society around us, its advantages and its threats, and develop ways to make the globe a safer, peaceful, sustainable, sensitive, more equitable place. Our 60,000 students explore the finer aspects of micro-organisms, Newton's laws, Polonium the new entrant in the periodic table and the subtle issues of human values, pardon, inner awakening; all in the same breath. Our 129 schools or shrines of education nurture and attract the simplest and most deprived human talent and open a window to science, art and elevated thinking. Our libraries connect scholars from rural rustic background across global developments. Faculty in our schools and colleges motivate, stimulate and challenge our students, who respond by exploring worlds inner and outer, they never before imagined. Our alumni are equally outstanding, shaping society with their leadership; creativity and innovation yet remain firmly rooted to the basic values and stand out with their simplicity and sensitivity. It is this breadth of accomplishment and activity - in young rustic unsung heroes and beyond - that separates Akal Academy from other institutions. Students and faculty have the opportunity to achieve more at Akal Academy than anywhere else to transform their society and community. This is why our campaign RuralEducation.in is KINETISING TOMMORROW!. Subsidies to weaker sections: Although thousands of our students especially girl students are offered scholarships; TKT/TKS has embarked on a novel program in 2013 that reaches out to weaker sections. It has decided to pledge Free Education (including books, stationery, uniforms) till class XII (from KG) for the children from weaker sections of the society. This means every year each school pledges Rs. 35 lakhs per year for 140 class-years per school. 15. Higher Education Institute of Rural Woman Empowerment The objective of this program is to explore and train rural needy high school girls. They are given free of cost training to improve their English and acquire skills in elementary teaching. After successful completion of the course they are appointed as teachers in various rural schools and thus become self- dependent.Selected girls get enrolled in the Eternal University to pursue B.A. (Arts), B.Sc. (Med & Non-Med), B.Sc. Eco (Hons) & B.A. /M.A. (Music). After completing B.A. (Music) they are given additional training in ancient string instruments and are also provided training in the Teachers Training Centre, Cheema Sahib & Mohali on spiritual studies and other programs related to it. About 150-200 students, in rotation, are trained at Mohali Training Centre with the University of Cambridge, UK in collaboration with The Helga Todd Foundation.The Helga Todd Foundation provides Master Trainers from England and after 2 Years of training, the University of Cambridge awards certificates to these girls. College of Divine Music The College of Music has been setup at Baru Sahib, wherein 500 underprivileged girls from rural areas are provided free education & vocational training in music to ensure that they can earn their livelihood independently upon graduating.Eternal University The first private University under TKT/TKS in the interior Himalayan region of Sirmaur (one of the most backward districts) was established in 2008. Presently imparting 42 streams offering higher educational opportunities to our rural students, ushering the rural transformation.College of Engineering & Technology (All Girls College) You educate a man, you educate a man. You educate a woman, you educate a generation! The college promises to create Better Engineers for Better Future with emphasis on academic technological excellence. Research and innovation is the main focus.Teachers Training Institute This unique free program for ETT (elementary level teachers) training now has 500 girls belonging to the lower strata of society from remote rural areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. They are given intensive training in English language and communication skills, modern teaching methodology and computer education and further given employment in schools. This ensures that the girl child is not a burden but an earning hand, not only for the family but also contributes to the GDP .College of Nursing The College of Nursing Studies was the first nursing college in the State of Himachal Pradesh. The college trains to provide necessary para-medical workforce, including Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Clinical Laboratory Technologists & Health Care Professionals in general. 16. Valuebased educationValues today, for a Valuable TomorrowRuralEducation.inRuralEducation.in has encouraged a value-based education system combined with the modern scientific English language based CBSE curriculum.Our method A combination of Spirituality and Scientific Education wherein spirituality is the control of ego and vices. Of learning to be a good human who cares for humanity and environment. The process involves a disciplined practice of prayers, inward thinking, power Values Today. For a Valuable Tomorrow. of unburdening by confession and mental affirmations. The scientific education is through an alignment with the CBSE curriculum and a focus on sports and the creative arts, especially music. Our Teachers act as a role-model In ancient India, children learnt values from their revered teachers, who demonstrated them, by living them. From different backgrounds and ethnicities, the teachers are expected to be, and made to understand, the need to be role models, for the values that the children are taught and practice. It also leads to women empowerment as these teachers, from poor backgrounds themselves, are now able to earn a decent living and are support their families. This is significant when one considers the social fact that both Haryana and Punjab have the worst female-male sex ratio in India and have high cases of female feticide. Our teachers undergo a rigorous short-term teachers training program (3 months), long-term teachers training program (3 5 years). Bi-annually they undergo a refresher course under strict academic monitoring. This program also ensures that we have quality teachers available in Rural areas. It comes as no surprise that these teachers are now helping the schools produce some spectacular results. CBSE - Class X Results of these schools Compiled in a study by KPMG India Private Limited, an Indian limited liability company and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative, a Swiss entity.YearNo. of StudentsStudentsBetweenAppearedPassedabove 90%60-90%20099499491257262010113511351871028201112421242344865201213161316435881201314131413309960 17. Inter-Faith: God is One! We practice spiritual strivings, but not religious rituals. Children from all faiths study at our schools and learn to live harmoniously and flower into good, happy and productive human beings who contribute towards creating a better world. They develop a strong moral fiber and inner core strength, which we believe will support them throughout their life. Children are made to practice principles of interfaith understanding, tolerance for others, mutual respect and harmony. It is mandatory that all students must respect and accept all other religions of the world and at the same time must protect, guard and allow the free-practice of the customs and rituals of others. Students are taught to love all creation as God's own manifestation. Acceptance of all faiths, and interfaith tolerance and understanding are basic to the spiritual uplift of these impressionable young minds. There is a remarkable consistency in the pursuit of these ideals and in the defence of the right to free worship of people of all faiths.Why traditional school uniform? We use traditional Indian attire as a common uniform for both boys and girls in our schools, depicting gender equality. On one hand it is caters to the sensitivity of the rural society towards culture-shock of the western world, simple, unassuming and on the other hand it essentially protects the body from extreme weather. it is not only economical but also gels with the rural environs. Does it work? A simple dialogue with any child, from any school, will prove it.Each day children aremoving one step higher on the ladder of humanity. They are ingrained with values of honesty, par-upkar, sensitivity towards others, inward thinking, power of confessions and at the same time are highly scholastic and with scientific temperaments. 18. Innovationin teaching & technology Our Rural School Libraries Library is a learning resource centre in any educational institution. It creates a love for reading and learning that elevates and empowers the spirit and mind of students. In view of its pivotal role in today's information and knowledge-based world, high-standard libraries have been established in all the affiliated Rural Schools to improve the standard and quality of education of the students. These have books on various subjects, right from Nursery-KG to Secondary/ Senior Secondary classes. Most of these libraries have been computerized for facilitation of the users. Computerization of the remaining libraries is in progress. Index cards of books have already been prepared in all the libraries. The Libraries of all the affiliated Rural Schools are further strengthened up to the Senior Secondary level wherever required.Sports & Extra curricular activitiesInnovations in teaching & technology learning centre realize your dreamWe are adapting technology. 1210 rural class-Rooms are being equipped with SMART Boards. This is the countrys largest order to Pearsons Edurite.With the highest number of e-classrooms, our schools are well equipped with high technology science and language labs. All the rural schools have department of creative art, sports, media, language lab, adventure and nature clubs & theatre. 19. RuralEducation.in 20. OtherInitiatives in North India Women Empowerment and Gender EqualityRuralEducation.in envisions a society where women have equal rights and are valued. It desires to build a community free of gender inequality resulting in reduction of female feticide in coming years. 21. Health-care Charitable Hospital: It is a fully functional hospital with all state-ofthe art ultra-modern medical facilities. It provides medical care to the poor patients of the rural areas of backward Himalayan region. These patients and their attendants travel to hospital from remote farflung areas to take treatment for various ailments and get cured. Medical Camps: In addition to routine services, general medical camps and Ophthalmologic camps are organized 4-5 times a year. These camps see specialists with various medical specializations from USA, Canada, UK, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Delhi and Mumbai. Around 2500 patients are benefitted and more than 100 operations are carried out free of cost in each of these camps. 22. RenewableEnergy ResearchNew & Renewable EnergyRenewable Projects UndertakenThe Institute of Renewable Energy and Research was established with the purpose of development and encouragement of eco-friendly technologies with the vision of establishing linkages with Indian and International industries and institutes.The organization over the past 15 years has been consistently creating and operating non-conventional and renewable energy sources in its headquarters. As of date, TKT/TKS operates the following renewable energy systems:The institute was entrusted to conduct different courses to train the students and meet the requirements of the industry and to conduct training/entrepreneurship courses for unemployed youths. The courses imparted are: Himachals largest standalone SPV Power Generation of 200 KW Solar water heating System - 18,000 liters/day Dish type Solar cookers - 6 nos. Sheffler Type Solar Heat Concentrator - 2 Nos. Solar Street Lights - 16 Nos. Solar PV Domestic Lights - 10 Nos. Solar steam boilers And many small non-conventional energy utilization programs. Short and long-term courses to train students at the senior secondary level, ITI, diploma holders and engineering students in different streams of solarenergy utilisation as follows: SolarEnergy Technician Certificate Course (3 months duration): For 10th, 12th and students of ITI. Entrepreneurship Course (6 months duration): Solar For ITI, diploma and degree holders. For practical training and demonstration the facilities at the College of Engineering and Technology, Baru-Sahib are used.Assisted by qualified engineers, the organization has managed to become a hub of energy conservation activities in Himachal Pradesh. Soon, a proposal is in the offing to declare its headquarters Baru Sahib as Solar Village 23. Successstories RuralEducation.inStars from Akal Academy Lovepreet Kaur Studying in Wayne State University, Detroit, USA in Engineering stream with a scholarship worth US$ 8000Ms. Jasneet Kaur research scholar from Eternal University, Baru Sahib, bagged the first prize in a poster presentation at a UGC sponsored national symposium on Chemistry Innovations for Human WellPavneet Singh Cleared SAT examination, now studying Computer Science at AmericanBeingUniversity (Washington DC) with a scholarship worth US$ 18,000 Harmeet Kaur Sekhon - English (Hons) from Delhi University - Pursuing MBA in International Business from ICFAI - Writer of two books which are under publication Gurjodhpal Singh - Topped in class X and again in XII - Stood 8th in entrance test for admission to Engineering Colleges in H.P . - Graduated with [B.Tech (CSE)] from NIT, Hamirpur - Now pursuing MBA from IIM, Ahmedabad Gurinder Singh - Post Graduate in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT, Delhi - Now with Morgan Stanley, Mumbai Jaideep Singh Fighter Pilot - IAF Manpreet Kaur Pursuing Ph.D Human Genetics, University of DelhiMaulana Azad Puraskar conferred on Vice-Chancellor, Eternal UniversityRural School Students Create a New Record in WeightliftingRural School Student Bags Gold Medal in Snow Ski ChampionshipEternal University wins National Education Award, 2012 24. SupportrequiredRuralEducation.in Impact of young kids on their village communities: 72 village panchayats opt to keep their villages Liquor Free u/s 40 of the Panchayati Raj Act. We require support in terms of CSR funds, finance, products, time, shared resources, technology, relationships or any other productive means to achieve our mission. We have exemption u/s 80G and 35 AC of the IT Act. We are registered u/s 10(23)c, 12a and FCRA. 25. NationalfootprintThe 2020 Goal - 500 value-based education schoolsRuralEducation.inRural School Office Teacher Recruitment Centre 26. Testimonials s and its s campu uty of t thi bea roughou esent th vates the scenic ty pr strong au nly ele le with nner be go d eop The i dertakin hole p alues an pired un s. Forging w ith a core of v a great ins and tion w untain the mo kills and educa a fine example rders and th ls bo US technica to service is bo ib transcends lebrate h n edicatio ion of Baru Sa lar honor to ce d ent with The vis a singu piring environm gift. een s It has b uch an in Ji!!! ultures. c Day in s u Baba dence Indepen eople. Thank Yo p Today I inspiring ha which is d the good fortu r d n Silve and exc eveloping, into e of visiting Bar Delhi Richard ellence. uSahib, a place sy, New as I am su of high Almighty U S Em b re with learning a the bles place of nd all people, th sings learning is place will be n of the but shall in the co ot ming ye develop ars. Ma into a H only a on all! y God S is hower H oly Place seen th is Blessin I have ower. eeting gs Prof. PK iritual p nity of m the sp tu Dhuma lace of d oppor orking in l Chief M It is a p growing and ha I was w inister, H see his hen P tion nder to Institu 978, w is a wo since 1 t. It Baba JI partmen iety. lture De the soc Agricu ansform tr vision to , imla had of HP Sh Dr. SK S anning), Govt. (Pl AdvisorToday was really astonished to to visit the campus of It was I a wonderful experiencesee in reality, the valleyon Divine Day. We were blessedto meet Baba Ji whowho Annual Peace. Hats off to the visionary has conceptualized this a mission divine. in 1956. met devoted his life to place way back We also The organization is doing which wasservice inspiring. The dedicated volunteers, yeomans very to society by providing quality education to the children, mainly free Academy and the other Institutions setup under the education to children of local poor people. Education is auspices of the Eternal University are of world class and the only way to eradicate poverty. This&step is highly even beyond with a human, spiritual value-based praiseworthy. I wish thatGod organization grows much diversion. We pray to the that the Institution may further. &progress as per the vision of the great Saints. prosper Prof. SS Bari Surendra Singh Khurana Registrar, Punjab University,Board, MD/IRWD Former Chairman, Railway Chandigarh 27. What a wonderful experience to visit more than that. It wasI heard about this place; it is much the campus on This is a Day. We were blessed to meet a part in this rural Annual place worth visiting and taking Baba Ji who has transformation movement. Students of local villages met devoted his life to a mission divine. We also are dedicated volunteers, which was very inspiring. The being given Free Education and all other facilities. Rural School results other Institutions setup under the Academy and the are highly impressive. Government of India, of the Eternal University are of& Punjab Chief auspices Indian State Governments world class and even beyond with a this as a Model. Babavalue-based Minister should adopt human, spiritual & Iqbal Singh diversion. Wesoul. May God that the Institution may is a blessed pray to God give all success to the Kalgidhar Trust! as per the vision of the great Saints. prosper &progress Surendra Singh Khurana Tarlochan Singh MP (RS) Former Chairman, Railway Board, MD/IRWD National Minorities Commissionkal ities of A the facil tructure is y ressed b fras very imp u Sahib. The in d and students I was e y at Bar lue-bas untainhead of Academ ducation is va e is the fo xcellent, isciplined. This e ly d are high d Education. ase value-b ity Univers Ph.D. h Kang, ab Agricultural ing Manjit S cellor, Punj an Vice-Ch a LudhianToday, whatever I observed by visiting the school is in true sense Admirable. There should be more such type of schools in our nation. No child should remain uneducated. This school is located in such an area where its necessity is felt most. By observing the school, I felt that bright future is waiting for students ahead! Banarsi Lal Chawla (Father of Kalpana Chawla)It was a wonderful experience to visit the campus on Annual Day. We were blessed to meet Baba Ji who has devoted his life to a mission divine. We also met dedicated volunteers, which was very inspiring. The Academy and the other Institutions setup under the auspices of the Eternal University are of world class and even beyond with a human, spiritual & value-based diversion. We pray to God that the Institution may prosper &progress as per the vision of the great Saints. Surendra Singh Khurana Former Chairman, Railway Board, MD/IRWD 28. FrequentlyAsked Questions1. Why Rural Education? India is a booming economy but unfortunately the rural areas are feeling alienated from the mainstream. The main cause is lack of good educational facilities in villages. It is seen that GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) is very poor in these rural areas andthe situation is even worse for female population. It is high time to bring rural youth into the folds by Educating them, Enshrining them in values thereby Empowering them. This also saves them being wasted in Drug abuse and alcohol abuse. 2. What is Value-based education (VbE)? Values-based Education (VbE) is an educational framework, which gives equal status to both character development and academic attainment. It improves students' willingness and ability to learn with practice; and enhances their social skills, emotional literacy and wellbeing. Values-based Education is a combination of philosophy, methodology, teaching and learning materials. It is inspirational, as it empowers pupils to be confident, reflective learners, builds high morale. 3. Why 500 schools? Young students have to travel an average of 35-40 kms for quality education in villages. It is imperative that they have quality education virtually on their doorstep. These rural schools will be the shrines of modern education. Not only fighting social evils, but these students also contribute immensely to India's GDP 500 Schools would on culmination benefit around 1 million . students who in turn would touch, move and inspire around 30 million citizens, which is more or less the background of rural areas in these states. 4. Why focus is on North India? North faces the problem of plenty. In relation to North, the education infrastructure in South is already much more developed and quite good. But in rural North, these parameters are poor and need urgent attention. The spread of the drug malady in North needs to be urgently addressed to keep the nation strong.Any social catastrophe would result into a weaker India thus threatening the sovereignty of our country. 5. Why a headgear in rural schools is mandatory? A headgear is mandatory in all our rural schools since we follow the old Indian tradition of Gurukuls, by preserving Indian heritage ofkeeping heads covered in shrines of Education. Also, Headgear is good for protection from the extreme weather conditions like 49 deg during summers. 6. Are TKT/TKS international organizations? TKT/TKS are Indian trusts and almost all TKT/TKS supporters are Indians or have Indian origin. Funds are deployed in India to benefit underprivileged Indian children in rural areas and a small proportion is also invested in local causes. 7. In that case, how do we raise resources? Donations from concerned individuals and organizations. Some may sponsor the costs of education and/or health inputs to a child or group of children. 8. Are these schools self-sustainable? The organization worked diligently on a simple robust economic model. Donations and funds were to be used only for CAPEX or creating infrastructure ie. schools. OPEX or working capital was to be generated by each school by charging low cost fees. Schools break-even after around 8 years and surpluses are ploughed back to build more schools. 9. The problem is HUGE! Will my small contribution make a difference? Sure it will. In fact, we estimate that even something small, can pay for a child's education and health. And, trust us, all those small contributions put together add up to a LOT!Rs. 4 crs = Rs. 135 crs in 20 years: For example every school wherein a seed capital of Rs. 4 crores is invested, after a few years becomes sustainable and its by products ie. Empowered students easily contribute Rs. 135 crores to Indias GDP on the next 20 years. Rs. 3 lakhs = Rs. 18 lakhs in 10 years: Every girl who is trained to be a Teacher requires Rs. 3 lakhs to be spent in 5 years whilst she easily contributes Rs. 16-18 lakhs to Indias GDP in the next 10 years after becoming a Teacher. 29. SupportersB POL I NJACEPUOurlearning centre realize your dreamPAR EXCELLENCEPine LabsGEORGETOWN UNIVERSITYLive Healthier. Live Longer. 30. RuralEducation.in The Kalgidhar Trust (Registered with the Registrar of Trusts, Shimla vide Regn. No. 189 dated 22-10-1982, Exempted u/s 80G of IT Act. Registered under FCRA.)The Kalgidhar Society (Registered with the Registrar of Societies, Shimla vide Regn. No. 3111/83 dated 24-03-1983, Exempted u/s 80G of IT Act. Registered under FCRA. Hospital granted exemption u/s 35AC)Head Quarters: Via Rajgarh, Dist. Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh 173 101, India Tel: +91 1799 276 031/91, +91 98160 33303 Regd. Office F-3, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi 110 027, India Mob: +91 98102 30023, 98100 92292 Tel: +91 11 4243 4243www.RuralEducation.in info@ruraleducation.in