My Visit to a School in an Indian Village Made Me Realize the Power of ‘A Dollar A Day’

As an American teenager of Indian descent, I had a limited understanding of the vast inequalities impacting my ethnic homeland. Visiting an underprivileged school in a village in Telangana was a profound awakening, revealing the extraordinary power of service to foster hope and transformation. The school is run by EKAL Vidyalaya, a nonprofit organization bringing education to remote villages in India through its chapters worldwide. Established in 1989, the organization has funded over 90,000 schools on a low budget of one dollar a day. 

The Reason

Inspired by EKAL’s mission, myself and some friends started a youth chapter in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) area of North Carolina. Dedicated to funding this initiative, my volunteer work has always been driven by a desire to make a tangible difference. In our community, we not only started two high school clubs dedicated to EKAL, but engaged the youth population in supporting our cause. By hosting fundraiser events such as coffee socials and sports tournaments, along with speaking at large donor events, our chapter has been nothing short of successful by raising awareness among youth in the RTP area and funding many EKAL schools. 

The EKAL stories and reports I encountered as a leader painted vivid pictures of the challenges these underprivileged communities faced, but I yearned for deeper understanding. Many high schoolers put effort towards community service, but comprehending the significance of these efforts and the positive impact they make is what many students lack. While I felt I was creating change in the United States, I wouldn’t be convinced until I viewed the results halfway across the world, in India. This desire led me to visit an EKAL school in India. It felt beyond exciting to witness firsthand the impact of our efforts and to forge a stronger connection with the students striving for a greater future.

The Journey

The trip to Thimmapur village itself was a transformative experience. Departing from the bustling city of Hyderabad, our path took us through a mosaic of rural vistas — meandering streets, lush fields, and humble villages, each scene a vivid contrast to the urban sprawl of India I had been familiar with. Polluted city air converted to a gentle breeze that swept in through the car’s windows. The roads grew narrower and more rugged. Rhesus monkeys and bulls parading the streets, unafraid of the vehicles passing close by. As we ventured deeper into the countryside, rice fields engulfed the lands; a few women stooped low to plant rice seedlings. My anticipation and curiosity about the school ahead heightened.

The School

Deep within the city of Thimmapur, the school undoubtedly caught my attention. Upon entrance, we were greeted by a massive statue of the Goddess Saraswati, a Hindu embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. The school’s worn walls told stories of not only hardship and hope, but love and appreciation for learning. Two small classrooms were attached to the school’s outdoor hall. Blue pillars emerging from the ground corresponded with the matching window shutters. I took note of English sentences written across the school’s chalkboard and multiplication tables desperately clinging to the walls. Across the dirt courtyard were a few restrooms. Entering the school, the scarcity of resources was immediately apparent. Old desks and tattered books reflected both the daily struggles and achievements within these rooms.

The Students

Immediately upon our arrival, the children’s eyes followed our car as we pulled into the entrance. Suddenly, they stood up from organized rows on the hall floor and greeted us proudly with Namaste. Their eyes shined brightly with a relentless desire to learn and a spark of curiosity. Not one student seemed unappreciative of their circumstances. Furthermore, the students listened without hesitation to their teachers, sitting quietly with proper posture while waiting for instructions. 

The students surpassed all expectations I had. To say they were well-behaved and smart would be an understatement. After introductions and a short prayer, the students showcased both their academic and intellectual skills. A few students spoke full sentences in English, while others recited multiplication tables at incredible speed and chanted prayers from memory. The final student sang beautifully in front of all her peers. Following each performance, the students and teachers roared with applause. It was inspiring to be a part of such a service-oriented community that celebrated learning and found joy in education. 

The Teachers

The teachers, though few, are heroes of dedication, devoting their lives to nurturing their students’ minds and spirits. Despite working full time or pursuing higher education all day, they chose to spend their evenings supporting the children. Their low salaries are secondary to their mission. Through their efforts, the light of education continues to shine in the smallest of communities. Their passion for service was heartwarming and moving as I realized the amount of work and time they poured into these students’ lives. 

Mr. Chandrasekhar, the lead officer (Karyalaya Pramukh), and Mr. Sathish, the lead teacher (Acharya), care for the students immensely, teaching them not only educational topics but life skills. Through his teachings, he has taught the children respect, dedication, and curiosity. Mr. Sathish himself is a Masters student. His relentless efforts have produced some of the brightest students in the District (Mandal) and his support for the students despite his own life commitments highlights the powerful impact that committed educators can have on transforming lives.

The Impact

Recognizing the lack of resources and exposure to technical fields, I designed a STEM program for the students at the EKAL school. Through various problem-solving and engineering activities, I guided the children and allowed them to access their creativity. The students’ eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement. Despite the challenges, their eagerness to learn was unwavering. They even completed the activities without my assistance and experimented with supplies and techniques. 

The shapes activity took me by surprise. Although the only supplies were popsicle sticks and Play-Doh, the students immediately caught on to directions and built shapes quickly and accurately. I watched the students work together and problem-solve when challenges arose, such as their shape falling apart or the shape being complicated to create. Not only did they enjoy the experience, but they learned how to overcome obstacles and think outside the box. By the end of the activity, I saw not only their newfound passion for STEM, but also a boost in their confidence and aspirations. It was a rewarding experience that reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of providing opportunities to all children. 

The Bigger Picture

Visiting an EKAL school was both a humbling and enlightening experience. I finally was able to grasp the real-life results of my own efforts in the United States. I learned that the struggles faced by these communities in India reflect a broader issue that requires collective action. While government initiatives and non-profits including EKAL have made progress, the journey towards educational equality is far from over. There is a pressing need for better infrastructure, teacher training, and community engagement to create an environment conducive to learning.

In our interconnected world, the plight of these schools should inspire global support and resources to help those in need. Education is not just a right, but a catalyst for social change, economic improvement, and human development. While learning may be easily accessible in countries like America, it is important to expose ourselves to the inequalities found around the world. Furthermore, it is nothing short of an inspiring experience to witness where our volunteering efforts, funds, and dedication truly go. The stories of the EKAL students and teachers remind us of the potential that awaits.

As I left the village, the echoes of laughter and lessons stayed with me. The visit to this EKAL school was more than just a trip; it was a profound journey into the heart of hope. EKAL and many other committed organizations have reinforced the belief that education is the foundation for resilient and empowered societies. 

Despite adversity, the unwavering spirit of these young scholars shines, lighting the way toward a more equitable and enlightened future. Together, we can work towards providing education for all, despite background or status. Only one question remains: what will you do to help?

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Tara Budampati is a senior in high school from North Carolina who is passionate about STEM, community service, and bridging gaps in healthcare disparities across marginalized communities. She looks forward to inspiring other teenagers through her writing and uplifting those around her.