Lakshya Foundation’s “Eklavya Study Centre”: Igniting the Flame of Education in Lavhali

In the remote, picturesque tribal region of Lavhali, near Badlapur, education has long been an elusive dream. Despite government schemes, schools, and facilities, many children remained away from classrooms due to poverty, lack of awareness, and the pressing need to earn for survival. Recognizing this, Lakshya Foundation stepped in with a mission to bring tribal children back into the educational fold, transforming lives through innovation, persistence, and compassion.

The Journey of Discovery and Action

Since 2010, the Foundation’s team undertook a painstaking effort to visit 15 tribal hamlets in the Lavhali area. Through door-to-door surveys, they understood the challenges faced by children and families. The survey revealed stark realities: most children dropped out after 5th to 7th grade, very few had progressed to 10th grade, and no tribal student had yet attained a college degree. Small homes, lack of electricity, and an absence of academic encouragement made home-based learning nearly impossible.

Motivated to create a tangible solution, the Foundation provided personalized academic guidance, encouraged students to appear for exams, and funded their continued education. Students who had abandoned schooling now had a path to complete their 10th and 12th-grade exams and pursue higher studies.

Inception of the Eklavya Study Centre

The Foundation’s vision culminated in the creation of the Eklavya Study Centre, a self-study hub inspired by the legendary Eklavya, who mastered archery through self-learning and focus. The centre was formally inaugurated on 14th April 2012, coinciding with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, to symbolize the power of education as a tool for empowerment.

The inauguration ceremony featured Deepa Pardhi, a determined student who had overcome both personal and systemic challenges, inaugurating the study centre. Other students also played a pivotal role in opening facilities: Dashrath Kadadi inaugurated the computer lab, while Chandrakant Wagh unveiled the library. Trustees and volunteers, including Shirish Patil, Pravin Sawle, Rajendra Suryavanshi, Sachin Chotalia, and Mahendra Rode, were present to mark this milestone.

Facilities and Opportunities for Students

The Eklavya Study Centre was designed as a comprehensive learning environment, offering:

Academic resources: Books, guides, and curricula aligned with state education
Computer labs: For digital literacy and future skills
Sewing machines: For vocational training and self-employment opportunities
Library and study spaces: Enabling focused, self-directed learning
Meal provisions: Ensuring students can study comfortably all day
E-learning initiatives: Planned for the near future with projector-based sessions

This holistic approach ensures that students can focus on self-study, skill-building, and personal development, creating a pathway toward independence and empowerment.

Impact and Success Stories

In just two years, 85 students who had previously abandoned schooling returned to education under the Foundation’s guidance. Students like Deepa Pardhi, Dashrath Kadadi, Chandrakant Wagh, Meena Bangare, Dinesh Shende, and Surekha Kambri are now pursuing college, technical courses, and vocational skills. Their achievements inspire other children in the region to follow suit, proving that consistent support and guidance can break cycles of educational deprivation.

The Foundation’s approach also bridges the gap between government initiatives and the tribal population, ensuring students can access educational opportunities that were previously out of reach.

News Coverage: Recognition of the Initiative

The Eklavya Study Centre received widespread media recognition, highlighting its impact and innovative approach:

Dainik Adarsh Badlapur (12 April 2012)
- Announced the upcoming inauguration of the Eklavya Study Centre on Dr. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.
- Highlighted the Foundation’s two-year engagement in 15 tribal hamlets, emphasizing door-to-door surveys and support for students who had dropped out.
Dainik Nyay Darbar (15 April 2012)
- Focused on the Foundation’s educational bridge, bringing tribal students back into the mainstream.
- Covered the inauguration by Deepa Pardhi and highlighted the provision of computers, sewing machines, and self-study resources.
Dainik Samana (16 April 2012)
- Emphasized computer literacy initiatives and the inclusion of vocational skills training for tribal children.
- Highlighted the Foundation’s dedication to reintroducing students to the educational stream despite socioeconomic challenges.
Dainik Navbharat (18 April 2012)
- Reported on the broader mission of bringing children back from fields and brick kilns to classrooms, stressing the Foundation’s role in re-engaging tribal students.
Dainik Navnagar (18 April 2012)
- Described the Eklavya Study Centre as a “bridge for tribal students”, with details on facilities including library, sewing machines, and computer labs.
Dainik Mumbai Mitra (18 April 2012)
- Highlighted the challenges faced by students and the Foundation’s comprehensive solution, from self-study centres to vocational training.
Dainik Loksatta (18 April 2012)
- Focused on the modern Eklavyas, noting that the initiative provided both academic and vocational resources to overcome systemic educational neglect.
Dainik Ambernath Times (19 April 2012)
- Praised the student-led inaugurations and emphasized the Foundation’s hands-on approach, guiding students who otherwise would have abandoned education.
Dainik Lokmat (1 May 2012)
- Shared the remarkable outcome: 85 students brought back into education within two years, highlighting sustained impact and future potential.

The consistent media coverage not only validated the initiative but also showcased Lakshya Foundation’s dedication, planning, and transformative effect on the tribal community.

Vision for the Future

The Eklavya Study Centre is not just a self-study hub—it is a beacon of hope for Lavhali’s tribal children. By blending academic guidance, digital literacy, vocational skills, and mentoring, the Foundation is nurturing a generation of modern Eklavyas who can achieve their dreams despite systemic challenges.

As Shirish Patil, Chief Trustee of Lakshya Foundation, remarks:

“Just as Eklavya mastered archery through focus and self-learning, our students will excel academically and personally. We provide the tools, guidance, and support; their commitment will shape the change.”

With education now within reach, Lavhali’s tribal children are beginning to dream, learn, and create their own future, marking the Eklavya Study Centre as a model for community-driven educational transformation.