Hindu Society of North Carolina

Author(s): Hindu Society of North Carolina
Publisher: Hindu Society of North Carolina

Page 28

Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA
The Ekal Vidyalaya movement aims to help eradicate illiteracy from rural and tribal India. To date, Ekal Vidyalaya is a movement of over 15,330 teachers, 3,500 voluntary workers, 20 field organizations (scattered in 22 Indian states), and 8 support agencies. With this tremendous human force, the Ekal Vidyalaya movement strives to create a network of non-formal schools that will educate and empower children in rural and tribal India. The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation is a charitable trust that initiates, supports, and runs non-formal oneteacher schools all over the country. With the participation of numerous non-profit trusts and organizations, this program has now become the greatest non-governmental education movement in the country. For more information, please visit www.ekalvidya.org
The Ekal video that will be shown will give a glimpse of this phenomenal education movement. It will present a first-hand look at the conditions where these schools are built, t he socio-economic state of the villagers, the enthusiasm of the children that attend the Ekal Vidyalaya and how this concept is transforming all of India, village by village, into a nation of literate, intelligent and ambitious people.
26
Hindi Vikas Mandal (HVM) is a non-profit, voluntary organization based in the Triangle area that promotes study and awareness of Hindi language and strives to foster Indian culture and traditions through Hindi. HVM has a special focus on the youth for the preservation of Indian Culture and heritage. Programs are conducted throughout the year to attain above described goals. Some of the major programs include Holi/Baisakhi Mela, Picnic, Poetry, Dramas, etc. HVM has been celebrating India's Independence Day since 1999 in collab oration with other Indian organizations. Membership is open to everybody who loves Hindi.
ORIGIN & MISSION OF HINDI VIKAS MANDAL
Over twenty years ago, several Indians residing in the triangle area reali zed a need for their children to learn their mother tongue of "Hindi". The Hindi speaking citizens from the area initiated the move to cultivate Hindi language among their children through various cultural activities. Henceforth, Hindi Vikas Mandal was launched as a non-profit organization registered with the Secretary of State of North Carolina. The founders agreed to its charter and constitution. It has a Board of Trustees with nine members and a Board of Director for day to day activities with seven members. Its main objectives are:
1. Enhance knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the Hindi language and literature to preserve Indian culture and heritage among new generations.
2. Teach reading, writing, and speaking skills in Hindi.
3. Provide a platform for discussions and debates in Hindi.
4. Facilitate translation of English and other languages into Hindi and vice versa.
5. Foster Indian philosophy and culture through the medium of Hindi language.
6. Obtain affiliation from recognized examining agency to grant dip lomas for proficiency in Hindi.
HVM has adopted several platforms to promote its cause through cultural programs, dances, dramas, poetry, camps, picnics, etc. HVM yearly membership is $10 and life membership is $100. HVM publishes its newsletter quarterly.
Patron Dr. Gangadhar Sharma
HINDU SOCIETY OF NORTH CAROLINA CELEBERATION AND APPRICIATION (1976-2006)
age
December 2006