Adani Vidya Mandir, the school that offers free education to the poor in Ahmedabad

Despite being a fundamental right, education is sometimes a fruit that can't be eaten for lakhs of children in India. In an attempt to change that, at least in Ahmedabad, Adani Vidya Mandir aims to offer education to poor children free of cost. Priti Adani, wife of prominent industrialist Gautam Adani, spearheads this initiative.

Children whose parents have an annual income of less than Rs 1,50,000 are allowed to be enrolled into the institution. Apart from education, the children are also provided with notebooks, textbooks, breakfast, lunch, uniform, transportation and counselling. Started with just three classes in 2008, this CBSE-affiliated school now hosts 1,100 students in total and education is given from Class III to XII. The students also get to study with the help of digitalised equipment, from digital boards to projectors. They are also taught self-defence techniques.

Aman Sayed, a student, in a chat with India TV said,

"This school is different from others in many ways. Prayers are held here twice, first before the commencement of classes and secondly when you leave the school for the day. Learning by doing is the principle here."

 According to a Livemint report, the school also aims to offer quality education to the children of tribals, besides ensuring free medical assistance and healthcare via mobile medicare units and vocational training for women to make them financially independent.

Talking about the values the school adheres to, Priti told India TV,

"Our teachers are very committed. We have a child-centric approach. We believe in experiential learning theory. Character building is another thing which we teach them, making them responsible towards the society and the world is also crucial. It is an integral part of our curriculum."

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