‘Ekal Ke Rang Aapke Sang’ A Musical Evening Raises $64,000 to Garner Support for Rural Education


 
Ekal Ke Rang Aapke Sang held at Global Mall-Jimmy carter Boulevard, a lively musical evening, united the community in support of Ekal Vidyalaya’s mission to promote rural education and empowerment. The event achieved a remarkable milestone by raising $64,000 and securing sponsorships for 173 schools, further advancing Ekal’s transformative efforts in rural India.
 
Shiv Aggarwal, Atlanta Chapter President and a staunch supporter of Ekal, opened the evening by emphasizing the impact of education. “When you educate a child, you empower an entire generation. Ekal is lighting the lamp of knowledge in the remotest corners of India,” he remarked.
 

By Achala Kanungo
Photo Credit: Kailas Pramodh Photography

Event Highlights
The evening began with a ceremonial lamp lighting by distinguished dignitaries:
State Senator Shawn Still
State Senator Carter Barret
State Representative Matt Reeves
Deputy Consulate General of India Madan Kumar Ghildiyal
Consulate General of India Ramesh Babu
John’s Creek City Council Member Bob Erramilli
The dignitaries expressed their admiration for Ekal’s work. State Senator Shawn Still highlighted its transformative role, stating, “Ekal is more than an organization; it’s a movement that is rewriting the story of rural India through education and empowerment.”
 
 

The cultural segment of the evening was introduced by Emcee Vrushali Deshpande, who set the tone with her soulful rendition of “Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai.” Neetu Singh coordinated to bring the dance academies and performers on stage, ensuring a seamless and vibrant showcase of talent that enthralled the audience.
Dances
Garima Dance Academy
Shiv Dance Academy
NNKB Academy (Kumud Savla)
Jain School Folk Dance: “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma” and “Mere Mahavir Sun Meri Bhakti Ki Dhun”
Musical Performances
Rekha Pallath: A seasoned singer who has performed with legends like Bappi Lahiri and Adnan Sami enthralled the audience with “Satyam Shivam Sundaram.” She reflected, “Music has the power to bring people together, and tonight, it’s bringing us together for the noble cause of education.”
Saras Jain: A Hindustani classical vocalist and finalist in Zee TV’s Atlanta Idol delivered mesmerizing performances of “Teri Deewani” and “Preet Ki Lat Mohe Aisi Lagi.”
Raaga Vahini: This versatile group delivered a soulful performance of “Yeh Moh Moh Ke Dhaage,” blending folk and contemporary styles.
Sandeep Chawat: An award-winning Hindustani classical trainer, captivated the crowd with “Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Re.”
Ajay Upadhyaya: Vice President of Ekal’s Atlanta Chapter added  an electrifying touch, kept the energy alive with timeless hits like “Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai.”

 
Ekal’s Impact and Vision
The evening wasn’t just about performances; it was also an opportunity to shed light on Ekal Vidyalaya’s mission and initiatives. Ajay Upadhyaya, shared updates on the organization’s latest projects:
Establishing computer labs to train children and introducing tablets for modern, interactive learning.
Empowering women through tailoring centers and vocational training programs.
Delivering healthcare services to remote villages through telemedicine.

Ajay remarked, “Ekal Vidyalaya believes in the transformative power of education. It is not just about teaching children; it’s about creating self-reliant communities. Through education, we are breaking the cycle of poverty and creating hope for a brighter future.”
Shiv Aggarwal echoed this sentiment, adding, “Empowering women and children is not just a necessity but a responsibility. Ekal’s efforts in healthcare, education, and skill development are paving the way for a more equitable society.”
 
Hospitality and Closing Performances
The evening also showcased the warmth of community spirit. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad Association served tea and refreshments, creating a welcoming atmosphere. More than 20 volunteers worked tirelessly to make this event a success, ensuring every detail was attended to with precision and care.
The event concluded with a medley of timeless classics, including “Bachna Ae Haseeno,” “Deewana Hua Baadal,” and “Sawan Ki Ghata Chhayi.”
 

 
Ekal Vidyalaya’s mission to transform rural education and empower communities resonated deeply with all attendees. The event celebrated a harmonious blend of music, culture, and purpose. State Representative Matt Reeves aptly summed it up: “When you invest in education, you are investing in the prosperity of a nation. Ekal is proving that one school at a time can change lives.”
The evening reaffirmed the belief that “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”—a vision that Ekal Vidyalaya is turning into a reality, one village at a time.