Patanjali's Tathagat Global Gurukulam Foundation Stone Laid in Remote Balod Village
In a significant step toward enhancing educational accessibility in India's most remote regions, the foundation stone for Tathagat Global Gurukulam was ceremonially laid at Bheja Jungli, a tribal village located in the Gurur development block of Balod district. This strategic initiative represents a major commitment to providing free, high-quality education to children from forest and tribal communities, aligning with broader national objectives of inclusive growth and social equity.
Ceremony Marked by Traditional Rituals and Dignitary Presence
The foundation ceremony, organized jointly by Jakwar Foundation and Tathagat Trust, witnessed participation from hundreds of tribal residents and local stakeholders. The event was graced by the presence of N. P. Singh, Chairman of the Indian Education Board and Patron of Tathagat Trust, alongside G. R. Rana, former Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
Prior to the formal proceedings, traditional rituals were conducted with prayers dedicated to Raja Rao Baba and Kankalin Mata. The ceremony also included floral tributes to the portrait of tribal freedom fighter Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, highlighting the cultural and historical significance embedded within this educational endeavor.
Bridging the Rural-Urban Education Divide
Addressing the gathering, N. P. Singh emphasized that the core mission of Tathagat Global Gurukulam is to bridge the educational gap between rural and urban areas. He articulated that tribal and rural children deserve access to learning standards comparable to those available in metropolitan cities' reputed institutions.
"The vision of a developed India remains incomplete unless children in the most remote regions receive equal educational opportunities," Singh stated, underscoring the foundational philosophy driving this project.
Comprehensive Educational Framework Beyond Academics
The Gurukulam is designed to extend beyond traditional academic curricula, incorporating:
- Value-based education and life skills development
- Personality development programmes and career guidance
- Preparation for central armed forces and defence services examinations
- Employment-oriented skill courses
- Structured training for women in cottage industries to promote economic self-reliance
Special emphasis will be placed on supporting meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder educational advancement.
Project Timeline and Future Vision
Announcing the project roadmap, N. P. Singh confirmed that construction activities will commence in February. The Gurukulam is scheduled for inauguration alongside the annual Raja Rao worship ceremony at Raja Rao Plateau.
Singh expressed confidence that students graduating from this institution will progress to leadership positions across various sectors, including:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Judicial services
- Other nation-building roles
Expected Impact and Community Participation
The Tathagat Global Gurukulam is projected to directly benefit children from Bheja Jungli and approximately 10–12 surrounding villages, potentially triggering a positive socio-educational transformation across the forest belt. The foundation ceremony saw active participation from local representatives, including Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Sheela Yadav, Panch Nageshwar Salam, Dinesh Yadav, Balram Goti, and other dignitaries, reflecting strong community engagement.
This initiative represents a concrete step toward realizing Patanjali's vision of educational equity, potentially serving as a model for similar interventions in other underserved regions of India.
