​​​​​​​​​​​Ranjani Saigal’s Insights:

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1. Connecting Vayuputra's Transformative Theme with Education:

   • In response to a question about the connection between the transformative journey of Vayuputra and the impact of education, Ranjani Saigal explained that Lord Hanuman’s journey of realizing his strength mirrors the potential of children in rural areas who often don’t have the opportunities to recognize their own capabilities. Through Ekal Vidyalaya, Ranjani Saigal’s organization brings education to underserved communities, helping these children unlock their hidden potential and empowering them to achieve greatness.
      

2. Ekal Vidyalaya’s Holistic Approach:

   • Ranjani Saigal emphasized that Ekal Vidyalaya’s efforts extend beyond academics. For instance, their “Meals We Plan” project addresses nutritional needs, and an upcoming dance competition will encourage physical activity. She drew a parallel between these holistic initiatives and Hanuman’s journey in Vayuputra, which shows the importance of balancing physical strength, mental resilience, and self-awareness to fully realize one’s potential.
      

3. Education and the Arts as Vehicles for Transformation:

   • Ranjani Saigal shared her belief that both education and the arts are powerful tools for transformation. Education provides individuals with the tools they need to grow, build resilience, and overcome challenges. She highlighted that the arts, like dance, can also be a transformative force, resonating deeply with Vayuputra’s message of empowerment and the importance of self-determination.
      

4. The Impact of Ekal Vidyalaya:

   • Reflecting on the work of Ekal Vidyalaya, Ranjani Saigal explained how the foundation’s mission aligns with the themes of empowerment in Vayuputra. Through its extensive network of rural schools, Ekal Vidyalaya is helping children build not only academic knowledge but also character and resilience, enabling them to thrive in their communities. Ranjani Saigal’s leadership in this endeavor is focused on breaking down barriers to education and helping children realize their own potential.
      

Conclusion:
In this inspiring interview with Ascend Jiva Media, Ranjani Saigal shared her insights into the powerful intersection of education and self-empowerment. Her work with Ekal Vidyalaya reflects the core values of Vayuputra, focusing on the transformative power of education to help individuals discover and develop their true potential. Ranjani Saigal’s commitment to holistic education and the belief that both mind and body must be nurtured for true empowerment parallels the lessons of resilience and self-awareness that are central to Lord Hanuman’s journey in Vayuputra.

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About Ranjani Saigal

Ranjani Saigal is a beacon of inspiration and the Executive Director of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA, a nonprofit that impacts the lives of over 2.8 million children across 100,000 rural schools in India and Nepal. Under her leadership, the foundation continues to make transformative changes in the lives of underserved communities, focusing on education, empowerment, and social development.

 

Her forward-thinking initiatives, such as Ekal on Wheels, reflect her strategic mindset in bringing digital literacy to remote areas, bridging the digital divide. With an academic background in education technology from IIT Mumbai, coupled with a remarkable 25-year career at MIT and Tufts University, Ranjani brings unparalleled expertise to her leadership role at Ekal Vidyalaya.
 

Ranjani Saigal is not only a leader in education, but also an entrepreneur and a community advocate. She co-founded Lokvani.com, a South Asian e-magazine that reached over 40,000 subscribers and offered a platform for South Asian voices. In her hometown of Burlington, Massachusetts, she actively contributes to community growth as a board member of the Burlington Food Pantry and other initiatives. Additionally, she has been an instrumental figure in preserving cultural heritage as the founder of one of Boston’s oldest Indian classical dance schools.

 

Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the India New England Women of the Year Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American Commission. Ranjani Saigal's influence is also felt in the spiritual realm, as she is a qualified priest, performing Hindu wedding ceremonies.
 

Through her multifaceted leadership, Ranjani Saigal has become a recognized pillar of both the New England and global community. Her impact resonates deeply in the lives of the many individuals and communities she has touched, inspiring others to take action toward positive change.