IV Chronicle 2010 (1) - Isha Vidhya

VIDHYA
Educating Rural India
ISHA VIDHYA CHRONICLE 2010
An annual review

VIDHYA
Educating Rural India...

CONTENTS
Why Isha Vidhya – A Synopsis
Founder's Vision
Project Director'’s sharing
Our Management Structure
Key Events and Activities During this year
Our Journey So Far
Our Scholarship Program
Financials
Future Plans – Expansion at Seven Schools
A Day in the Life of an Isha Vidhya Student
Muthuraj's Story
You are making it Happen
02
03
04
06
07
09
12
14
15
16
18
19
01

Why Isha Vidhya - A Synopsis
India as a whole has experienced great economic success over the past two decades, yet poverty continues to
pervade rural life. Eighty percent of India's 780 million rural population (which constitutes 70% of India's total
population), still lives on less than $2 a day*. Education is the key to opening the door for India's rural populations to
escape poverty and share in the country's economic growth. For most rural children, however, school means run
down facilities with unmotivated and frequently absent teachers. Education imparted in the local language restricts
future opportunities to the small boundary of the native locality**. After completing 12 years of schooling, rural
students often graduate lacking basic skills and are unable to find suitable employment or pursue higher education.
Isha Vidhya aims to transform the lives of rural children by providing affordable, high-quality education where it is
otherwise unavailable.
Less than 50% of Tamil Nadu students in the 3rd through
5th standards can read simple sentences in Tamil, and
only 10% can read simple sentences in English. ***
Isha Vidhya's scalable model employs a carefully designed methodology which guarantees a high standard of
education despite the limitations of the rural setting. In the first phase, Isha Vidhya plans to set up 207 schools in
villages across Tamil Nadu, one school for each of Tamil Nadu's 207 taluks.
* International Fund for Agricultural Development, 2004-2005 studies
** Primary school teachers in rural India have a 25% absenteeism rate
Study by Chaudhury N., J. Hammer, M Knemer, K.Muralidharan, and F.H.,Rogers (2006). 'Missing in Action: Teacher and Health Worker;
Absence in Developing Countries', Volume 20, November 1,Journal of Economic Perspectives, Pittsburg
*** Annual Status of Education Report, India 2009
02

Founder's Vision
Generation after generation people in villages are living in the same suppressed socio-economic conditions
without any improvement. The only remedy to this situation is education. If we can provide villagers with this ladder,
they will have a chance to come out of their situation. But, what is happening is education is being conducted as a
business: New schools are being built in cities where money is abundant, but they're not being built in places where
they are needed the most. To put India on the developing path, we need to provide education to each and every child
in the country, irrespective of where they are; whether they are in villages or in cities.
At Isha Vidhya, our concern is not merely about
preparing our children to get through the
examinations, get a good job, and earn money; but
also, about making them into loving, caring, and
cheerful human beings. Education which does not
move people towards an unprejudiced, fearless,
unshackled way of life is not education.
~ Sadhuguru Jaggi Vasudev
Having one billion illiterate, uneducated, disorganized, unhealthy and undernourished people is a huge
liability for any country. No society can ever hope to flourish with this kind of baggage. At the same time, having one
billion people who are educated, focused, disciplined, committed and inspired would be a miracle. Are we as a people
going to make ourselves into a disaster or into a miracle remains to be seen in the next 20 years. We are sitting on a
threshold of possibility. For the first time in the history of humanity, we have the necessary resources, capability and
technology to solve all basic human problems of nourishment, health, education and livelihood. The only thing
missing is the necessary willingness, the necessary consciousness to make it happen. So, for the first time we are
capable, but whether we are going to do it or not is the big question. Isha Vidhya is a small effort in this direction.
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
Isha Vidhya Founder Trustee & Chairperson
03

Project Director’s Sharing
I have recently taken over as Project Director of Isha Vidhya from my predecessor, Venkat, who had tirelessly
nurtured this organization for the last four years. Being new around here, a lot of my time has been spent visiting our
schools, meeting with teachers, parents and volunteers. To me, this has been as much an emotional experience as it
has been a learning experience. I would like to share with you some of these experiences.
As you know, our schools are all located in villages at least 10 to 25 km from the nearest town or city. Many of
our teachers travel the extra distance (and the extra two hours) every day. Also, given our resource constraints, the
salaries we offer our teachers are also perhaps relatively lower than most private schools and certainly far below
those of Govt. schools. Our students too come from the lower economic strata of society. Most of them are first
generation school goers and can get absolutely no help in their academics at home. These children not only learn a
new language, but they have to learn in a new language, viz English. To overcome the handicap of their background,
our teachers use several tools which they themselves spend several days learning to use. But the cheerful way I saw
them go about their work, the commitment and sincerity they showed, was simply touching. It is very clear that our
teachers deeply cherish the opportunity that our schools provide them, to shape the destinies of these otherwise
helpless children.
Being a part of Isha Vidhya is certainly one of the
greatest privileges of my life. As Sadhguru told me just before I
took up this responsibility, this is not just another job. If we
don't build and run these schools, these children just don't have
any other chance to get out of their helpless situations and
improve their lives. These words have been ringing in my head
every wakeful moment of mine, reminding me of the long way
we have to go. My sincerest thanks to every single donor who
has cared enough to make this happen for children they have
neither known nor seen...
~ Project Director, Isha Vidya
The meeting of the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) is an annual feature in each school and I had the
privilege of attending them in each of our seven schools last month. The first thing that struck me was the heavy
attendance at every one of these meetings, irrespective of whether it was a relatively new school or old. Out of the
average 400 children in each school, almost 200 to 250 parents were present for each of the PTA meetings. And when
we asked them to tell us their grievances and suggestions for improvement, they more often than not, ended up
praising the school.
04

Most parents feel sad that they are unable to help their child with the homework but are deeply grateful that
the school does not demand it of them as the extra help their children need is provided by the teachers themselves.
Many share that they cannot believe the kind of education their children are getting, despite their low incomes,
something they had not even dreamed possible earlier. Many are plainly relieved and grateful that the future of their
children seems far more secure and meaningful than their own. I had to wipe a tear off my own eyes, when an illiterate
parent, working as a laborer, shared, that his little daughter was now teaching him to read.
A parent shared about her two older children, whom she had moved from school to school, dissatisfied with
what they had offered. Despite all her efforts to help her children study, the results did not show. Only one barely
passed the 10th standard exam, while the other failed. Neither of them learnt to speak English properly despite
studying in English medium schools. Her third child, who was now in Isha Vidhya, was a far happier contrast and
thoroughly enjoyed school and studying. From her past experience she could really appreciate the importance of a
child enjoying the process of learning and thanked the school for using methods that ensure it.
Another parent came up and said she was from a lower middle class sect, but seeing how so many totally
unseen and unknown people cared enough to contribute and build this school, she too wanted to contribute in her
own small way. She said she felt deeply grateful to all those donors who gave her child this school. She pulled out
Rs.250 which she said she had been saving for the last few weeks, and handed it to me to buy two new books for the
school library. Hers was the last sharing of the meeting, which concluded soon after. To our surprise, several parents
came to us after the meeting and in 15 minutes we found that we had Rs. 2600 in spontaneous, unsolicited
contributions. These were very ordinary people, with very ordinary income levels. To see them make this effort and
show such concern was truly touching and deeply humbling.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made these schools possible; the teachers,
parents, volunteers and our donors in particular.
Sincerely
Vinod Hari, Isha Vidhya Project Director
05

Our Management Structure
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Founder Trustee & Chairperson
Smt. Barathi Varadharaj, Managing Trustee
Shri. M.S.Rajarathinam, Treasurer
Shri. Prahlad Kakkar, Ad Guru
Shri. Deepak Satwalekar, Ex Managing Director, HDFC Ltd. and HDFC Standard Life ltd.
Shri. Dorairaj, Attorney
Swami. Nisarga, ME, Educationalist
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Shri. Ravi Venkatesh, Chairman, Microsoft India
Shri. K.Kumaran, Industrialist
Shri. Dr. Sama, Chairman, Sir Ganga Ram Hospitals, New Delhi
Shri. D.R. Karthikeyan, Former Director, CBI
Smt. Radhika, Lawyer
06

Key Events during this Year
medic al camp
krishna jayanthi
diwali celebration
sport’s Day
dedication function
independence
Day
Annual Day
07

Mid-day meals at Coimbatore,
Key Activities during this Year
Cuddalore an d Nager
coil
Yoga Class
science exhibition
Art Class
fruits day
Physical training
compute r Aide d learning
08

and Tutic orin. Isha Vid hya Scholarship Program was also launched
in same year to ensure ch ildren from eve n th e most economicall
y
deprived backgrounds h ave a chance to receive quality education
Our Journey So Far - Milestones
2006
Fir st Isha Vidhya Schoo l opened in
Sandegoundenpal ayam 25 Km outside o f Coimbatore,
w ith 263 student s fro m Lower Kindergarten to the 2nd
Standard.
2007
Three Ish a Vidhya Schools opened in village s near Erode, Nagercoil
2008 & 2009
School librar ies wer e inform ally introduced in 2008 and in 2009
two ne w sc hools opened near Cuddalore and Villupura m and
librar ies containing 1500-3000 childr en’s book s were inaugurated
i n two existing sc hools . Is ha Vidhya als o began designing and
publis hing i ts own line of te xt book s and thre e book s wer
e
releas ed during the academic year.
2010
One new school opened in Vanavasi near
Salem. We also started providing nutritious
lunch every day at three of our schools in
Coimbatore, Cuddalore and Nagercoil.
09

Our Journey So Far - Students
Isha Vidhya welcomes students from all castes, creeds and socio-economic backgrounds, encouraging a rich
diversity amongst students and teachers. With the school locations specifically selected to serve areas where the
majority population is economically weak and where access to quality education is limited, roughly 60% of Isha Vidhya
students are first generation learners in their families. Most students rely entirely on the school not only for academic
education, but also for introduction to the world outside of their local community. Through DVD programs, computer
classes, library period, field trips, and other methods, Isha Vidhya exposes students to the world beyond their local
villages, preparing them with the savvy to adapt and respond with ease to whatever new situations they may face in
the future.
Because of various limitations the students have at home, the Isha Vidhya teachers go beyond the duties of
regular teachers and take on a parental role in guiding students through the basics like simple hygiene practices of
brushing of teeth, bathing, and wearing clean clothes, as well as simple social skills for polite interaction with others.
The schools hold annual medical camps to check students' vision, hearing, dental, nutritional and general health, and
teachers provide ongoing guidance to the parents in these areas.
“Till yesterday these children were all looking so dirty
and unkempt. After joining Isha Vidhya, they look like
different children altogether. They are learning with
computers and singing in English. And the uniform has
a richness that cannot be explained!”
~ Kootampuli Sirupadu Villager
To further support students' proper physical and mental development, the schools provide students with
protein and nutrient rich health snacks composed of nuts, lentils and dried fruits. In just one year of attending Isha
Vidhya, noticeable changes occur in students' health, behavior, interest in learning and general enthusiasm and
energy.
Parents who transfer their child from another school into Isha Vidhya are often impressed to see the how
much their child improves at Isha Vidhya, not only in studies, but also in physical health, manners and overall
wellbeing.
10

Our Journey So Far - Teachers
If the testament to a good school is when those most closely associated with it enroll their own children, then
Isha Vidhya is coming out with flying colours. Teachers, principals, van drivers, administrators - those who know the ins
and outs of the Isha Vidhya Schools are the first to get their children's applications in for enrollment.
I have worked for many years as section head and teacher at
another school, but being in Isha Vidhya is something very
different. The training they give us here has been very useful. We
find ourselves changing into students and bubbling up with
energy and anticipation for the activities conducted in the
workshops. We’ve adapted ourselves to the new methods, which
include not beating, punishing or using harsh words with
students, and I’ve seen remarkable growth in the students
because of this approach. The children are very frank and open
because they have no fear of the teachers or the Principal. They
are taking up their studies out of interest and self-motivation
rather than fear, and they are doing so well.
~Shylakumari, Principal Isha Vidhya Kurandi
11

Our Scholarship Program
Isha Vidhya strives to keep fees to a minimum; however, even minimal fees are unaffordable for many rural
families. Most students' parents work in temporary jobs as laborers, dhobis, barbers, carpenters, field workers,
construction workers, tea shop owners, auto drivers and street vendors. Income from these jobs is inconsistent,
varying based on the season and demand for employment, and often insufficient for meeting basic household and
dietary requirements. This often forces families to cut expenditures in other areas such as food, medicine and
clothing. The reality of this situation necessitated the development of a scholarship program.
Sponsoring a student was so clear a choice. It was
so obvious. What it costs to support a child for a
year is very little by American standards. But how
it's put to use here… it means everything for
someone else.
~Isha Vidhya Scholarship sponsor
Sponsoring a student represents a unique way to dramatically touch the life of a child. Each sponsor is
matched with a student(s) and encouraged to donate yearly for the child's full education at Isha Vidhya. Sponsors
receive regular updates on the student's progress, including letters from the student, photos, and academic progress
reports. The school facilitates correspondences between the sponsors and students, and sponsors are welcome to
visit their student at school, act as a mentor, and watch as the child grows and blossoms. The scholarship donation
amount of RS 10000/USD 240 provides tuition, books, notebooks and nutritional health supplements for the
scholarship student.
I'm a barber by profession. Only because of the scholarship
program my daughter is able to study in this type of
English-medium school with computer facilities. She is the
first one in my family to study in a matriculation school.
-Parent of scholarship student
12

The Scholarship Program began in the 2007-08 academic year, with 238 students covered between the four
Isha Vidhya schools. The number of scholarships more than doubled the following academic year (2008-09) to include
663 students, again nearly doubled for the 2009-10 academic year to include 1264 students, and presently includes
1485 students in 2010-11.
In my other school, there was no water and the food
was bad. Here, I like the clean place, food and water. I
play a lot, learn English and Tamil, play on the
computers and watch DVDs. I have learnt Tamil,
English rhymes, drawing and letter sounds.
~ Nandhana, Isha Vidhya School, Kindergarten
All the schools will be expanded for the upcoming academic year up to the 7th Standard. An estimated 800
additional students will be enrolled, with close to 600 of them likely to need scholarship support, which needs to be
mobilized by the end of May 2011.
4000
Students Strength
3000
Students on Scholarship
2000
1000
‘06-’07 ‘07-’08 ‘08-’09 ‘09-’10 ‘10-’11 ‘11-’12*
STUDENT & SCHOLARSHIP GROWTH
*2011-12 numbers are estimates
13

Financials
Isha Vidhya Matriculation Schools - Key Indicators for 2009-10 (Audited)
Details
Cost (Rs)
Income from School Fees 7,887,365
Schools Operational Expenses 15,829,989
Excess of Expenditure over Income 7,942,624
Infrastructure Assets Added
Computers, Furniture, Electrical, Library books, Lab/Play Eqpt 5,557,645
School Buses 2,167,000
School Buildings (completed & under construction) 14,757,196
Total Fixed Assets Added 22,481,841
Infrastructure development in each school
¹ Total number of rooms includes classrooms, offices, staff room, and audio/video and computer laboratories
² Development cost indicates expenditures towards the entire school infrastructure in respective years
Coimbatore
Sch ool Location
Sandegoundenpalayam
( Coimbator e)
Academic year
2006-07
2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
2010-11
Total no. of rooms ¹
9 12 17 20 26
Playground
1 1 1 1 1
Toile t Block 1 1 1 1 2
Rented Vans 3 4 3 2 0
Owned Buses 0 0 0 2 4
Development cost ² in
5. 40
1.86 1.76 2.20 3.84
Million RS
in ‘000 USD 129.60 44.66 42.26 52. 85 92.04
Erode
Perumapalaya
m
School Location
(Erode)
Aca demic year 2007-08
2008-09
2009-10 2010-11
Total no. of room s ¹ 10 15 17 23
Playground 1 1 1 1
Toilet Block
1 1 1 2
Rented Vans
3 4 3 5
O wned Buses 0 0 1 2
Developmen t cost ² in
5.80 1.77
1.58 5.84
Mill ion RS
in ‘000 USD 139. 22 42.36 37.94
140.04
Kutamboli
School Location
(Tuticorin)
Academic year 2007-08
2008-09
2009-10 2010-11
Total no . of room s ¹
8 12 15 21
Playground
1 1 1 1
Toilet Block
1 1 1 2
Rented Vans
1 3 4 3
Owned Buses 0 0 0 1
Development cost ² in
4. 82
1. 62 1.96 3.61
Millio n RS
in ‘000 USD 115 .75 38.93 47.04
86.54
Villupuram
School Location
Tuticorin
Tirunavallur
(Villupuram)
Academic year 2009-10 2010-11
To tal no . o f roo ms ¹
13
21
Playground
1 1
Toilet Block 1 2
Rented Vans 3 1
O wned Buses 0 2
Development cos t ² in
5.98 6.
74
Million RS
in ‘000 USD
143.57
161.64
School Location
Nagercoil
School Location
Madavapallam
( Cuddalore)
Academic year 2009-10 2010-11
Total n o. of rooms ¹
10
21
Playground
1 1
Toile t Block
1 1
Rente d Vans
3 3
Owned Buses
0 1
Development cost ² in
6.30 4.73
Million RS
in ‘ 000 USD
151.20 113.59
Kurandai
(Nagercoil)
Academic year
2007-08 2008-09
2009-10 2010-11
Total no. of rooms ¹ 8 12 19 23
Playground 1 1 1 1
Toilet Block 1 1 1 1
Rented Vans
2 3 4 5
Owned Buses 0 0 0 0
Development cost ² in
6.54 3.07 2.00 1. 87
Millio n RS
in ‘ 000 USD 157.01 73.68 48.00 44. 76
Cuddalore
School Location
Salem
Vanasi
(Salem)
Academi c year
2010-11
To tal no . of room s ¹ 21
Playground 1
Toile t Block
1
Rente d Vans 5
Owned Buses 0
Development cost ² in
12.00
Millio n RS
in ‘ 000 US D
288.00
14

Future Plans
Expansion at the seven schools
Isha Vidhya Schools from now on aims to open their first year with classes from Lower Kindergarten up to the
6th standard. The plan is to expand one grade level each year till the schools reach full running capacity up to the 12th
standard. All the Isha Vidhya Schools are to be expanded up to the 7th Standard for the 2011-12 academic year and
each school is to be equipped with additional classrooms, CAD learning labs, Maths labs, VSAT stroke audio-visual
rooms, multipurpose hall, compound walls and noon meal kitchen.
Isha Vidhya Capex Requirement for the academic year 2010-11 to be incurred before May 2011. [Cost in Indian Rupee]
S.No Name
Unit Cost
Cuddalore Vilupuram SGP Erode
Qty Cost Qty Cost Qty Cost Qty Cost
1 School Bus 1,200,000 2 2,400,000 1 1,200,000 0 0 2 2,400,000
2 Class rooms (500 sqft) 570,000 2 1,140,000 2 1,140,000 2 1,140,000 2 1,140,000
3 Maths Lab (500 sqft) 570,000 1 570,000 1 570,000 1 570,000 1 570,000
4 Computer Aided Learning Lab (500 sqft) 570,000 1 570,000 1 570,000 1 570,000 1 570,000
5 V-Sat / Audio Visual Class (500 sqft) 570,000 2 1,140,000 2 1,140,000 0 0 1 570,000
6 Toilet Block (Boys 12 & Girls 12) 700,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Multipurpose Hall (2250 sqft) 900,000 1 900,000 1 900,000 0 0 0 0
8 Compound Wall (ft) 1,000 1,750 1,750,000 1,750 1,750,000 1,750 1,750,000 1,750 1,750,000
9 Noon Meal Kitchen Building & Equipment 300,000 1 300,000 1 300,000 1 300,000 1 300,000
10 Class & Lab Furniture & Fittings 25,300 6 151,800 6 151,800 4 101,200 5 126,500
11 Student Benches 2,500 50 125,000 50 125,000 30 75,000 40 100,000
12 Library Furniture, Computer 51,200 1 51,200 1 51,200 0 30,000 1 51,200
13 Library Books 150 1,000 150,000 1,000 150,000 0 0 1,000 150,000
14 Educational Aids 50,000 1 50,000 1 50,000 1 50,000 1 50,000
15 Maths Lab Materials 127,000 1 127,000 1 127,000 1 127,000 1 127,000
16 Science Lab Material & Furniture 74,400 1 74,400 1 74,400 1 74,400 1 74,400
17 Computer Aided Learning Lab Eqpt 306,000 1 306,000 1 306,000 1 306,000 1 306,000
18 V-Sat/ Audio Video Equipment 100,000 2 200,000 2 200,000 2 200,000 2 200,000
19 Sports Equipment Set 33,000 1 33,000 1 33,000 1 33,000 1 33,000
20 PA System Mike, stand, amp, speaker set 25,000 1 25,000 1 25,000 1 25,000 1 25,000
21 Plastic Chairs 600 20 12,000 20 12,000 20 12,000 20 12,000
Total 10,075,400 8,875,400 5,363,600 8,555,100
S.No Name
Unit Cost
Vanavasi
Nagarcoil
Tuticorin
Total
Qty Cost Qty Cost Qty Cost Qty Cost
1 School Bus 1,200,000 3 3,600,000 3 3,600,000 3 3,600,000 14 16,800,000
2 Class rooms (500 sqft) 570,000 2 1,140,000 2 1,140,000 2 1,140,000 14 7,980,000
3 Maths Lab (500 sqft) 570,000 1 570,000 1 570,000 1 570,000 7 3,990,000
4 Computer Aided Learning Lab (500 sqft) 570,000 1 570,000 1 570,000 1 570,000 7 3,990,000
5 V-Sat / Audio Visual Class (500 sqft) 570,000 2 1,140,000 2 1,140,000 1 570,000 10 5,700,000
6 Toilet Block (Boys 12 & Girls 12) 700,000 0 0 1 700,000 0 0 1 700,000
7 Multipurpose Hall (2250 sqft) 900,000 1 900,000 0 0 0 0 3 2,700,000
8 Compound Wall (ft) 1,000 1,750 1,750,000 1,750 1,750,000 1,750 1,750,000 12,250 12,250,000
9 Noon Meal Kitchen Building & Equipment 300,000 1 300,000 1 300,000 1 300,000 7 2,100,000
10 Class & Lab Furniture & Fittings 25,300 6 151,800 6 151,800 5 126,500 38 961,400
11 Student Benches 2,500 50 125,000 50 125,000 40 100,000 310 775,000
12 Library Furniture, Computer 51,200 1 51,200 1 51,200 0 30,000 5 316,000
13 Library Books 150 1,000 150,000 1,000 150,000 0 0 5,000 750,000
14 Educational Aids 50,000 1 50,000 1 50,000 1 50,000 7 350,000
15 Maths Lab Materials 127,000 1 127,000 1 127,000 1 127,000 7 889,000
16 Science Lab Material & Furniture 74,400 1 74,400 1 74,400 1 74,400 7 520,800
17 Computer Aided Learning Lab Eqpt 306,000 1 306,000 1 306,000 1 306,000 7 2,142,000
18 V-Sat/ Audio Video Equipment 100,000 2 200,000 2 200,000 2 200,000 14 1,400,000
19 Sports Equipment Set 33,000 1 33,000 1 33,000 1 33,000 7 231,000
20 PA System Mike, stand, amp, speaker set 25,000 1 25,000 1 25,000 1 25,000 7 175,000
21 Plastic Chairs 600 20 12,000 20 12,000 20 12,000 140 84,000
Total 11,275,400 11,075,400 9,583,900 64,804,200
15

A day in the life of an Isha Vidhya student...
At the break of dawn the child
enthusiastically gets ready for school.
Brushes through the lessons and hops
onto the Isha Vidhya bus to get to school.
16

A day in the life of an Isha Vidhya student... [Continued]
At school they enjoy various tasks
like audio-visual and computeraided
learning, nutritious meal,
curriculum classes, yoga, indoor and
outdoor sports.
17

Muthuraj’s Story
Muthuraj comes from Keelakootudankaadu, a village so dry that only rocks and sand seem to survive. 10km
from Tuticorin, 3-year old Muthuraj lives there with his parents in a small hut. His parents work as laborers for four
months of the year. The rest of the year, work is unavailable, and hence finances are scarce. They never considered
educating Muthuraj. But his grandmother was constantly worried about him and his future. When she got a job as an
Aaya (helper) in Isha Vidhya, she found out that even poor families could send their children to an English-medium
school. She immediately admitted her grandson to the school. However, convincing Muthuraj to come to school
wasn't a simple task. His rebellious nature initially made him protest against attending, and his harsh language put a
distance between him and the other students. He wouldn't miss a chance to escape from the classroom to run off and
find his grandmother. But the patient and caring nature of the teachers gradually brought changes in Muthuraj.
By the second term of the year, he started making friends and became more interested in being in class. Even
his very nature changed; politeness reflected in his speech and he began taking care of his clothes and hygiene. At
home, he doesn't pick unnecessary fights with his siblings. His grandmother is filled with pride to see this
transformation, and is confident now that he will blossom and become like a tree which will give shelter to many
others.
18

You are making it happen...
Isha Vidhya acknowledges the support of the numerous, donors, volunteers and corporate sponsors without
which the project would not be possible. Special recognition is given to the following:
Agility Logistics Pvt Ltd fully sponsored construction of the IV School near Villupuram.
Ramaniyam Real Estates Pvt. Ltd. fully sponsored construction of IV School at Vanavasi near Salem.
Jayabaratham Furniture (JFA) donated furniture for all our schools.
Life Insurance Corporation of India donated for the expansion of Coimbatore school.
EID Parry donated for expansion of Cuddalore School.
Bharathi Airtel supported through the Mumbai Marathon to fund expansion of the Tuticorin School.
Isha Foundation supported construction of the Cuddalore School through its Tsunami Fund.
Mr. Bala Naidoo, South Africa, contributed significantly to the expansion of our schools.
Mr. Gopal Jain of Gaja Capital Advisors donated for expansion of Cuddalore School.
Ms. R. Parvathi donated for the expansion of the Nagercoil School.
Dr. Ananthanarayanan donated the land for Vanavasi School.
Cpt. Avinash Batra & Cpt. Somesh Batra with the Sea Horse Trust fully sponsored the library in Tuticorin School.
Ms. Ajanta Devi, Chennai & V. Arimilli, Hyderabad have also contributed significantly to expansion of our schools.
Mumbai Marathon participants for Isha Vidhya sponsored the expansion at the Erode and Tuticorin Schools.
Chase Community Giving sponsored expansion at various schools
Scholarship Sponsors
Barclays Capital has sponsored scholarships for 100 children.
Asha For Education sponsored 80 scholarships for students in Tuticorin.
Shri. Sudhakar Ram, Chairman, Mastek sponsored scholarships for 35 children.
Individual donors from across India and the world who together have sponsored over 1000 children and helped
make the expansion of the schools possible. We have received 1485 scholarship so far.
Thank you for giving us a chance...
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After all said and done, it is certainly not a time to rest. More
children await to be touched by generous hearts like you!
If you wish to donate towards infrastructure by providing land or taking up the entire construction of the
school please feel free to contact us at vinod.hari@ishavidhya.org or call +91 9841048949.
Please write cheques in favor of:
Isha Education [for India], Isha Foundation Inc. [for USA & Canada] and Isha Institute of Inner Sciences [for UK]
INDIA
Isha Education,
14 CA Thevar Layout,
Kannaperan Road,
Udayampalayam,
Coimbatore, 641 028, INDIA.
Ph # +91 9442544458
USA & CANADA
Isha Foundation Inc.,
6488 Rookery Circle
Bradenton,
Florida, 34203, USA.
Ph # +1 8134343515
sathish.raj@ishavidhya.org
All donations made from India are eligible for tax benefits under Sec 80G &
All donations made from USA are eligible for tax benefits under Sec 501.
UK
Isha Institute of Inner Sciences,
PO Box 559,
Isleworth, TB75WR, UK.
Ph # +44 2088921916
carla.defreitas@ishavidhya.org
Singapore & Malaysia
tina@ishafoundation.org
For more information on how your donation works please visit us at
www.ishavidhya.org
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Agility Logistics Pvt Ltd’s fully sponsored construction of the Isha Vidya School near Villupuram.
Ramaniyam Real Estates Pvt. Ltd.’s fully sponsored construction of Isha Vidhya School near Salem.

The basic purpose of life and the basic purpose of education is to enhance one's boundaries of
perception. I don't want the children to just survive after ten years of schooling here. They must
blossom and flower wherever they go
~ Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev