Ved Vignan Maha Vidhya Peeth (VVMVP) is one of the 473 schools that are revolutionizing education in rural and tribal India. It was the first rural school started by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981. It all started when Gurudev noticed some local kids playing in the dust near The Art of Living Center. He made the decision to help them when he saw that they lacked access to education.
A local volunteer was assigned to take care of the kids, teach them hygiene basics, play educational games with them, and provide them with free, wholesome lunches. This became a great attraction for the kids and their parents, and it still is today. As the school grew, a formal educational structure was formed, and the number of students and teachers grew. Know more about our free schools
First generation students
Nearly 95% of our students are the first to attend school in their family. Our schools take pride in having a success rate of 100% in local exams.
At this young age, my daughter would have been working on the farms. We never dreamt of her getting an education! I am so happy to see her going to school!
Mrs. Savitri, Parent of a student attending our free school
Free education
To eliminate any obstacles to their attendance at school, the students are given uniforms, shoes, books, writing materials, bus service, and midday meals free of cost.
Outdoor medical facilities and a mobile dispensary are also made available.
Holistic learning
Yoga, meditation, sports and creative activities like dance, music, drawing and painting form an essential part of the school curriculum to ensure a healthy body and mind.
The Art of Living program for children, ART Excel, is regularly organized for students to help them handle any negative influences at home.
Developing leadership skills
The school has its own cabinet, which is elected by students themselves, to help them understand the political system and develop leadership skills. Children learn the value of the Indian democratic structure of governance through this system. The school cabinet is in charge of the junior classrooms and assists with school administration.
Vocational Training
Vocational skills like tailoring, computer training, and carpentry and are taught to older students. They are encouraged to pursue secondary education.
Engaging community
We organize regular Alumni meetings where we have past students talk to current students and their parents about the importance of education. These alumni share their experiences and encourage students to pursue secondary education and follow their goals.
How do we do this?
Our education initiatives are driven by a committed team of volunteers who draw their inspiration and energy from a powerful breathing technique – the Sudarshan Kriya. Learn the tool from the comfort of your home.
