Prayagraj: In a significant step towards ensuring uninterrupted education for children from marginalised communities, non-profit organisation Educate Girls, in collaboration with the Basic Education Department, inaugurated a primary school and anganwadi centre titled ‘Vidya Kumbh’ during Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj.
The initiative aims to provide continuous and quality education to the children of sanitation workers residing in the sanitation colony set up in Sector-3 of the Magh Mela area. The school was formally inaugurated by Smt. Saumya Agarwal, Divisional Commissioner, Prayagraj Division.
During the inauguration ceremony, classrooms from Class 1 to Class 5—named Srijan, Vidya Ankur, Vidya Uday, Vidya Arjun, and Vidyapath—were dedicated to the children. The programme began with floral tributes and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp before the idol of Goddess Saraswati. Notably, the ‘Vidya Kumbh’ initiative was first introduced during the Mahakumbh and is now being carried forward at Magh Mela 2026 with the support of the education department.
Welcoming guests and participants, Anil Kumar, District Basic Education Officer, Prayagraj, said that teachers from the Basic Education Department conducted a detailed survey of families living in the sanitation colony. As a result, 333 children were identified and enrolled in age-appropriate classes. These children will receive quality education throughout the duration of the Magh Mela.
Nitin Kumar Jha, State Operations Head, Educate Girls, expressed gratitude to the state government and the Basic Education Department, stating that their support has helped reach children—especially girls—with quality education and creative learning opportunities, strengthening efforts toward a brighter future.
Vikram Solanki, Director of Operations, Educate Girls, highlighted the importance of integrating education into a large socio-cultural event like Magh Mela. He said the initiative would ensure holistic development through academics, sports, arts, and creative activities, continuing the legacy of ‘Vidya Kumbh’ started during the Mahakumbh.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Smt. Saumya Agarwal emphasised that the core objective of education is to ensure no child remains out of school. She urged teachers to nurture creativity, promote scientific thinking, and use modern technology so children can grow into responsible citizens contributing to nation-building.
Special Guest Smt. Harshika Singh, Chief Development Officer, Prayagraj, stressed strengthening teaching-learning processes using sports equipment, science kits, and mathematics kits provided by the department, enabling children to learn through play.
On the occasion, children were provided free uniforms (pant-shirt), sweaters, shoes and socks, along with stationery kits, workbooks, worksheets, art and craft materials, and learning resources supplied by Educate Girls. The children also presented welcome songs and cultural performances, adding vibrancy to the event.
Programme coordinator Rajeev Tripathi informed that arrangements have also been made for indoor and outdoor sports equipment, daily mid-day meals, and exhibitions related to various government schemes to support children’s overall development and life skills.
Several officials and dignitaries, including Rishi Raj (Mela Officer), Abhinav Pathak (SDM), Dr. Anand Singh, Vaishali Shukla (Naib Tehsildar), Block Education Officers, and members of the Educate Girls team were present.
Concluding the programme, Anil Kumar thanked Educate Girls for their continuous support to the education department and expressed confidence that the collaboration would continue in the future as well.
