Foundation Stone Laid for Tathagat Global Gurukulam in Remote Tribal Village of Balod District

Press release: In a strategic move to strengthen last-mile access to quality education, the foundation stone (Bhoomi Pujan) of Tathagat Global Gurukulam was ceremonially laid at Bheja Jungli, a remote tribal village under the Gurur development block of Balod district. The initiative is positioned, driven by Patanjali's vision to deliver free, high-standard education to children from forest and tribal regions, aligning with long-term national goals of inclusive growth and social equity.The ceremony was held in the presence of N. P. Singh, Chairman of the Indian Education Board and Patron of Tathagat Trust, and G. R. Rana, former Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes. The event was jointly organised by Jakwar Foundation and Tathagat Trust, drawing participation from hundreds of tribal residents and local stakeholders. Ahead of the foundation ceremony, traditional rituals were performed with prayers to Raja Rao Baba and Kankalin Mata, followed by floral tributes to the portrait of tribal freedom fighter Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, reinforcing the cultural and historical significance of the initiative.Addressing the gathering, N. P. Singh underlined that the core mission of the Gurukulam is to bridge the rural–urban education divide by offering tribal and rural children access to learning standards comparable to reputed institutions in metropolitan cities. He stated that the vision of a developed India remains incomplete unless children in the most remote regions receive equal educational opportunities. He added that the Gurukulam will go beyond academics to focus on value-based education, life skills, and holistic development. The institution will offer free education along with personality development programmes, career guidance, preparation for central armed forces and defence services, employment-oriented skill courses, and 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. Announcing the project roadmap, N. P. Singh confirmed that construction will commence in February, with plans to inaugurate the Gurukulam alongside the annual Raja Rao worship ceremony at Raja Rao Plateau. He expressed confidence that students from the institution will progress to leadership roles such as IAS, IPS, judiciary, and other nation-building positions.The Gurukulam is expected to directly benefit children from Bheja Jungli and 10–12 surrounding villages, triggering a positive socio-educational impact across the forest belt. The programme was attended by local representatives, including Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Sheela Yadav, Panch Nageshwar Salam, Dinesh Yadav, Balram Goti, and other dignitaries.