PVR Nest, the CSR arm of PVR Ltd. in partnership with Indus Action, the Non- profit organisation has announced the launch of the first phase of revolutionary initiative “Project Eklavya”, today. Following the launch, a panel by eminent personalities from different walks of life; with a monumental contribution in child education and development segment, discussed on “Significance of Public- private partnership in achieving social- cohesion”. Further adding to the celebration, the event witnessed the unveiling of Bright Spot Report; highlighting the status of social inclusion through of RTE 12(1)(c).
The launch ceremony observed a note from honorary; Dr. Satyal Pal Singh, Minister of State, Human Resource Development on Bright Spot Report., highlighting the significance of the fundamental right of equal access to quality and compulsory education to all children of India. Sanjna Kapoor, Co- Founder, Junoon Theatre Group as the Special guest. The esteem panel, moderated by Tarun Cherukuri, Co-founder, Indus Action included senior government officials, academicians, media experts – Prof. Ankur Sarin, IIM Ahmedabad; Nirupama Sekhri, Writer, Newslaundry; Saurabh Bharadwaj, Delhi MLA; Anurag Kundu, Member, Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights- DCPCR and Ashok Pandey, Principal, Ahlcon International School.
The panel focused on evaluating the implementation of RTE 12(1)(c), significance of public- private partnership in securing social inclusion and the significance of inclusive education system in driving national growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjna Kapoor, Co- Founder- Junoon Theatre Group said “I am extremely happy to be a part of this celebration and believe sports, theatre, entertainment are all potent agents of reinforcing equalization amongst children. To be able to make children embrace their freedom, it is quintessential to develop avenues which will instil that confidence in them. On a personal level, I look forward in taking theatres across the nation with Junoon, making children and families from different backgrounds be a part of the social fabric. feeling equal and welcomed.”
“Education is the foundation of socio- economic growth. It is time, we come together and work collectively towards social inclusion. Through initiatives like project Eklavya, we are hopeful to expand the benefits of government policies to a larger section of under- catered groups in the society. It feels immensely good, to be a part of this occasion which reiterates the philosophy of community development through just and inclusive education,” said Tarun Cherukuri, Co-founder, Indus Action.
Established with a vision to accelerate national growth through economic and social empowerment, project Eklavya is anchored in the belief that the values of equality, social justice, democracy and the creation of a just and humane society can be achieved only through the provision of inclusive elementary education to all. In an attempt to drive social awareness around RTE, PVR Nest, has introduced an employee volunteering program enabling PVR employees to engage into social activities.
Deepa Menon, Sr. Vice President – CSR, PVR Ltd. said, “I feel extremely happy today to launch project ‘Eklavya’. With this initiative we reiterate our focus towards community development through innovative and effective programmes. To achieve an equal and just society, it is integral to address the grass-root problems. We believe, enabling citizens of India access their constitutional rights are a shared responsibility between public bodies and private enterprises. An effective public- private engagement in addressing to the needs of the disadvantaged communities through sustainable, scalable, community driven models will drive socio- economic development through social inclusion.”
The event witnessed the unveil of Bright Spot Report, which evaluates the current status of social inclusion across the country through RTE 12(1)(c), notes key policy practices that will yield better implementation on the ground, celebrates progressive steps taken by the states, describes model frameworks that use technology for streamlining implementation and offers suggestions for policy improvement. Highlighting the gaps in securing an inclusive elementary education system, project Eklavya is designed to address the roadblocks.
