On October 2nd, 2022, Nalanda Academy celebrated its 9th Foundation Day, marking nearly a decade of empowering marginalized communities through education. The academy has supported over 1,200 students, many of whom have gone on to top Indian universities, with 22 studying abroad. The event was attended by Ms. Prerna Deshbrathar (IAS, Collector Wardha) and Dh. Lokamitra (Founder, Nagaloka, Nagpur), who honored the academy’s achievements.
A special tribute was paid to the Samyak Buddha Vihar Mahila Mandal in Bhimnagar, Wardha, whose support was crucial in the academy’s early days. In 2015, the Mahila Mandal provided free space for classes, enabling Nalanda to grow despite financial challenges.
Mr. Anoop Kumar, Founder-Director of Nalanda Academy, reflected on the academy’s journey from modest beginnings to training over 200 students annually from 15+ states, completely free of cost. He highlighted key achievements, including Digital Nalanda reaching 14,000 students online and establishing 15 Abhiyan Community Libraries in rural areas.
Ms. Prerna Deshbrathar emphasized the transformative power of education, sharing her civil service journey as an example of determination and urging students to pursue their goals. Dh. Lokamitra spoke about the importance of wisdom and compassion in education, praising Nalanda for its role in empowering underprivileged youth and encouraging students to embody Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideals.
Several students shared their inspiring experiences. Pooja Helunde (Maharashtra) discussed her growth from a struggling student to success at the Central University of Karnataka, while Akshay Kumar (Jharkhand) highlighted how Nalanda built his confidence. Vishnu Yadav (Bihar) shared how Nalanda inspired his dream of becoming an IAS officer. Rajendra Kumar (Chattisgarh) captivated the audience with a poem dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Shweta Sawale (Maharashtra) talked about her transition from Marathi-medium education to excelling in English. Kajal Mahor (Maharashtra) shared her passion for art, presenting a painting of Dr. Ambedkar to Nalanda as a thank-you, while Thuleshwar (Odisha) emphasized how Nalanda transformed his academic interests after overcoming financial struggles.
Watch the full event:
Looking Ahead
As Nalanda Academy steps into its 10th year, we remain steadfast in our mission to bridge the gap in educational opportunities for marginalized communities. The achievements of our students serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the transformative power of education. Thank you to all our supporters, students, and well-wishers for making this journey possible. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future.
