Activities

Anandshala was inaugurated with a moving performance of Shweta Mukti by acclaimed Odissi dancer Kavita Dwibedi. The performance – rooted in Buddhist philosophy and feminine introspection – explored the journey of inner liberation. Set against the powerful backdrop of migration, marginality, and resilience, the event marked more than a ceremonial beginning. It served as a symbolic entry point into Anandshala’s vision: where tradition, gender, and education meet to create possibilities. The event brought together artists, educators, policymakers, and community members to collectively witness the power of art to inspire social transformation.

In Anandshala’s painting workshops, children are encouraged to express themselves freely – no grades, no boundaries, just colours and imagination. For many, it is their first time using paints or seeing their artwork displayed. These sessions foster emotional expression, storytelling, and confidence, while offering a window into the world as children see it. Their art challenges conventional ideas of access and creativity, showing that a nurturing space can unlock immense potential, even in children who live with chronic precarity.

Literacy and numeracy are not just academic goals; they are tools of empowerment. Anandshala introduces innovative, child-friendly methods – like alphabet and number cards – to support foundational learning in early grades. These simple, tactile resources engage children through play-based interaction, helping them recognise letters, form words, understand sequences, and build basic maths skills. For first-generation learners in particular, these tools act as a bridge between everyday experience and academic learning, strengthening their grasp of language and numbers in familiar, accessible ways.

Peer-to-peer learning is central to Anandshala’s methodology. Through small, rotating groups, children share ideas, clarify doubts, and take ownership of their learning. These sessions foster a culture of collaboration over competition, allowing children to discover leadership, empathy, and mutual support. Group learning also reflects the collective rhythm of their home lives – many coming from shared, cramped spaces – turning what is often seen as a limitation into a source of resilience and connection.

Renowned vocalist Rashmi Aggarwal lent her voice to Anandshala’s cause in an evocative charity concert titled Melodies for a Better Tomorrow. Blending classical and semi-classical genres, the performance was not only a fundraiser – it was a reaffirmation of Anandshala’s message: that music, like education, can heal, inspire, and connect. The event brought together patrons, artists, parents, and educators in a shared celebration of learning as a community endeavour.

In Anandshala, mothers are not bystanders – they are participants, mentors, and allies. Regular mother’s meetings are held to build awareness around children’s learning needs, wellbeing, and aspirations. Through discussions, games, storytelling, and co-learning activities, mothers share challenges and develop collective strategies to support their daughters – especially as they navigate adolescence, school transitions, and domestic pressures. The space also becomes a site of affirmation, where women who are often silenced in public discourse find a voice – and in turn, enable their children to find theirs.

Recognising that educational barriers are often entangled with bureaucratic exclusions, Anandshala has partnered with Janpahal to establish a Common Service Centre (CSC) for the community. From Aadhaar and PAN registration to Ayushman Bharat cards and pension schemes, the CSC helps families secure the documentation needed for school admissions, health access, and welfare entitlements. This initiative not only facilitates ease of access but also repositions education as a right connected to larger questions of citizenship, dignity, and access to the state.