Empowering and creating opportunities
for rural communities

I had read of the concept of self-sustaining economies, and of course these days, ‘think global, act local’ is a common refrain; however, for me to see it in practice at Manjakkudi really took my breath away. What particularly touched me was the running of the Ghosala, the running of the Vedapatashala and the efforts being put there to propagate learning of the Vedas, supporting local temples and communities there, the organic rice farming and massive efforts being put there to cultivate and bringing back native grains without using harmful fertilizers. It is so heartening to see how people at Manjakkudi are serving Swamiji’s vision.

“Our school is always known for its encouragement, supportive environment and motivation. I learned basic science and mathematics with deep understanding, which helped me during my engineering degree to understand the advanced subject. Also, I gained the ability to approach new things in a unique way. The school taught me to understand and learn from my mistakes, which helped me face new things in life with confidence. Even today, I am in touch with a few of my teachers and get their advice for major life events and decisions.”

“Both my children, Laashana (Class 3) and Saatwiga (UKG) are studying in the Swami Dayananda Matric Higher Secondary School. This is the best school here – and the teachers are very caring and hardworking. The school management generously offered a reduction in my second child's fees as her sibling was already a student there. This made it easier on us, and has helped many families like ours to help make sure our children get good education.”

“Swami Dayananda College of Arts & Science was an excellent place to learn and explore new things. Our teachers were more like our friends and they encouraged us in terms of our career and extracurricular activities. The Annual Job Fair and Campus Recruitment Drive are good initiatives and help students to get placed in reputed companies.”

“The Swami Dayananda Vedapatashala is run in a disciplined manner. The teachers are very knowledgeable and teach the Vedas very well. I am happy and proud that I am now serving as a Vaikanasa Agama Adhyapaka in the Vedapatashala I studied in.”

“As far as I can remember, my father grew hybrid seeds and used a lot of chemical fertilisers. I learnt from him. Though I know using natural farming techniques is healthy, I did not have the opportune moment to venture into it. I'm happy that I chose to cultivate heritage rice and that too organically. This year the yield has been less, but I do know that is how it is. In time, after a few seasons, when the soil is of better quality due to the natural fertilizers and manure, my yield will also improve.”

“The Swami Dayananda Goshala has helped in conserving the native breeds and carrying out natural insemination with pedigree bulls. This is much needed to ensure that the native breeds are protected and raised with care.”

“I had Cervical Spondylosis. I was suffering from neck pain that radiated to both upper limbs. I was wearing a neck belt all the time. I previously consulted several orthopaedic doctors but they were not able to rectify the problem. After that, I came to Swami Dayananda Ayurveda Clinic. I was given some herbal concoction, tablets and external oils. Now I am completely cured.”