The Kalgidhar Society initiative is recognised for expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged rural children
NEW DELHI: Educate To Save, the child sponsorship initiative of The Kalgidhar Society, has received the CSR Award for India’s Largest Rural Child Sponsorship Programme at the 7th Bharat CSR & Sustainability Summit & Awards 2026, organised by The Brainalytics, the orga
The recognition honours the initiative’s sustained contribution to helping children from economically disadvantaged rural families continue their education and build pathways towards more secure futures.
The award was received on behalf of The Kalgidhar Society by its volunteers, reflecting the collective effort of donors, educators, communities and supporters behind the programme.
Education as a Pathway Out of Poverty
For many rural families, the cost of schooling can become a major barrier to a child’s education. Financial distress, unstable household incomes and limited access to quality schools often increase the risk of children dropping out.
Educate To Save addresses this challenge by connecting donors with children studying in Akal Academies, a network of 130 English-medium rural schools managed by The Kalgidhar Society.
Through individual and institutional sponsorships, the programme supports children from vulnerable backgrounds and helps them remain in school without education becoming an additional financial burden on their families.
The initiative is based on a simple belief: when children receive quality education, they gain the knowledge, confidence and opportunities needed to break intergenerational cycles of poverty.
Supporting Thousands of Rural Students
The Kalgidhar Society currently manages 130 rural schools serving more than 75,000 students.
More than 33,900 students receive free or subsidised education through scholarships, donations and sponsorship assistance. Over 9,000 children are currently seeking sponsorship support through Educate To Save.
The sponsorship model goes beyond covering school-related expenses. It helps provide children with academic continuity, mentorship, confidence and a stable learning environment.
The programme also promotes transparency by enabling donors to support and follow a child’s educational journey through the Educate To Save platform.
Reaching Children from Vulnerable Families
Educate To Save primarily supports children whose families face serious economic and social challenges. Beneficiaries include:
- Children of small and marginal farmers
- Children from landless labour households
- Orphaned and vulnerable children
- Children of Granthi Singh families
- Students from financially distressed rural communities
By supporting children over a longer period, the programme seeks to create sustainable educational outcomes rather than providing only temporary financial relief.
Children supported through the initiative study at Akal Academies, which focus on academic learning, values-based education, discipline and holistic development.
Why the Programme Was Recognised
The award acknowledges Educate To Save for the scale, continuity and long-term approach of its rural child sponsorship model.
Unlike short-term educational interventions, the programme seeks to support children throughout their schooling journey. This allows students to remain connected to formal education, complete their studies and pursue higher education, vocational opportunities or professional careers.
The recognition also highlights the importance of structured partnerships between nonprofit organisations, donors and businesses in addressing educational inequality.
CSR’s Growing Role in Rural Education
Corporate Social Responsibility has emerged as an important source of support for expanding educational access in underserved regions.
CSR investments can strengthen rural education through:
- Student scholarships and sponsorships
- Digital and smart classrooms
- Science, technology, engineering and mathematics education
- Teacher training and capacity building
- School infrastructure and learning resources
- Career guidance and skill development
Such investments can contribute to improved educational outcomes while supporting broader goals related to rural development, gender equality, employability and community empowerment.
For businesses, supporting education is not merely an act of philanthropy. It is a long-term investment in India’s future workforce and social development.
A Recognition Shared by Donors and Volunteers
The achievement reflects the contribution of thousands of individuals, families, philanthropists, volunteers and corporate partners who have supported the programme.
Every child sponsorship represents a partnership based on trust, responsibility and the belief that financial hardship should not determine a child’s future.
The Kalgidhar Society said the recognition belongs equally to the supporters who have enabled children to remain in classrooms and pursue their aspirations.
Building a More Inclusive Future
India’s inclusive growth ambitions depend significantly on ensuring that children in rural and economically weaker communities have access to quality education.
Child sponsorship programmes can help bridge the gap between household poverty and educational opportunity. A child who completes school is more likely to access better livelihood opportunities, support their family and contribute positively to the wider community.
The success of Educate To Save demonstrates how collaborative models involving civil society, businesses and individual donors can generate measurable social impact at scale.
Thousands of Children Still Await Support
Despite the progress achieved, the need remains substantial.
More than 9,000 children are currently awaiting sponsorship through Educate To Save. The organisation aims to ensure that deserving children are not forced to discontinue their studies because their families cannot afford educational expenses.
The Kalgidhar Society believes that the programme’s next major achievement will not be another award, but a future in which every deserving rural child can access education regardless of financial circumstances.
About the Bharat CSR & Sustainability Summit
The 7th Bharat CSR & Sustainability Summit & Awards 2026, organised by The Brainalytics, brought together CSR professionals, sustainability experts, ESG practitioners, nonprofit organisations, policymakers and corporate leaders.
The platform focuses on sharing responsible business practices, encouraging institutional collaboration and recognising initiatives that create measurable social and environmental impact.
The Brainalytics organises conferences, industry forums and recognition programmes across areas including CSR, ESG, sustainability, healthcare, human resources, leadership and digital transformation.
About Educate To Save
Educate To Save is a rural child sponsorship initiative of The Kalgidhar Society, an organisation working in education and community development since 1986.
Through the initiative, individuals, families, community groups and corporate partners can sponsor children studying in Akal Academies.
Programme at a Glance
Organisation: The Kalgidhar Society
Initiative: Educate To Save
Founded: 1986
Schools Managed: 130
Students Reached: 75,000+
Students Receiving Free or Subsidised Education: 33,900+
Children Awaiting Sponsorship: 9,000+
Website: www.EducateToSave.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Educate To Save?
Educate To Save is the child sponsorship initiative of The Kalgidhar Society. It helps donors support the education of children from economically disadvantaged rural families.
Why did Educate To Save receive the CSR Award?
The initiative was recognised at the Bharat CSR & Sustainability Summit & Awards 2026 for operating India’s largest rural child sponsorship programme and creating long-term educational impact.
How many students receive financial support?
More than 33,900 students receive free or subsidised education through scholarships, sponsorships and donor assistance.
How many children are awaiting sponsorship?
More than 9,000 children are currently seeking sponsorship support through Educate To Save.
Who can sponsor a child?
Individuals, families, schools, community groups, philanthropists, companies and CSR partners from India and overseas can support a child’s education.
How does the sponsorship programme work?
Sponsors support the educational journey of a child studying at an Akal Academy. The assistance helps reduce financial barriers and enables the child to continue attending school.
Investing in One Child’s Future
Behind every statistic is a child with abilities, ambitions and the determination to build a better life.
A sponsorship is more than financial assistance. It is an investment in education, self-confidence and long-term opportunity.
By supporting a child through Educate To Save, donors can help ensure that economic hardship does not become the reason a student leaves school.
More information is available at www.EducateToSave.com.
