Jaipur, June 28: In a proud and momentous occasion for grassroots education in India, the Manjari Foundation has been honored with two prestigious awards — Shiksha Bhushan and Shiksha Vibhushan — at the 29th Bhamashah State Award Ceremony 2025, organized by the Government of Rajasthan.

These awards were presented by the Honourable Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, recognizing the Foundation’s outstanding and sustained contributions in the field of education, particularly in underserved and rural regions of Rajasthan.

A Moment of National Recognition

Receiving both the Shiksha Bhushan and Shiksha Vibhushan awards in a single year is a rare distinction. These accolades celebrate the Manjari Foundation’s strategic, community-led initiatives aimed at improving access, quality, and inclusivity in education.

“We are deeply humbled by this recognition,” said Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Executive Director of Manjari Foundation. “It reaffirms our belief that every child, regardless of their geography or background, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. These awards are a reflection of the dedication of our team, the trust of our communities, and the strength of our partnerships.”

Manjari’s Vision: Education as the Cornerstone of Empowerment

Since its inception, the Manjari Foundation has believed in education not just as a fundamental right, but as a powerful tool for transformation. Operating across regions of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, Manjari has worked tirelessly to bridge the rural-urban education divide.

Key initiatives have included:

• Community Learning Centers in remote villages to support first-generation learners

• Girls’ education campaigns, focusing on retention, re-enrollment, and leadership development

• Collaborations with government schools for infrastructure improvement, digital access, and teacher training

• Scholarship facilitation and mentoring programs for talented students from economically weaker sections

• Capacity-building of local youth as para-educators and fellows, building ownership and local leadership

Through these efforts, thousands of children and youth have found a new pathway to opportunity and dignity.

A Collective Achievement

This recognition is not just a testament to Manjari Foundation’s work — it is also a tribute to the grassroots volunteers, partner organizations, educators, and most importantly, the communities that have made this journey possible.

“We share this award with every teacher in a remote village classroom, every girl who chose to return to school, every parent who supported their child’s learning — this is their victory too,” said Naresh Kumar Nain, Director, Manjari Foundation.

The Road Ahead: Expanding Reach and Deepening Impact

Buoyed by this recognition, Manjari Foundation is set to expand its educational programming under its upcoming Sarvodaya Fellowship and Youth Changemakers Platform. These platforms aim to harness the power of young leaders from within the community to drive education reform from the ground up.

Additionally, the Foundation will deepen its work in ed-tech access, school infrastructure, and skill-based learning, particularly for adolescent girls and out-of-school children

At a time when education equity is one of India’s most pressing challenges, recognitions like the Bhamashah Awardsilluminate the path taken by organizations like Manjari Foundation — one built on persistence, partnership, and people-first development.

With the Shiksha Bhushan and Shiksha Vibhushan awards now proudly part of its legacy, the Manjari Foundation looks ahead with greater resolve to continue its mission — empowering communities through quality education, one child at a time.