Sanjay, ED, Manjari Foundation, receives the Award at Rajasthan Bhamashah Samman 2026.
Jaipur, 29 June: Reinforcing its commitment to transforming public education in rural India, Manjari Foundation has been conferred with the Rajasthan Bhamashah Samman for the second consecutive year, recognising its sustained contribution towards strengthening government schools and improving educational outcomes across the state.
At a grand ceremony held at Birla Auditorium, Jaipur, the Foundation received two of Rajasthan’s highest honours in the field of education. The Shiksha Vibhushan Award was received by Sanjay Kumar, Executive Director, Manjari Foundation, while the Shiksha Bhushan Award was received by Naresh Kumar Nain, Director, Manjari Foundation. The awards were presented by Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa in the presence of Hon’ble Education Minister Madan Dilawar.
Receiving both the Shiksha Vibhushan and Shiksha Bhushan awards, while being recognised for the second consecutive year, is a rare distinction that reflects the Foundation’s long-term commitment to strengthening Rajasthan’s public education system through innovation, community participation and strategic partnerships.
Recognition for a Shared Vision
Speaking after receiving the Shiksha Vibhushan Award, Sanjay Kumar, Executive Director, Manjari Foundation, said:
“Receiving the Rajasthan Bhamashah Samman for the second consecutive year is a tremendous honour and a reaffirmation of our belief that quality education is the foundation of rural transformation. At Manjari Foundation, we have always believed that strengthening government schools is not just about improving infrastructure, but about creating learning ecosystems where every child has the opportunity to dream, learn and succeed. This recognition belongs to every teacher, community member, CSR partner and government official who has walked this journey with us.”
He added that the Foundation would continue working closely with the Government of Rajasthan and its partners to develop sustainable and scalable models of government school transformation that can inspire change across the country.
Beyond Infrastructure: Creating Learning Ecosystems
For Manjari Foundation, transforming education has never been limited to constructing classrooms or improving school buildings. The Foundation believes that quality education is achieved when schools become vibrant learning spaces where children are encouraged to think, explore and realise their full potential.
Working in close partnership with the Government of Rajasthan, district administrations, school teachers, School Management Committees (SMCs), Panchayati Raj Institutions and village communities, the Foundation has implemented comprehensive education programmes across Dholpur and Jhunjhunu districts.
Its interventions focus on improving foundational literacy and numeracy, strengthening digital learning, creating child-friendly classrooms, enhancing school infrastructure, building teacher capacity, promoting girls’ education, increasing community ownership of schools and ensuring that every child has access to safe and inclusive learning environments.
Education at the Heart of Rural Developmen
Since its inception, Manjari Foundation has viewed education not merely as a basic right but as the foundation of sustainable rural development. The organisation believes that empowered schools create empowered communities, ultimately contributing to stronger villages and a more inclusive nation.
Across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand or Haryana the Foundation has worked to bridge educational inequalities by strengthening government schools and enabling children from underserved communities to access quality education.
Its key education initiatives include:
- Strengthening government school infrastructure through CSR and community partnerships.
- Establishing digital learning spaces and technology-enabled classrooms.
- Improving foundational learning and classroom quality.
- Capacity building of teachers and school leadership.
- Promoting girls’ education and reducing school dropouts.
- Mobilising School Management Committees and village communities for school governance.
- Creating safe, inclusive and child-friendly learning environments.
- Developing youth leadership and community participation through fellowship and volunteer programmes.
These initiatives have helped create stronger schools, greater community ownership and better learning opportunities for thousands of children in rural Rajasthan.
Communities Are the Real Changemakers
Receiving the Shiksha Bhushan Award, Naresh Kumar Nain, Director, Manjari Foundation, said the recognition reflects the collective strength of communities in transforming public education.
“Government schools become truly transformative when communities take ownership of them. This award celebrates the dedication of teachers, parents, School Management Committees, village institutions, our field teams and CSR partners who have worked together to improve learning outcomes and create child-friendly schools. Their collective commitment has shown that meaningful and sustainable change is possible when communities become equal partners in education.”
He added that the Foundation would continue expanding its work in digital learning, teacher capacity building, community engagement and youth leadership to ensure that every rural child receives the same opportunities for quality education as children anywhere else in the country.
Looking Ahead
While the Bhamashah Samman marks another significant milestone in the Foundation’s journey, Manjari Foundation views it as renewed motivation to deepen its work in public education.
In the coming years, the Foundation aims to expand its education initiatives by strengthening digital education, improving foundational learning, supporting school infrastructure, nurturing youth leadership and fostering stronger partnerships with government institutions, CSR organisations and local communities.
With education at the centre of its development philosophy, Manjari Foundation remains committed to building government schools that are inclusive, innovative and future-ready—schools where every child, irrespective of geography or socio-economic background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and realise their full potential.
For the Foundation, the Rajasthan Bhamashah Samman is more than an award. It is a recognition of a shared mission and a collective movement to transform public education. As Manjari Foundation celebrates this honour for the second consecutive year, it remains steadfast in its vision of creating empowered communities through quality education—one school, one child and one village at a time.
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About the Author
We are deeply honored and proud to receive the Bhamashah Samman for the second consecutive year. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to strengthening government schools and creating better learning opportunities for every child. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This award belongs to our dedicated field teams, teachers, students, school leaders, community members, and partners whose unwavering efforts make this journey possible. We remain committed to driving meaningful change through collaboration, innovation, and community ownership, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed.