HOUSTON: The Houston chapter of Ekal Vidyalaya hosted its annual Ekal Walkathon on a beautiful Sunday morning, November 16th, 2025, beginning at 8:00 AM. The day started with a gentle chill in the air, and as walkers gathered, the sun slowly came out, warming the trail and filling the atmosphere with energy and excitement. Families, students, and community members walked together under glowing sunshine, united behind one goal, supporting education in rural India.
This year, the walkathon stood out for one powerful reason:
Partnerships.
Ekal Houston partnered with SherpalAI, Bollywood Dancing Starz, Spenga Sugarland and Pawdina Nonprofit to make the event more engaging and community driven. These partners helped expand participation, volunteer engagement, and awareness for the Ekal mission, creating a stronger, more collaborative model for youth-led change.
Our special guest, Judge Surendran Pattel, 240th District Court Judge of Fort Bend County, praised the youth volunteers for their leadership and community spirit. He applauded their ability to exceed expectations and build a service mindset at a young age.
Behind the scenes, youth volunteers worked for weeks to plan the walking route, organize registration tables, arrange water stations, guide participants, and maintain a smooth schedule. Their teamwork showed maturity, confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility. Many families said they were inspired not just by the cause but by the young leaders who made the event possible.
The walkathon supported the Ekal 500 initiative, encouraging individuals to fund a school each year in rural India. Contributions support education, digital literacy, healthcare support, and rural development across underserved villages.
President Uma Dama thanked the volunteers, sponsors, families, and participants, emphasizing that youth leadership and community partnerships are the future of Ekal Houston. She encouraged the community to continue supporting upcoming youth-led cultural programs and service activities.
Under the warm sun and community spirit, the walkathon turned into more than an event—it became a celebration of hope, leadership, and collective action.
