As crores of Hindu devotees congregate at the Sangam in Prayagraj to take a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh 2025, the incumbent Yogi Adityanath’s social welfare and educational empowerment initiative focused on inclusive and equitable access to education for underprivileged children is receiving praise from several quarters.
The Yogi Adityanath administration has set up 5 Vidya Kumbhs at the Maha Kumbh, to provide thousands of children of sanitation workers with primary education with world-class facilities. The initiative only intends to close the education gap for children of sanitation workers by offering free primary education, necessary resources, and certification to ensure every child has access to learning opportunities. According to the government, the program goes beyond education— uplifting families, empowering communities, and building a brighter future for all.
Supporting families and strengthening communities, Vidya Kumbh Schools—a UP government initiative at #MahaKumbh2025—provide free primary education, resources, and certificates to the children of sanitation workers, bridging the gap between every child and education.… pic.twitter.com/aJy0bXlYTX
— Mahakumbh (@MahaKumbh_2025) January 11, 2025
On 13th January, the Mahakumbh 2025 commenced in the holy city of Prayagraj, marking a spiritual celebration for millions of Hindus worldwide. This festival stands as a testament to faith and the vitality of ancient traditions, with roots as old as time itself. Crores of devouts have already taken a dip at the sacred congregational affair, deemed by experts as the largest gathering of humanity on earth. With crores more expected to arrive at the 45-day spiritual gathering, including from people out of India, the UP government has employed thousands of sanitation workers to keep the Sangam clean and tidy.
With thousands of sanitation workers employed for the mammoth Maha Kumbh 2025, the UP government has set up five primary schools, including Vidya Kumbh Primary schools and others in Sectors 1, 2, 7, 10, and 13, enrolling thousands of students—children of those workers who often missed their schools because of their parents’ demanding work requirements.
A wholesome video of sanitation workers’ children studying in one such Vidya Kumbh, primed with modern facilities and qualified teachers, is doing the rounds on the internet. It underlines the efforts undertaken by the Yogi Adityanath government to ensure the organisation of Maha Kumbh 2025 does not in any way hinder the educational aspirations of these children.
कुंभ का अनोखा स्कूल देख दिल खुश हो जाएगा!
— Khabargaon (@khabar_gaon) January 13, 2025
Kumbh Mela 2025 | Prayagraj | Yogi Adityanath @Bhupinder_35 @Gauraw2297 pic.twitter.com/8YkF2INNx7
Digital classrooms, educational kits, and playful learnings at these Vidya Kumbhs provide children with an engaging atmosphere and holistic learning experience at par with any modern private school. Students receive free supplies under the ‘Umang Kit’ and additional resources through ‘Gyan Ka Pitara.’
Playgrounds and mid-day meal dining areas have been established. Thousands of children, from nursery to grade 5, already benefit from interactive learning through digital tools, audio-visual content, and games. Special game-based teaching methods are designed to foster a love for learning, especially for younger children in nursery classes.
According to government authorities, primary schools launched in the fair area to educate children from nursery to grade 5 from underprivileged families who cannot afford costly schooling are taught free of charge using digital and smart classrooms. Besides, free uniforms, books, and shoes are offered to students who enrol on such Vidya Kumbhs. These educational centres are managed by government-appointed teachers.
In a report published in December 2024, the Hindustan Times spoke to an officer on Special Duty for the Kumbh Mela Authority, who expounded on the government’s plans for the expansion of the schools for children. Akanksha Rana, the officer, said the government’s goal is to expand schools across 25 sectors to ensure children of sanitation workers, maintain cleanliness for millions of pilgrims, do not miss school.