ABOUT US
“Transforming Access to Higher Education for First-Generation Learners”
Every year, thousands of talented young people from marginalized and rural communities dream of pursuing higher education — but lack the guidance, exposure, and support to reach it. Eklavya exists to change that.
We walk alongside first-generation learners as they navigate opportunities they’ve never seen before, helping them build confidence, clarity, and the skills needed to step into India’s and the world’s best universities. Through mentorship, community, and the right resources, we open doors that once felt out of reach — so students can rise, lead, and rewrite the future for themselves and their communities.
Our Story
[2017]
Founding Vision
Started with the goal of opening higher-education pathways for first-generation learners.
[2019]
Early Expansion
Scaled workshops and mentoring across rural and tribal regions in Maharashtra.
[2021]
Building Strong Programs
Launched structured UG & PG mentoring models to support students year-round.
[2022]
Residential Learning Begins
Opened the Satyashodhak Youth Centre, enabling focused, immersive academic preparation.
[2024]
National & Global Impact
Supporting students across India and preparing many for top global universities.
Our People
Raju Kendre
Founder and CEO
Akash Modak
Co-Founder and CFO
Vijay Dhole
Senior Program Manager
Sakshi Labade
PG Associate
Program & Field Team
MENTORSHIP
ACADEMICS
OUTREACH
OPERATIONS
Our Vision & Mission
VISION
Enabling social mobility through grassroots leadership Every student should get an equal opportunity to access quality higher education and realize their potential through a career.
- Goal 1: Improve access to higher education among first-generation learners.
- Goal 2: Bring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to university campuses and workplaces.
- Goal 3: Build Grassroots Leadership in different sectors and Enable Social Mobility among marginalized Communities through means of higher education.
MISSION
Our mission is to empower 20,000 first-generation students by transitioning their successful careers through accessing world-class higher education and enabling their families to overcome poverty by 2030.
Our Principles
Equity
Leveling the playing field by providing resources where they are needed most.
Integrity
Honesty in our actions, transparency in our funds, and truth in our stories.
Empathy
Leading with understanding of the lived experiences of our students.
Community
Building a tribe that supports one another long after the program ends.
Courage
The bravery to dream big despite the odds and societal barriers.
Transparency
Open books and open processes to build lasting trust.
Partners & Supporters
Collaborating with world-class universities, foundations, and changemakers to build a robust ecosystem of support. Our partners are the backbone of our mission, enabling us to scale our impact and unlock global opportunities for our scholars.
Media & Press
Our Impact
Delivering measurable change where it matters most. From unlocking crores in funding to securing global scholarships, here is a snapshot of the bridge we have built between talent and opportunity.
300+
Scholars Mentored
100+
Global Admissions
70+
Fully Funded Scholarships
₹30 Crore+
Scholars Mentored
Photo Story
Workshops
Bootcamps
Field visits
