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
Eklavya began as a voluntary initiative at SJSM, rooted in Yavatmal, with a simple but powerful goal: to open pathways to higher education for first-generation and marginalized learners.
[2019]
Grassroots Growth
Operating as a volunteer-led effort, Eklavya worked closely with students across rural and tribal regions of Maharashtra, building trust, mentorship networks, and early academic guidance from the ground up.
[2020]
UG Cohort Launch
With growing student needs, Eklavya launched its first Undergraduate (UG) cohort, offering structured mentoring, academic support, and exposure to higher education opportunities.
[2022]
Global Pathways Take Shape
The Global Scholars Program (GSP) was launched to support students aspiring for global higher education, strengthening preparation for applications, scholarships, and international academic journeys.
[2024]
Strategic Partnerships
Eklavya partnered with ITDP, marking a significant step towards institutional collaborations and expanding the ecosystem of support for students.
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
UNDERGRADUATE
POSTGRADUATE
GLOBAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
FINANCE
Kabeer shapane
Communication Associate
Krishna Soni
Cook
Akash Sapkale
UG Associate
Ashwina Patahde
Residential Fellow
Akshay Kamble
Residential Fellow
Umesh Kapse
Supporting Staff
Ananda Varkute
Intern
Abhimanyu Sidam
Residential Fellow
Sharad Jadhav
GSP - Associate
anushree
yelmule
Media Intern
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 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
