Sumati Balwan's tireless work in our community has been truly transformative. Her initiatives have given hundreds of families access to education and healthcare they never had before. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and compassion.
Sumati Balwan is built on the idea that education should be active, engaging, and connected to real life. From classrooms to open spaces, from theory to practice, we create environments where children can discover their potential and learn in ways that stay with them.
Dr. Sharayu Ghole, a dedicated gynecologist, has been running a hospital in Dhankawadi, Pune, since 1977. Inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and driven by a deep sense of gratitude toward society, she came together with Dr. M.N. Hardikar and other like-minded individuals with a vision to make a meaningful contribution to the community. The journey began over 30 years ago with the opening of a small dispensary and hospital in Nimbalkarwadi-Gujarwadi. In 1999, this grew into an orphanage designed to provide a true home for 25 children. The Trust then established Sumati Balwan school in 2001 to serve children from orphaned, single-parent, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, operating under the Radhabai Hardikar Pranijat Mangal Sanstha.
Today Sumati Balwan educates 650 students from Kindergarten to 10th grade. The focus is on holistic education, where children learn amidst nature through play, dance, singing, and by discovering and nurturing their innate talents. The school introduced the Introduction to Basic Technology (IBT) programme for students from 8th to 10th grade to develop practical competencies. Over the years it has grown into a model that emphasises: • Learning by doing • Building problem-solving abilities • Preparing students for real-world challenges • Nature-based, experiential learning
We envision a learning ecosystem where children are not limited to traditional education but are encouraged to explore, create, and think independently. Our goal is to nurture individuals who: • Can apply knowledge to real-world challenges • Develop skills that support sustainable and self-reliant living • Grow into confident, socially conscious individuals By integrating education with practical exposure and innovation, we aim to prepare children not just for exams, but for life.
The principles that guide every decision, every programme, and every relationship we build.
Students are introduced early to practical domains like agriculture, energy, and technology.
Initiatives around green energy and eco-friendly practices are part of the learning experience.
From outdoor classrooms to student-built spaces, learning is experiential and engaging.
Exposure to emerging areas like AI ensures students are prepared for evolving opportunities.
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Advisory Board Member
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Sumati Balwan's tireless work in our community has been truly transformative. Her initiatives have given hundreds of families access to education and healthcare they never had before. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and compassion.
Under her guidance, our village school received support that helped us retain students who would have otherwise dropped out. Her commitment to education for every child is something I have witnessed firsthand, and it is genuinely inspiring.
When our village was struggling with the drought, she stood by us and helped organise relief and long-term water conservation work. She listens to ordinary people and actually acts on what she hears. That is rare in any leader.
The health camps organised through her office reached villages that our system had overlooked for years. Her focus on preventive care and awareness has made a measurable difference in the wellbeing of communities across the region.
