VIDYA West Zone Celebrated 25 Years of Transforming Lives in Mumbai

VIDYA West Zone marked a significant milestone as it celebrated 25 years of impactful work in education, empowerment, and community development across Mumbai. The event brought together students, alumni, teachers, donors, and well-wishers, all united by their deep connection to VIDYA’s mission.

The celebration was graced by Chief Guest Katan Hirachand, Chief Executive and Chief Country Officer of Societe Generale India, who commended VIDYA’s long-standing commitment to strengthening communities through education. The Guest of Honour, Shirish Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, further elevated the occasion with his encouraging insights and support.

A highlight of the evening was the premiere of Reflections of VIDYA, a podcast-style series featuring industry leaders, donors, and long-time partners who shared their perspectives on VIDYA’s credibility, values, and transformative impact.

The ceremony included six major felicitation segments, each honouring a pillar of VIDYA’s 25-year journey:

1. Felicitation of the Chief Guest and Dignitaries

Leaders whose presence and support added significance to the celebration were recognised.

2. Torchbearers of Change – Past and Present Board and Advisory Members

Individuals who guided the organisation with continuity, foresight, and wisdom over the years were honoured.

3. Visionaries of Change – Key Leaders Across VIDYA India

Contributors who shaped VIDYA’s national impact through steadfast leadership were celebrated.

4. The Ground Warriors – VIDYA West Zone Team

Team members who drove the mission across classrooms, communities, and digital learning spaces were acknowledged for their dedicated efforts.

5. Weavers of Wisdom – Teachers and Staff

Teachers and staff who nurtured and mentored students, strengthening the emotional and academic foundation of VIDYA centres, received heartfelt appreciation.

6. Custodians of Legacy – VIDYA Alumni

Alumni who began their journeys as VIDYA learners and went on to become confident changemakers were recognised for their achievements.

Each segment underscored the collective contributions of countless individuals who shaped the organisation’s growth and legacy over the past two decades.

The evening also featured captivating cultural performances by students and alumni, along with the launch of two books — Inked Dreams and The Voyage of Verse — created by VIDYA beneficiaries and teachers.

A particularly moving moment came when Founder and President Rashmi Misra shared her vision of establishing a full-fledged VIDYA School and Centre of Excellence in Mumbai, rooted in dignity, equal opportunity, and holistic education.

Over the past 25 years, VIDYA West Zone has implemented powerful programmes in education, digital literacy, communicative English, life skills, youth development, and women’s empowerment, positively impacting thousands of lives with compassion and purpose.

As VIDYA entered its next chapter, the organisation reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and ensuring that education remains a pathway to confidence, dignity, and transformative change.