As the Maha Kumbh 2025 unfolds in Prayagraj, drawing crores of Hindu devotees to the sacred Sangam for their holy dip, the Yogi Adityanath government’s initiative to bridge educational gaps has become a focal point of admiration. This initiative, aimed at providing equitable educational opportunities for the underprivileged, especially the children of sanitation workers, exemplifies the administration's commitment to inclusive social welfare.

To ensure that education reaches the most marginalized sections, five Vidya Kumbhs have been established at Maha Kumbh 2025. These facilities offer world-class primary education to thousands of children of sanitation workers, complete with necessary resources and certifications. This effort not only addresses the educational disparity but also uplifts families, empowers communities, and lays the groundwork for a brighter future.

The Maha Kumbh, which began on 13th January 2025, is a celebration of faith and cultural heritage, attracting millions of Hindus worldwide. Often called the largest gathering of humanity on earth, the event has witnessed crores of devotees taking a dip in the holy waters, with many more expected during the 45-day spiritual festival. To manage this massive congregation, the Uttar Pradesh government has employed thousands of sanitation workers, ensuring cleanliness across the sprawling expanse of the Sangam.

Recognizing the challenges faced by these workers, whose demanding jobs often result in their children missing school, the government has taken proactive steps. Primary schools, including the Vidya Kumbh Primary Schools, have been strategically established in sectors 1, 2, 7, 10, and 13, enrolling thousands of children. These schools aim to create a supportive environment where the children of sanitation workers can access quality education without interruptions caused by their parents' work schedules.

The success of this initiative is highlighted by a viral video showcasing children studying at one of the Vidya Kumbhs, equipped with modern amenities and led by qualified teachers. The video has struck a chord online, emphasizing the transformative steps taken by the Yogi Adityanath government to safeguard the educational aspirations of these young learners amid the grand preparations of Maha Kumbh.

The facilities at these Vidya Kumbhs reflect the government’s dedication to holistic education. Digital classrooms, educational kits, and playful learning methods provide an engaging and modern atmosphere akin to that of private schools. The children benefit from free supplies under the ‘Umang Kit’ initiative, as well as additional resources distributed through ‘Gyan Ka Pitara.’

Playgrounds and mid-day meal dining areas have been established to create a nurturing environment for children at Vidya Kumbh. Thousands of students, ranging from nursery to grade 5, are already benefiting from interactive learning methods. These include digital tools, audio-visual content, and games, with special game-based teaching approaches designed to foster a love for learning among younger children in nursery classes.

The Yogi Adityanath government has ensured that primary schools within the Maha Kumbh area cater specifically to the educational needs of underprivileged children who would otherwise be unable to access costly schooling. According to officials, these schools provide free education from nursery to grade 5, using digital and smart classrooms to deliver a modern learning experience. Additionally, students receive free uniforms, books, and shoes, eliminating financial barriers for families. These initiatives are meticulously managed by government-appointed teachers, ensuring consistent quality in education.

A December 2024 report by Hindustan Times shed light on the government’s ambitious plans for the expansion of these schools. Speaking to the publication, Akanksha Rana, an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the Kumbh Mela Authority, explained the government’s strategy. She revealed, “The government’s goal is to expand schools across 25 sectors to ensure children of sanitation workers, who maintain cleanliness for millions of pilgrims, do not miss school.”

The effort has garnered attention on social media platforms as well. A verified Mahakumbh handle shared an update on X, stating, “Five Vidya Kumbh primary schools with state-of-the-art facilities are being started in the fair area.” These schools form an integral part of the mega fair, which began on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj.

Preparations for this colossal event have been progressing at a remarkable pace. Over 15,000 sanitation workers have been deployed across Mahakumbh Nagar to ensure cleanliness in the vast fair area. These workers, hailing from different parts of the country, are essential in maintaining the hygiene and orderliness of the gathering, which hosts crores of pilgrims.

The government’s initiative to provide education to the children of these workers stands out as a compassionate and forward-thinking endeavor. A government official elaborated, “These are the people who have the full responsibility of cleaning the entire fair area. Sanitation workers and workers from all over the country are on duty in the fair area. The government has taken the responsibility of providing education to their children by taking a unique initiative.”

For two months, primary schools in Mahakumbh Nagar are serving as educational havens for the children of workers. OSD Akanksha Rana further emphasized the significance of these efforts, stating, “The special thing is that these children belong to the class who do not have the means to go to expensive schools.”

The initiative underscores the Yogi government’s vision to uplift the children of daily wage workers and sanitation workers by offering them an education on par with the best standards. As part of this initiative, two primary schools have already been opened, providing children from grades 1 to 5 with access to digital and smart classrooms.

Children of laborers and sanitation workers, who have arrived at Maha Kumbh 2025 from across the country, are being educated free of cost in the Vidya Kumbh primary schools. This initiative symbolizes the flow of knowledge, referred to as the Ganga of Saraswati, among these underprivileged children who will stay in Prayagraj for two months during the grand event.

To ensure quality education, government principals and teachers have been deployed in these schools. Elaborating on the initiative, Akanksha Rana, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), said, “These children will also be given free uniforms, shoes and books by the government. Free admission of children is being done here every day.” She further emphasized, “In these schools, students are being provided high-quality education through smart classes.”

Arrangements for Sports and Mid-Day Meals

To ensure holistic development, playgrounds have been developed in the schools, equipped with outdoor play materials to encourage physical activity. Additionally, a dining area is being prepared to serve mid-day meals, ensuring children receive nutritious food while attending school.

Special attention is being given to nursery children, with a game-based education system designed to increase their interest in studies. These interactive methods are tailored to make learning enjoyable and to spark curiosity among the youngest students.

Kanchan Verma, Director General of School Education in Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the critical role played by the basic education department during the Maha Kumbh, which draws millions of devotees from across India and abroad to the Sangam banks in Prayagraj. She stated, “The basic education department of Uttar Pradesh will be playing an important role in continuing the education of the children of labor families in this event uninterrupted.”

Verma further explained that five primary schools have been opened in the Maha Kumbh area to keep the children of sanitation workers and other employees connected to education. She added, “Here, children in the 6-14 age group have been surveyed and enrolled in classes according to their age.”

By offering opportunities that were previously inaccessible, Vidya Kumbh is driving a significant educational reform, ensuring these students receive the education they deserve. Here are a few key insights of the Vidya Kumbh:

World-Class Facilities

The Vidya Kumbh primary schools stand out with their world-class facilities, including smart classrooms equipped with advanced audio-visual tools. Once a hallmark of elite convent schools, these modern classrooms have now been made accessible to the children of sanitation workers. This significant shift is credited to the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The inclusion of interactive projectors, educational videos, and digital learning resources creates a dynamic and engaging learning environment. This initiative ensures that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, receives access to quality education, providing them with the tools for a brighter future.

Free Primary Education

Vidya Kumbh Schools provide free education from Nursery to the fifth standard, emphasizing holistic development. These schools ensure that children, who might otherwise miss out on their education due to their families’ involvement in laborious tasks at the Maha Kumbh, have uninterrupted access to learning. Many of these children have migrated from distant districts or even other states to accompany their parents, who are involved in the sanitation and manual labor efforts for the event. Through Vidya Kumbh, these children now have the chance to continue their education in a supportive and engaging environment—at no cost to their families.

Interactive Learning through Technology

The learning experience at Vidya Kumbh goes beyond traditional textbooks. Fun, educational cartoons, songs, games, and audio-visual materials displayed via projectors are used to teach students, especially in nursery classes. Instead of books or notebooks, younger children learn through large posters, signs, and music, making basic concepts enjoyable and accessible. This innovative approach has sparked significant enthusiasm among the children, who actively participate in lessons through play, storytelling, and hands-on activities.

Free Education and Materials

The Uttar Pradesh government has gone a step further to ensure that all children enrolled in Vidya Kumbh Schools have access to essential learning materials, free of cost. As part of this initiative, children are provided with books, pencils, notebooks, school uniforms, sweaters, and more through the ‘Umang Kit’ program. Additionally, a special educational kit called ‘Gyan Ka Pitara’ is distributed to enhance their learning experience. These efforts align with Hon'ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s broader vision of making education accessible to every child, irrespective of their financial or social standing.

Certified Education for Future Growth

To ensure continuity in education, children attending Vidya Kumbh Schools will receive an official certificate from the Basic Education Department upon completing their academic session at the end of the Maha Kumbh. This certification will enable them to transfer seamlessly into the next grade in schools within their home districts or states. This effort not only guarantees quality education during the Maha Kumbh but also helps children reintegrate into the regular school system after the event concludes.

A Model for the Nation

The Vidya Kumbh initiative is being celebrated as a pioneering model for the country, setting a benchmark for integrating technology and inclusivity in education. By offering world-class educational facilities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, Uttar Pradesh has demonstrated how visionary governance can transform lives. This successful initiative could inspire similar programs across India, ensuring that children from all walks of life have access to the education they rightfully deserve.

How Is It Transforming the Educational Landscape of Uttar Pradesh?

Vidya Kumbh is proving to be a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming the educational landscape of Uttar Pradesh. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this program is not only providing quality education but also empowering the families of sanitation workers by offering them opportunities to uplift their socio-economic conditions.

The initiative has gained further strength through the support of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, a dedicated non-profit organization that has played a pivotal role in building the smart-class infrastructure. The foundation has also contributed essential learning materials, such as school bags, books, and stationery, ensuring that students have everything they need to succeed. This collaboration exemplifies how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful change in education.

The admissions in Vidya Kumbh Schools have been progressing rapidly. Within the first week of their opening, over 225 children were enrolled, reflecting the strong demand for such facilities. Recognizing this need, the government is planning to open additional Vidya Kumbh Schools at five more locations within the Maha Kumbh area. The goal is to provide quality education to every child of workers across the event’s various sectors, ensuring that no child is deprived of learning due to their family’s temporary relocation to the Kumbh Mela.

Closing Remarks

The Vidya Kumbh initiative is a monumental step by the Uttar Pradesh government in the field of education. It is an effort not only to educate children but also to empower the future generations of sanitation workers and laborers. By offering these children a chance to break the cycle of poverty through education, the government is paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.

This initiative stands as a powerful symbol of how education can uplift even the most marginalized communities, ensuring they have the opportunity to rise above their circumstances. Vidya Kumbh is truly a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of education in shaping lives and fostering a better tomorrow.