30 Women Step into Classrooms for the First Time: ‘Syahi’ Adult Literacy Centre at Divya Dham Ashram, Delhi

New Delhi  : Taking another stride towards inclusive education, DJJS Manthan- Sampoorna Vikas Kendra (SVK) inaugurated its Syahi – Adult Literacy Centre at Divya Dham Ashram, Delhi. The initiative, envisioned under the divine guidance of Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, began its journey with the enrolment of 30 women learners aged 40 to 70 years.

These women include those who were deprived of formal education in their childhood, as well as those who dropped out of school early, having received only a handful of basic numeracy skills. At Syahi, adult students will learn Hindi alphabets (swar and vyanjan), basic word formation, sentence writing, numeracy skills, signature writing, and practical literacy skills essential for day-to-day life.

The inaugural program commenced with a soulful Saraswati Vandana, invoking the blessings of the Goddess of Knowledge. The gathering of over 100 women from nearby villages witnessed inspiring interactive activities, video sessions of earlier Syahi beneficiaries, and a thought-provoking skit by the enrolled women themselves.

The play depicted the struggles of an illiterate woman, unable to board the correct bus, confusing a ration card with her daughter’s horoscope, and being deceived by shopkeepers—all because she could not read. The act highlighted the harsh realities of illiteracy while underlining how education restores dignity and self-reliance.

On this occasion, Sadhvi Deepa Bharti Ji, Program Coordinator Manthan SVK, and Sadhvi Rachita Bharti Jidistributed stationery kits and Scholar ID cards to the newly enrolled learners. Many women grew deeply emotional, sharing how the lack of education had led to neglect and humiliation in their own households. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, stating that they had long dreamt of education, but had stopped hoping due to age. Today, that dream has turned into reality through the inclusive vision of their Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji.

The women then inaugurated their classroom and participated in their very first learning session. With shining eyes and trembling hands, they drew their first standing line, sleeping line, half circle, full circle, and proudly wrote their first Hindi vowel – ‘अ’.

With Syahi, DJJS Manthan SVK reinforces its commitment to not only shaping young minds through education and vocational training, but also empowering adults with the life-changing gift of literacy, truly turning ink (syahi) into a symbol of dignity, identity, and hope.