Isha Vidhya’s first batch of 101 10th standard students passed their board exams in flying colors, with the average mark standing at 89% for the batch!

Earlier this year in February, 101 students from seven Isha Vidhya schools attended a sathsang with Sadhguru at the Isha Yoga Center. The students were preparing for their 10th Standard Board Examinations. Board exams put most students on the edge, but for many of the Isha Vidhya kids, it was an especially nervy time. Many of them were the very first members of their families to give a board exam, and in some cases, even attend a school. A majority of the students at these rural schools come from financially weak backgrounds, and attend the schools thanks to the full scholarships from Isha Vidhya donors. What’s more, this was the first batch of Isha Vidhya students to appear for the SSLC examinations.

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Isha Vidhya schools had a 100% pass rate. The average score for the students is over 89%! Of the 101 students, 17 students scored 100% in Mathematics, while 45 did so in Science and 24 in Social Sciences.

Towards the end of the sathsang, during which Sadhguru spoke about the basic purpose of education and why there need be no exam fear, he said, “I am sure every one of you will get across this examination. Don’t you even worry. My grace and blessings are with you – but you must study!” The students most certainly did study, and with Sadhguru’s blessings, each of the 101 kids made it through! The Tamil Nadu State Board declared the results of the exam on 21st May, and the Isha Vidhya schools had a 100% pass rate. The average score for the students is over 89%! Of the 101 students, 17 students scored 100% in Mathematics, while 45 did so in Science and 24 in Social Sciences.

The schools have never placed an undue emphasis on marks, focusing more on expanding children’s horizons and ensuring they enjoy the process of education. However, it is still heartening to see the results this approach has reaped in the examination hall. Ms. Ruthra from the Vanavasi school top scored with 494 marks out of 500, with 100% in Science, Mathematics and Social Sciences. Says Ruthra, “There was no stress. All through my studies I always felt the grace of Sadhguru. Teachers’ and principal’s approach was good. The environment was so helpful in scoring these many marks.”

Ms. Keerthana from the Covai Sandegoundan Palayam school scored 493. Keerthana’s experience of education has been similar to Ruthra’s and she expressed her gratitude to her teachers. “I am glad that I have scored high marks in exams. My parents and teachers have been my constant inspiration to achieve this,” she said. Looking back at her 9-year journey in Isha Vidhya, beginning in the 2nd standard, she said, “I still remember the very first day I walked into this school. It’s completely different from other schools, be it the atmosphere or the way classes are handled. Teachers treat us like how our parents do, showering us with love and care. Thank you.”

"It’s completely different from other schools, be it the atmosphere or the way classes are handled. Teachers treat us like how our parents do, showering us with love and care."

Master Arthanari from the Vanavasi school, came in third among the 101 students, scoring 487. Master Arthanari comes from a very poor family background, and his education has been supported by a full scholarship.
Isha Vidhya currently runs 9 rural schools – 8 in Tamil Nadu and 1 in Andhra Pradesh – for more than 5800 students from nearby villages. Approximately 70% (4060) of the students study thanks to donations from Isha Vidhya’s scholarship program. This has created the possibility for rural children to pursue higher education and find gainful employment, building a strong foundation for their future.

Isha Vidhya is a not-for-profit education initiative that functions on a grass-roots level, relying on community involvement and the support of innumerable volunteers and donors. If you would like to donate, volunteer or participate in any other way, please visit the Isha Vidhya website.