Opening Windows to Happiness @ Gavaksh- Story of Archana Gavaksh
Our team spoke to the Founder of GavaKsh, Archana Gavaksh recently. Here are the excerpts from the interview:-
1 The Inception of GavaKsh: The Vision Behind the Initiative
GavaKsh is making a significant impact on literacy and creative learning for urban children from humble backgrounds. Could you share the inspiration behind founding GavaKsh, and how your experiences shaped your vision for this non-profit?
Archana: I have been a social worker at heart from an early age. I was always involved in some form of welfare activity. Coming from a humble background, I often faced challenges in the workplace that made me wish I had a stronger foundation. With this in mind, I founded GavaKsh in 2014 with 5 students to empower children from similar backgrounds and provide them with a solid foundation. The organization was officially registered in 2015, and we now support 550 students across 3 centers.
2 Creative Learning: Bridging the Gap in Education
How does GavaKsh integrate creative learning into its literacy programs? Could you give us some examples of how this approach has transformed the educational experience for the children you work with?
Archana: GavaKsh integrates creative learning into its literacy programs by using hands-on activities, storytelling, and interactive games to make education engaging and fun for children. In the villages of Likhi and Senohli, we encourage students to express themselves through art, drama, and creative writing, which helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, through group projects like creating their own stories or performing skits, children become more confident and enthusiastic learners. This approach has transformed their educational experience, making learning more enjoyable and accessible, and helping them build a strong foundation for their future.
3 The Power of Storytelling in Education
As someone passionate about blogging and storytelling, how do you incorporate these elements into GavaKsh’s initiatives? What role do you believe storytelling plays in fostering creativity and literacy among children?
Archana: At GavaKsh, we incorporate storytelling into our initiatives by encouraging children to share their stories through writing, skits, drama, and oral narration. We use these creative forms to make learning more relatable and engaging, helping children connect with the material on a personal level. By expressing their experiences and imaginations, children not only improve their literacy skills but also develop creativity and confidence. Skits and drama, in particular, allow them to explore different perspectives and work collaboratively, making storytelling a powerful tool in fostering both creativity and literacy in our programs.
4 Challenges and Triumphs in Non-Profit Work
Running a non-profit organization comes with its own set of challenges. What have been some of the most significant obstacles you’ve faced with GavaKsh, and how have you overcome them? Can you share a moment that stands out as a triumph in your journey?
Archana: Over the past nine years, I’ve faced many challenges on this journey with GavaKsh. One of the most difficult yet crucial tasks has been shifting the mindset of people in rural areas toward education, especially when it comes to ensuring that girls and boys have equal opportunities to grow. This work is deeply personal to me, and it’s heartbreaking to see how ingrained biases can hold children back from reaching their full potential. Finding skilled volunteers and supporters who share our vision is often a struggle, and the constant need for resources can feel overwhelming. Yet, despite these challenges, my passion for creating a better future for these children drives me forward every day.
5 Future Vision for GavaKsh and Beyond
What are your future plans for GavaKsh? How is your passion for blogging and storytelling evolving alongside your work with GavaKsh?
Archana: Currently, we have three post-schooling centers supporting 550 students. However, my vision is to expand our reach to other villages where educational resources beyond government schools are scarce. Over the past nine years, I’ve had the privilege of touching the lives of thousands of children. Along this journey, I’ve encountered countless inspiring stories that have deeply moved me. I’ve learned so much from these young Gavakshars — their resilience and spirit continuously push me to go beyond my limits and create even more learning opportunities for them. I need to share these stories, as they embody the heart and soul of GavaKsh and remind us why this work is so important.
It gives me immense satisfaction that Gavaksh is true to its meaning viz. Window to Happiness. The best part of my work is to see the happiness or smiling faces of Gavakshars :)
Follow on Instagram- @gavakshindia
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Brief Profile
Bringing smiles on the faces of people has fascinated Archana since childhood. She set up Gavaksh in the year 2014 to realize her dreams of opening a window of happiness in the lives of people. She is an enthusiastic, energetic, and empathetic human with a deep desire to serve the society.
She has the spirit of an entrepreneur and the heart of a social worker. With more than 15 years of rich experience of working for causes, she has been responsible for conceptualizing, implementing, and coordinating key programs with different segments of society.
