Volunteer
100th Birthday -Madanlal Agarwala (Shradhanjali)
On the momentous occasion of the 100th Birth Anniversary of the late Shri Madanlal Agarwala, the esteemed founder member of the Friends of Tribals Society, a special musical evening was organized at the Iskcon Banquet on January 30, 2023, to pay tribute to his remarkable life.Shri Madanlal Agarwala, an eminent industrialist renowned for his coal mines in and around Dhanbad, is not only remembered for his successful business ventures but also for his exceptional philanthropic work dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged. He was the visionary who laid the foundation of the Friends of Tribals Society (FTS) in 1989, where he initiated the establishment of the first 60 Ekal Vidyalayas (One Teacher Schools) in Dhanbad. This initiative has now expanded to encompass 79,000 Ekal Vidyalayas spread across the remotest villages of India, providing essential non-formal education to rural children.
On this occassion, a book detailing his invaluable contributions to the Friends of Tribals Society was unveiled by Shri Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in India. Pandit Nachiketa Ji conducted a musical yagna. Distinguished dignitaries and special guests were recognized on the stage. Family members of Shri Madanlal Agarwala shared their cherished memories and experiences.The event was also graced by the presence of Shri Shyam Gupt, the pioneer of FTS, Smt. Manju Shrivastava, Ekal Sangathan Prabhari and many guests from other FTS chapters.
