With over 5,000 years of rich history, four major religions, 17 major languages and 2,200 dialects, India's heritage, diversity, vibrant culture and growing economy are just cause for pride.

Yet mixed with this beauty are some dismal realities:

• India's population continues to grow and is now well beyond one billion
• The majority of India's population lives below minimum subsistence levels, surviving on an income of less than US $2 per day
• Over 75% of India's population lives in villages that lack adequate access to basics like water, power and education

Though India still lives in its villages, the latent potential of the rural masses to contribute to and share in the growth of the country remains untapped. The key to developing this potential is education, but the educational landscape of India is bleak, with poorly run government schools comprising 95% of all schools in India.Education imparted in the local language means the majority of graduating students lack basic skills and are neither employable nor able to pursue higher education.

Isha Vidhya is committed to raising the level of education and literacy in rural India and to helping disadvantaged children realize their full potential. The project seeks to ensure quality education for children in rural areas, opening the door for them to participate in and benefit from India's economic growth.

Featuring English-and computer-based education that is complemented by innovative methods for the overall development and blossoming of each student, Isha Vidhya schools empower rural children to meet future challenges.

The Isha Vidhya schools distinguish themselves by...

• Offering affordable, high-quality education in rural areas
• Taking education beyond literacy and rudimentary skills
• Empowering rural children to participate globally
• Actively promoting education of female children
• Increasing educational awareness in rural societies
• Preserving village identities and culture