Behind every success story at VIDYA lies a journey of courage and change. A child who joined VIDYA at the age of three now works as a software engineer in a multinational company and mentors younger students. A youth who once dropped out of college became the first graduate in her family through VIDYA’s NIOS and Scholarship Programmes. A woman who was once discouraged from dreaming now runs her own business through the Shakti Livelihood Programme, employing other women and uplifting her community.

These stories reflect VIDYA’s enduring belief that education is not only about learning but about transforming lives.

Founded in 1985 by Rashmi Misra at IIT Delhi with just five children, Vidya Integrated Development for Youth and Adults (VIDYA) has grown into one of India’s most respected NGOs. Guided by the motto “Educate. Empower. Transform.”, VIDYA has directly benefitted over eight lakh and indirectly impacted 24 lakh children, youth, and women through more than 300 projects in education, skill development, and empowerment.

With operations across Delhi, Gurugram, Himachal Pradesh, Lucknow, Varanasi, Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Vapi, Bengaluru, Shivamogga, Madikeri, Bhatkal, Murdeshwar, and Chennai, VIDYA’s initiatives include schools, government partnerships, digital literacy drives, vocational training, and community development programmes.

As VIDYA marks its 40th year, VIDYA West Zone celebrates 25 years of service since its establishment at IIT Bombay in 2000. From its first classes in Powai to multiple learning centres across Mumbai, the West Zone has touched over 4,00,000 lives through programmes such as Beyond School, Bhavishya Yaan, DigiSkills, Margam Livelihoods, Scholarships, and Youth Empowerment.

“What began as a small promise to two girls has become a movement of learning, dignity, and change,” said founder Rashmi Misra. “Our 25-year milestone in Mumbai is a tribute to every teacher, partner, and student who believed that education can truly transform lives.”

VIDYA’s 25th Year Celebration Event will be held on Thursday, 13 November 2025, at Bal Gandharva Rangmandir, Bandra. For details, contact Priyanka Mathur at [email protected] or on 88262 88169.

Also Read: VIDYA South Zone Celebrates 15 Years of Impact and Empowerment