Parikh Foundation, in collaboration with the Hong Kong based Touch A Life Foundation (TAL), has helped set up Gyan Mandir, a multi-purpose educational facility that caters to the needs of nearly 900 students around Yedgaon in Junnar taluk in Pune district of Maharashtra.
 

The facility was inaugurated on April 23 by Ravindra Sabnis, Tehsildar of Junnar in the presence of Jitendra C. Parikh & Milan J. Parikh of Parikh Foundation and Naresh & Seema Surana of TAL Foundation at Yedeshwar Vidyamandir School in Junnar.
 

The new building is spread over 2,500 sq ft and in addition to a large hall, also contains a Science Lab, a High-tech Computer Lab, a Library and space for other lectures and events. While Parikh Foundation designed and built the Gyan Mandir, the Computer Hardware Lab was sponsored by Surana Brothers, HK. Eventually, it is envisaged that many of the local schools will be equipped with an 'IT' classroom and laptops, projectors and other digital equipment to enhance online teaching. 
 

Parikh Foundation, which partnered with TAL on this project, was set up in 1985 by the Parikh family of Mahendra Brothers. Over the years it has supported projects in Palanpur as well as other parts of the country with a focus on Health, Education, Animal Welfare, and Relief & Rehabilitation to improve the lives of millions of Indians.
 

Touch A Life Foundation, founded in 2015 by HK-based Naresh and Seema Surana, is supported by Chow Tai Fook, Rio Tinto, RSM Hong Kong and the Head Masters Association, Pune. It has focused on enhancing educational infrastructure and facilities for students in remote parts of rural Maharashtra covering nearly 4,500 students in 35 schools across 34 villages. A key focus area is enhancement of digitalization and e-learning.

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