Nirali Rathwa, a 9th-grade student from Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in Waghodiya, experienced the thrill of her first plane journey as she boarded a flight to represent her school and state in a national-level singing competition held in Bangalore. This extraordinary opportunity provided by EMRS has allowed students from tribal areas to access quality education while nurturing their hidden talents through competitive events and educational tours.
EMRS Waghodiya has become a launching pad for students hailing from tribal regions, empowering them with a strong educational foundation and providing a platform to showcase their abilities. Three girls from the school recently excelled at the state level, earning the opportunity to represent Gujarat in various sports and cultural events.
Nirali Rathwa, along with Trusha Rathwa (Archery) and Nirali Mukeshbhai Rathwa (Badminton), proudly represented their school at the national level, bolstering their confidence and taking their skills to new heights. Nirali Rathwa’s triumph in the state-level tribal singing competition in Vejalpur led her to the national competition in Bangalore, marking a truly memorable moment in her life. The icing on the cake was her first-ever plane journey, which transported her to a world filled with excitement and wonder.
Coming from a farming family in Chhota Udepur, Nirali is the eldest of three children. She initially studied at Chotaudepur Primary school before transferring to EMRS after passing an exam. Pratiksinh Mahida, a computer teacher at EMRS, Waghodiya, shared how Nirali’s journey unfolded: “In 2019, a girl secured the first position in the state-level Cultural tournament and went on to represent her school in the nationals at Udaipur, Rajasthan. In 2023, Nirali Rathwa, a 9th-grade student, won the state-level tribal singing competition in Vejalpur and traveled to Bangalore for the national competition. It was her first-ever plane journey, and she represented her culture with utmost confidence.”
Reflecting on her plane journey, Nirali expressed her excitement, saying, “I sang the tribal song ‘Adivasi Nari’ and secured first place in the state competition. Later, I flew to Bangalore with the state team for the national competition, experiencing a plane for the first time in my life. The whole experience was overwhelming, and I felt immense pride traveling inside an airplane at such a young age. I am the first person in my family to embark on a plane journey, and now I dream of taking my parents on a similar ride one day.”
Nirali currently resides in the EMRS hostel, pursuing her dreams through education. During vacations, she visits her parents and eagerly prepares tea and food for them, sharing her experiences from school. Her aspiration is to become a teacher and empower girls from her region to pursue education and achieve their dreams.
Established in 2011, EMRS Waghodiya is an English medium residential school catering to students from grades 6 to 12. With approximately 300 students enrolled, the school provides education in English and Hindi, occasionally using Gujarati when required for better understanding. Students from various tribal areas across Gujarat, such as Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Dahod, Panchmahal, Chhota Udepur, Navsari, Narmada, and Tapi, receive free education at EMRS.
Pratiksinh Mahida, the computer teacher at EMRS, Waghodiya, elaborated on the school’s facilities and support system: “EMRS is a co-educational institution with separate hostels for boys and girls. All classes are equipped with smart technology, and students receive free education along with accommodation and additional amenities like a nutritious mess, monthly grocery supplies, uniforms, sports attire, books, and lab aprons. We also offer career guidance to our graduates. It fills us with pride to see our alumni pursuing higher education in engineering, dental studies, B.Sc., and nursing. Additionally, the school organizes an annual Science City tour in Ahmedabad and educational trips to further enhance students’ learning experiences.”
