barublogMemorial Case Award
The Kalgidhar Trust, a globally renowned non-profit organization based in Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, has been honored with the prestigious Philip Thomas Memorial Case Award for the Best Case by IIM Ahmedabad. This milestone underscores the Trust’s transformative contributions to education and rural development, making it a case study featured in the Harvard Business Review (HBR) case collection.
A Case Study on “The Akal Academies”
Authored by Dr. A.S. Ghura and Prof. Vijay Sherry Chand of IIM Ahmedabad’s Ravi J. Matthai Centre for Educational Innovation (RJMCEI), the case study, titled “The Akal Academies,” showcases the Trust’s innovative approach to blending moral values with scientific education. It highlights the profound vision of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, the retired Director of Agriculture for Himachal Pradesh, who embarked on a mission inspired by the teachings of Sant Attar Singh Ji and Sant Teja Singh Ji.
The Akal Academies exemplify a model of rural education that emphasizes spirituality alongside academic excellence. This unique initiative has scaled from a modest 19 schools in 2007 to an impressive network of 129 schools serving 70,000 students by 2018.
The Vision of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji
At the heart of this growth is the vision of Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, who drew inspiration from Sant Attar Singh Ji’s dream of synthesizing scientific learning with moral values and Sant Teja Singh Ji’s global educational pursuits. The Trust’s mission envisions scaling to 500 Akal Academies in the coming decade, providing high-quality education to 250,000 rural students.
Innovative Financial Models
The Trust’s financial model is a unique combination of donation-based low-cost funding and loan-driven investments, allowing for the sustainable growth of its educational initiatives. This innovative approach is now being studied by future managers to develop strategies for sustainable educational ventures.
A Legacy Rooted in Harvard
Sant Teja Singh Ji, the first turbaned Sikh graduate of Harvard University in 1911, laid the foundation for this visionary mission. The inclusion of this case study in the Harvard Business Case Centre serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy, marking a historic moment for the Sikh community and educational innovation.
A Divine Recognition
Winning the Philip Thomas Memorial Case Award and being featured in Harvard’s case collection is a testament to the Kalgidhar Trust’s dedication to rural education and its unique approach to social entrepreneurship. This achievement further solidifies the Trust’s role as a beacon of hope and progress for underprivileged rural communities.
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