Our Story
Ekam– Adaptive Learning for Specially Abled was founded in 2018 by Soumya and Misba,
driven by a shared passion for ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities, has access
to high-quality, individualized education. Both founders recognized a significant gap in the
education system in India: many children with special needs were not receiving the tailored
support they required in mainstream schools, missing out on the full educational experience.
Soumya and Misba felt strongly that these children should not be deprived of the opportunities
for growth, learning, and social interaction that are crucial to their development.
The inspiration to start Ekam came from their deep belief that all children—no matter their
challenges—deserve to be nurtured and empowered to reach their fullest potential. The name
“Ekam” is derived from the Sanskrit word for “Oneness,” reflecting the school’s mission to
create an inclusive environment where every child feels integrated, valued, and connected.
Soumya and Misba envisioned a school where children could not only thrive academically but
also develop life skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Ekam began as a center catering to children ages 6-11, offering individualized education and
behavior support. Over time, it became clear that there was a need to expand the space and
create a more formal school environment to meet the growing needs of the community. Today,
Ekam serves children between the ages of 3 and 16, and continues to grow as a vibrant,
thriving community. Our future vision includes extending our reach to children with a wide range
of abilities across all age groups, while also providing vocational training and job opportunities to
support students' transition to independent living.
From the beginning, quality has been a priority for us. Ekam’s first center was located in a space
that, though well-intentioned, became limiting as the school grew. Recognizing the challenges
posed by distance and accessibility, we expanded to a second campus, ensuring that our
students could continue their education with minimal disruption. Both centers share the same
management and core values, with a focus on maintaining high-quality standards, training our
teachers, and developing a consistent, individualized approach to each child’s needs.
At Ekam, we believe in a holistic approach to education. This includes not only academics, but
also social-emotional growth, life skills, and vocational training. We provide essential services
like transportation, breakfast, and lunch, ensuring that every child receives the support they
need to focus on their learning without added stress. Our goal is to support each child through
age-appropriate schooling while also helping them develop practical skills for life beyond the
classroom.
Building the right team to support our vision has been one of the toughest challenges along the
way. It took time to find dedicated educators and staff who share our commitment to learning
and growth. However, as we continue to refine our processes and programs, we are extremely
proud of the team we have built and the positive, inclusive environment we foster for both our
students and staff. We also work closely with parents, ensuring their active involvement and
feedback in their children’s educational journey.
As we look to the future, Ekam’s mission remains focused on providing comprehensive support
to children with special needs, from early education through to vocational training. We aim
to incorporate all therapeutic approaches and activities within our daily schedule, ensuring that
each child’s physical, academic, and emotional needs are met in an integrated, supportive
environment. Our ultimate vision is to create a community-driven model that caters to a diverse
range of abilities, while expanding our reach and raising awareness across India.
Ekam is the result of a shared vision between Soumya and Misba, whose combined passion for
inclusive education and dedication to creating a supportive environment for children with special
needs has driven the school's growth. Together, they aim to build a community where children of
all abilities are nurtured, empowered, and given the tools to succeed. With a commitment to
expanding access to high-quality education and raising awareness across India, they envision
Ekam as a model for inclusive learning that can inspire and serve children with diverse needs
for years to come. Their ultimate goal is to create a space where every child is valued,
supported, and given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.