Elango Vimalraj

Indian social entrepreneur who revolutionized rural education through community-based learning centers

Elango Vimalraj (born 1972) is a visionary educator from Tamil Nadu, India, who founded the Sirumalai Educational Society in 1998. His grassroots approach created 150+ community schools serving 25,000+ rural children in marginalized areas. He pioneered the Community School Model where villagers collectively manage schools, reducing dropout rates from 60% to 8%. His initiatives introduced STEM education in villages through mobile science labs and established the first rural incubator for student entrepreneurs. He developed the 'Education for All' program that provided scholarships to 10,000+ girls, achieving 98% female literacy in project areas. His work inspired the Indian government's National Literacy Mission and influenced UNESCO's education policies in Asia. He created the Rural Teacher Training Academy producing 500+ certified educators annually. His innovations include solar-powered classrooms and the Learning Through Farming program integrating agricultural education with academics. In 2015, he launched the Rural Innovation Hub connecting 500 villages through digital education platforms. His book Breaking the Poverty Cycle Through Education is used in global development courses. He received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2010 and UNICEF's Child Rights Champion title in 2018. His methods are replicated in 12 countries through the Global Education Alliance, impacting over 500,000 students worldwide.