The word ashram comes from the Sanskrit root srama, which means, "giving the meaning of making an effort”. Traditionally, an ashram is a hermitage, many ashrams also served as Gurukuls or residential schools for children under Guru-shishya tradition.
Today Ashram schools are residential schools that impart education to children belonging to Scheduled Tribes. The schools take care of food and shelter needs of children whose parents are away for long stretches of time owing to their major occupation as labourers.
Education among the tribals is of great importance as it serves as a cornerstone of development. There are over 200 such schools all over the India, with more than 80 located in the state of Maharashtra. They have greatly contributed in boosting the literacy rate.
WHAT IS AN ASHRAM SCHOOL?
