Many families, following the earthquake, migrated to nearby villages and rural areas in need of immediate shelter. These families have since chosen to settle in these underdeveloped areas permanently, though many of these locations are devoid of formal sanitation, education and transportation systems.

Given the success of its schools and vocational training centers in Bhuj and surrounding areas, Veerayatan has now expanded its project to serve these types of rural areas in Kutch. Veerayatan began by providing services to the children of these impoverished areas as well as children of lower castes who formerly did not have any access to education. This school, located in Rudrani, was inaugurated in August 2001 and classes were initially taught in tents. The school has since been moved to buildings which were donated to Veerayatan in April 2002. Veerayatan has since constructed a permanent school on the Rudrani site.

At present, more than 300 children are enrolled in Veerayatan’s Rudrani School. The majority of these children are the first in their families to experience a formal educational system. This has instilled confidence and enthusiasm in them; their parents and guardians are also thrilled to see their children going to school.

In addition to receiving a quality Gujurati education, the children of Rudrani are now receiving one, nutritious balanced meal a day, which regularly includes fruit grown on the Rudrani campus itself.