The Atlanta chapter of Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA and Atlanta Chowki Group reverently conducted a “Mata Ki Chowki” at Global Mall on July 12th, 2009. 

Ekal believes that the venereable "Mata" is not only Durga, the Destroyer of Evil but also symbolic of Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning and Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity. This propitiation of the "Mother" also fits in with Ekal's philosophy of uprooting ills and bringing education and prosperity to rural and remote pockets in India, said a press release issued by the foundation here.

The non-profit, charitable trust is shaping a people's movement in India for people's education and empowerment. It initiates, supports, and runs non-formal one-teacher schools from Kashmir to Kanyakumari with a donation of only a dollar-a-day! As of July 2009 there are 26,855 Ekal schools where 771,315 students receive Basic education, health-care, development/vocational and empowerment education. In fact, Ekal firmly believes where the Goddess of Learning finds an abode, evil and ignorance disappear and prosperity eventually resides! 

Inder Bery and Surinder Bahl meticulously organized the chowki. After Pandit Joshiji, propitiated the mother goddess, Kiran Chibber, Kalpana Bery, Vandana Bhandari, Nishi Sharma, Navin Tyagi, Seema, Tilak, Harjeet, Shama and others sang melodious mata bhaints and bhajans. An unexpected treat were two bhajans sung in a mesmerizing voice by Nayan Pancholi who was briefly visiting Atlanta from Ahmedabad, India. Mahaprasad was lovingly prepared and served by devout Ekal volunteers. Everything was so delicious that someone remarked that "Mother Goddess" herself has stirred the ladles in each pot!

Ekal raised 11 schools at the chowki. People were so impressed with Ekal's work that they were looking forward to the next Ekal event called "Tapasya" on September 12th at Paces Academy, Buckhead, GA. "The Narasimha Academy of Arts" is choreographing a thematic dance presentation around Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva's abode at Mount Kailash.