A people’s movement towards education equity
Journeying towards improving
Public schools in India
Shikshagraha is a people-powered movement to improve all 1 million public schools in India — so that every child experiences enriching learning and is ready for the future. Shikshagraha brings together communities, governments, civil society, and markets to transform public schools by reimagining what they can and must deliver.
We put the child at the centre — their learning, confidence, well-being, and aspirations. And we believe real change begins with those closest to the child — teachers, parents, school leaders, youth, and local communities. We go where the need is greatest, support education leadership on the ground, and shift the norms that hold education back.
Through visible practice change and collective action, we aim to make education a public agenda — one that every citizen demands, and every leader prioritises.
When schools work for every child, India moves closer to becoming a just, capable, and confident Viksit Bharat.
How can we improve 1 million public schools and shift public perception of them?
How can we view India as 806+ thriving districts, not just 28 states?
How can Samaaj-Sarkaar-Bazaar-Sanchaar partnerships drive change at the grassroots level?
These questions sparked the creation of Shikshagraha—a movement rooted in the belief that lasting change in education comes from collective action with those closest to the child.
Reaching struggling districts is only the first step. Public Schools transformation requires challenging the deep-rooted beliefs and practices that keep education systems stuck. If these are the norms that hold us back, then these are the ways in which we respond:
| Norm we want to shift | How Shikshagraha responds |
|---|---|
| Government schools are the last resort | Demonstrate vibrant government schools through district transformation efforts |
| Community feels education is the school’s job | Equip and engage parents, youth, and local leaders to participate meaningfully |
| Education is only about marks | Celebrate stories that show learning for life — well-being, voice, participation |
| Teachers are not accountable for outcomes | Support teachers and school leaders to lead change |
| Girls and marginalised children don’t need to study | Put girls and marginalised voices at the frontlines of leadership and storytelling |
| Policy is made and implemented top-down | Co-create programs and implementation pathways with state and district leaders |
| Education is not political | Build community demand by listening to local voices, creating space for civic dialogue, and mobilising collective action |
India is in a once-in-a-generation demographic window. 25 crore children are in school today, and 18 crore youth will enter the workforce by 2030. If we act now, Today’s children will enter adulthood with stronger foundations, digital fluency, scientific temper, and climate awareness, positioning India for a just, capable, and sustainable future.
Our approach brings communities, governments, civil society, and market players together to shift limiting norms that shape education, strengthen local leadership, and make education a shared public agenda.
Shikshagraha works to dismantle beliefs that government schools are only for families who don’t have other options, that communities are passive recipients of the education system, that learning is only about academic performance and decisions about education are taken from the top, far away from where children live and learn.
We
1. enable parents, women and youth to demand and support quality education
2. equip teachers, school leaders, officials with tools for micro-improvements towards systemic change
3. build a thriving ecosystem for change by connecting all actors, making learning visible and transferrable
Micro-improvements are small, relevant, and achievable steps made consistently over time by local leaders, teachers, and communities , when accumulated, lead to significant long-term results in classrooms/ schools/ communities, making big goals less overwhelming by breaking them into manageable tasks.
Shikshagraha focuses on districts where the need is clear, trusted partners are present and the government is ready to co-create and go deep. Our work spans across India, targeting districts where public school reform is most urgently needed.
Our goal is to ensure that children are active participants in their own learning, both communities and teachers lead change, education becomes a people's agenda, public education earns public pride, and school education prepares children for the future.
We are not an organisation, but a movement or network of different actors in the public education system. Shikshagraha facilitates collective action and enable leadership of those closest to children - teachers, parents, school leaders, youth, and local communities.
To improve all 1 million public schools in India to offer an enriching learning experience — enabling every child to be ready for the future: for the well-being of self, their communities, and for a changing planet.
Public school reform is essential for creating a just, capable, and confident Viksit Bharat (developed India). When schools work for every child, they enter adulthood with stronger foundations and India moves closer to becoming a truly developed nation.
The movement is open to all — it is accessible to all individuals and institutions without any barrier. You can express your interest here.
Absolutely! Individuals can nominate education leaders for Shikshagraha awards, volunteer with youth or women's collectives or in schools in their communities or share stories of impact from their communities.
