Vignettes, diaries, videos, conversations: every entry in this section brings you up-close with us and our work
Our three operating units — Field Institutions, Grants and Universities — function in an integrated manner to fuel the Foundation’s motto of contributing towards a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. We bring you a collection of narratives from all three units, straight from our people and partners across India. These stories, in the form of videos, animation, interviews and journals, showcase the journey and the Foundation in its various fields of work.
Nakshatragalu EP 14 | Mailarlinga, Nandihalli | Umashankar Periodi
Choosing to live in the same village as the school he worked in allowed Mailarlinga to devote more time to his students. The teachers worked together to get piped water to the school and also helped set up a robust library.
Nakshatragalu EP 13 | Arathi, Devapura| Umashankar Periodi
Through her dedication and innovative approach, Arathi transformed a low-performing school into a vibrant, high-performing institution where children now thrive.
Alumni Story | From Textbooks to Transformation – Rethinking Education in Rural India
Can Education go beyond textbooks, theories and pragmatics to truly transform lives? Chandan (MA in Education, 2017-19) uses his academic foundation to critically engage with the public education system and develop contextual solutions.
Nakshatragalu EP 12 | Nirmala Revanagola, Kalaburagi | Umashankar Periodi
Nirmala is a teacher at Harijanvada Higher Primary School in Kadecherla, located in the Sedam block of Kalaburagi district. Under her leadership, explore how the once-neglected school transformed into a high-achieving and well-regarded institution in the area.
Nakshatragalu EP 11 | Samuel, Qureshi Mohalla School, Surpur, Yadgir | Umashankar Periodi
Suggested brief: From 2 children attending school when he arrived as a headmaster, find out how Samuel managed to bring nearly 100 students to attend school regularly. His unwavering dedication has transformed Qureshi Mohalla School into a thriving place of learning and hope.
Nakshatragalu EP 10 | Sumalatha H Kambli, Bagalkote, Karnataka | Umashankar Periodi
Find out how, over the last 11 years, teacher Sumalatha’s ingenuity and hard work transformed a school into a happy and vibrant learning space for its once neglected and underconfident students
Schooling through Covid-19: A Story of Education from Uttarakhand
On schooling and the learning crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic, when schools were closed for nearly two years. It showcases how teachers, headteachers, and education officials in Uttarakhand responded to ensure continuity of education.
Nakshatragalu EP 09 | Success Story of Hudlumane HP School with Umashankar Periodi
The school, located in Siddapur Taluq, Uttara Kannada district, stands as a beacon of excellence despite being in one of the most backward villages, as identified in the Nanjundaiah Samithi report.
Nakshatragalu EP 07 | Venkatesh D S, Mandya, Karnataka with Umashankar Periodi
In Episode 7 of Nakshatragalu, Umashankar Periodi brings us a teacher’s tale of grit and determination from Pandavapura taluk of Mandya, Karnataka. Find out how Venkatesh DS’s zeal for change also boosts his village’s livelihoods and financial stability.
Nakshatragalu EP 06 | Shivabasappa, Mandya, Karnataka
Umashankar Periodi (Head, Karnataka State) takes us through Shivabasappa’s (Teacher, Hulikere Higher Primary School, Mandya, Karnataka) journey of grit and determination.
Nakshatragalu EP 05 | Dharm Vishnu Nayak, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka
Tune into Episode 05 of Nakshatragalu in which Umashankar Periodi tells us about the Dharm Vishnu Nayak, a teacher in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, who transformed education at his school.
Alumni story | Mitti Café
Mitti is not just about wholesome and chemical-free food. It is a chain run by persons with special needs
