Dr. Aniruddha Malpani’s Vision: Transforming Education with Apni Pathshala
In a world where education has become just another business, Apni Pathshala’s MD, Dr. Aniruddha Malpani stands as a light of innovation and purpose. Known for his commitment to reshaping learning, Dr. Malpani recently met with the Apni Pathshala team, leaving them with priceless ideas to ignite self-growth and elevate their mission. This meeting wasn’t just an exchange of ideas, it was a transformative session that inspired the Apni Pathshala team to think bigger and aim higher. Who is Dr. Aniruddha Malpani? Dr. Aniruddha Malpani is an IVF specialist and an entrepreneur who believes in making education accessible and empowering for everyone. He runs the Malpani Infertility Clinic in Mumbai, helping couples fulfil their dream of becoming parents. Beyond medicine, he’s passionate about education and founded Apni Pathshala, which sets up community learning centres to provide digital literacy to kids. Dr. Malpani’s focus is on practical, self-directed learning that goes beyond textbooks. Through this, he aims to equip children with skills for the future, like coding and digital literacy. He also supports innovative startups as an angel investor, driving change in education, healthcare, and beyond. All about the meeting! The meeting kicked off with a warm introduction to the Apni Pathshala team, where each member shared their unique roles and aspirations for the initiative. Dr. Malpani, known for his approachable and enthusiastic nature, listened carefully, eager to help the team move towards creating meaningful impact. The conversation quickly shifted into an engaging discussion about the future of education. Dr. Malpani shared practical ideas for creating learning environments that not only improve outcomes but also develop curiosity and creativity. His vision focused on making education more personal and empowering for students, leaving the team inspired and ready to take bold steps in this cause. Some special insights from Dr. Malpani Creating Safe Learning Spaces “Learning happens where there’s safety.” This simple yet powerful belief drives Dr. Malpani’s educational philosophy. He emphasises that students grow when they feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and explore freely without fear of judgement. It’s not just about physical safety but emotional well-being, too- an environment where students feel valued, respected, and encouraged to express themselves openly. This approach fosters not only academic success but also a deeper connection to the joy of learning. The FLIP Learning Model Dr. Malpani also discussed some progressive education solutions. He introduced the team to the flipped learning model, a dynamic shift from traditional teaching. In this approach, students first engage with educational materials independently- through videos, readings, or interactive tools, before class. Classroom time is then used for discussions, problem-solving, and applying concepts in practical scenarios. This model empowers students to take charge of their learning, sparking curiosity and critical thinking. This approach transforms passive learning into an active, student-driven experience. Dr. Malpani’s focus on the FLIP model highlights his commitment to increase classroom impact and inspire lifelong learners. The Power of “Why” “Before you solve a problem, ask why it exists,” Dr. Malpani advises a principle that goes beyond education. This mindset ensures that solutions address root causes, not just symptoms. Teaching students to ask “why” develops a problem-solving mindset, helping them understand the world in a better way. Whether in the classroom or life, this philosophy empowers learners to seek deeper insights and build meaningful solutions, creating a culture of exploration and innovation. Dr. Malpani’s vision for education is about more than teaching. It’s about inspiring a lifelong passion for learning and equipping students with the tools to shape a better future. Empowering learning pods and its students Dr. Malpani envisioned a future where every learning pod and its students could proudly showcase their unique learning journeys through their own websites. Imagine each pod having its own website filled with stories, projects, and reflections saving their growth and inspiring others to learn and dream bigger. These platforms wouldn’t just empower the students involved but also create a vibrant online community of learners who could connect, share ideas, and celebrate their progress. This will also promote the importance of digital literacy among the viewers. Every student’s journey is unique, and by encouraging them to document and share their experiences, educators can help them take ownership of their learning. It’s about more than just showcasing achievements, it’s about inspiring others and developing a culture where growth and creativity are celebrated together. Parental involvement and community microschools Dr. Malpani believes parents play a vital role in education and promotes community microschools as a way to transform learning. He no longer wants to live in the old traditional educational setup. Instead, he gives major focus on progressive education solutions like community microschools. These small, local schools involve parents directly in the education process, offering personalised learning opportunities for students. By focusing on smaller, supportive environments, community microschools provide a flexible alternative to traditional schools. This promotes creativity and deeper connections within the community. Funding with Purpose Dr. Malpani’s commitment to impactful education is evident in his offer of up to ₹1 lakh for projects that drive meaningful growth. However, he emphasises the importance of charging for services rather than offering them for free, as people tend to value what they invest in. He follows the philosophy of letting people invest in their growth. This highlights his belief in sustainable education models where both effort and financial contribution create lasting value. Action-Driven Leadership Dr. Malpani inspired the team with his call to action: avoid HIPPO (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion) and focus on taking bold steps. Instead of waiting for approval, he encouraged the team to learn by doing, promoting the philosophy of “See 1, Do 1, Teach 1.” By observing and sharing knowledge, educators not only grow themselves but also spark learning across their networks. This experiential learning approach empowers educators to lead by example and build a culture of continuous improvement. Importance of This Meeting For the Apni Pathshala team, this meeting wasn’t just about gaining insights, it was more about being challenged to think bigger. Dr. Malpani’s guidance