Apni Pathshala 2.0: Innovate. Educate. Elevate
What if we told you there’s a way to bring education to even the most remote communities? A way to make those kids learn coding who don’t even know how to start a computer? A way to help people build skills and become self-reliant? Sounds amazing, right? Well, that’s exactly what Apni Pathshala 2.0 is all about! If you’ve heard of the original Apni Pathshala, you already know it has done amazing work in connecting underprivileged communities with education. But Apni Pathshala 2.0 takes things to the next level. It’s bigger, more organized, and, most importantly, ready to create a lasting impact. Want to know what makes this initiative even more special? What’s Apni Pathshala 2.0 All About? In simple terms, Apni Pathshala 2.0 helps small learning centers, called learning PODs, become powerful hubs of knowledge and digital skills. Over 15 months, these PODs get all the tools and guidance they need to teach students, build websites, and eventually become self-sustainable. Why “2.0”? What’s New? When we first started, Apni Pathshala focused on teaching and sharing updates from PODs. But we realized something important: these learning PODs needed a structured plan to grow and make lasting impact. So, with Apni Pathshala 2.0, we’ve added clear phases, practical goals, and proper timelines. By the end of each phase, we’ll have a proper understanding of each pod’s development and progress. This isn’t just about education anymore, it’s about creating lasting change. Each POD gets personalized support, a step-by-step roadmap, and the tools to make real progress. What’s the Purpose, Goals & Vision? Purpose. First things first, the purpose of Apni Pathshala 2.0 is to create self-sufficient learning centers, known as learning PODs, across India. These are spaces where people can learn digital skills, develop practical abilities, and access education to improve their lives. Goals To achieve this purpose, we’ve set some clear, actionable goals: These goals aren’t just boxes to tick, they’re the foundation of a movement to bring learning and growth to places that need it the most. Vision Now, let’s talk about the dream we’re chasing. We are chasing a future where every community in India has access to a self-sustaining learning center. These centers bridge the gap between those who have access to technology and education and those who don’t. Our vision is to: The Journey: 4 Exciting Phases Phase 0: Getting Started Timeline: Flexible (You decide when you’re ready!)This is where it all begins. We’ll start laying the foundation for your POD’s success. Here’s what happens: By the end of Phase 0, your POD will be equipped and confident to kickstart Phase 1! Phase 1: Building Strong Foundations Timeline: 3 monthsThis phase is all about setting a strong base for your students and POD activities. By the end of Phase 1, your students will be certified in digital skills, and your POD will have a solid online presence! Phase 2: Making Websites Timeline: 3 monthsNow it’s time to take things to the next level. Here the students will learn to create their very own websites! By the end of Phase 2, your students will have real-world skills, and your POD will be quite interactive with all these activities! Phase 3: Independence and Sustainability Timeline: Open-endedThis phase is all about making sure your pod becomes self sustainable and can work with/without you. So that you can watch your POD work and grow independently. By the end of Phase 3, your POD will be fully self-reliant, with a strong community presence and sustainable growth plan! Why Does This Matter? Not everyone has access to good education or technology. Many communities are left behind because they lack resources. Apni Pathshala 2.0 changes this by: The best part? More than learning, it’s about creating opportunities, building independence, and giving people hope. What Happens After Apni Pathshala 2.0? Once Apni Pathshala 2.0 completes its mission of guiding 50 learning PODs through structured phases, don’t you think that journey ends just like that. Over the first six months, PODs move through Phases 0, 1, and 2, with constant support from Apni Pathshala coordinators. The goal is to make sure every POD has the foundation and tools to grow. When a POD reaches Phase 3, it steps into independence. This means they’re ready to operate on their own, managing resources, teaching skills, and staying sustainable without needing external help. While these PODs are moving towards self-sufficiency, the team behind Apni Pathshala is already focused on setting up new PODs. These new learning hubs will go through the initial support stages and eventually join Apni Pathshala 3.0, continuing the cycle of education and empowerment. The process ensures a balance i.e. existing PODs would work independently, while new PODs are nurtured and onboarded. It’s a sustainable system that allows continuous growth and a broader reach. Apni Pathshala 3.0 will take things further, scaling up the network of PODs, mentoring new ones, and creating lasting change. With each new step, the vision of empowering communities through education becomes more real. How Can You Help? This journey isn’t something we can do alone. Whether you’re a teacher, a community leader, or someone who just wants to make a difference, you can play a role. Spread the word, volunteer, or simply support the mission. Together, we can bring the power of education to every corner of the country. Yes, Apni Pathshala 2.0 is about education but more than that it’s about changing lives. This isn’t just a program, it’s a movement. And you can be a part of it.So, what do you say? Let’s Innovate. Educate. Elevate. together!
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
From Learner to Leader: Life of a student in Mumbai
Aniket’s story is a powerful reminder of how education can change lives. Growing up in the busy streets of Virar, Mumbai, he had little access to technology. His neighbourhood was full of children from underprivileged communities, struggling to get the kind of skills that could set them up for a better future. As he was reaching the end of his school life, he realised he was about to finish without getting that digital literacy which is currently ruling the world. His dreams seemed limited. But here’s the twist- Everything changed when he came across ApniPathshala! ApniPathshala’s Learning Pod ApniPathshala, in collaboration with the Narayan Chandra Trust, set up a learning pod in Virar with one clear goal: to teach digital skills to children from underprivileged backgrounds. It wasn’t an easy task. Before this program, many of these kids had never even touched a computer. Their schools didn’t have computer labs, and most parents didn’t see the value in digital education. They believed it was only important after completing regular schooling. But thanks to Apni Pathshala’s learning pod, this notion changed. That place quickly became a safe space for students like Aniket, offering hope and a path to a brighter future. Aniket initially joined to learn basic computer skills. Just that. But soon, under the guidance of teachers like Pankaj Baranwal Sir from BeyondExams, Aniket’s learning took off. His rapid progress showed how quickly someone can grow when given the right tools and support. From Learner to Leader Aniket wasn’t just a fast learner, he quickly became a role model for other students. His curiosity and dedication stood out. In a short time, he w ent from being a student at the learning pod to helping run the very classes that had changed his life. His transformation from a shy student with little digital literacy to a confident manager is truly inspiring. And this is what ApniPathshala aims at. Things like this make us emotional, proud and happy at heart! Now, Aniket plays a big role in making sure the classes run smoothly. He helps other students understand the digital tools, making the learning environment welcoming and supportive. ApniPathshala’s approach, which encourages students to ask questions and explore freely, helped Aniket to go on. Unlike the traditional classrooms, where discipline overshadows creativity and often children are not able to raise their voice or ask questions, there are no strict rules here at our learning pod. We rather focus on curiosity and self-learning, which has been key to the success of students like him. The Digital Education Revolution The learning pod in Virar isn’t just about teaching kids how to use computers- it’s about building a culture of digital literacy in a place where technology has been hard to access. Here, at this learning pod, the management charges a small fee of ₹100 to ₹200 per month, making sure that even the most underprivileged students can get a top-quality digital education. Making sure that money can never cause any hurdle in any child’s dream to succeed. At the pod, students aren’t just learning the basics. They’re exploring advanced topics like game development, web design, digital marketing, scratch programming, no-code web development, and tools like Canva, helping students gain the skills needed in today’s world. Imagine teaching these interesting skills at a place where the kids didn’t even know to use a mouse. Fascinating, right? Talking about Aniket, these skills changed his life. He went from having no digital knowledge to becoming skilled at using tools like Canva, and now he even helps other students on their learning journeys. His story shows exactly what ApniPathshala aims to achieve with every student who comes to come. Overcoming Challenges On your way to success, challenges are bound to come- that’s an inevitable fact. But, the way we overcome those hurdles is a true test of our perseverance. And, must i say that Apnipathshala passed that test with flying marks. In the beginning, many parents in the area were sceptical about the value of digital education. Nearly 60% of parents believed that their children should only focus on traditional schooling until they completed the 12th grade. Convincing parents to invest in their children’s digital education was a significant challenge. Many of them also couldn’t afford to buy computers, which made the learning pod even more essential. But the management didn’t give up. To encourage participation, they offered students opportunities to volunteer and manage classes without charging fees. This gave students a chance to prove their worth and showcase how valuable digital education could be. Slowly but steadily, the mindset began to shift, and more students started enrolling. A Future Filled with Opportunities Today, ApniPathshala has touched the lives of thousands of students in the Virar area. On any given day, the pod accommodates 100-150 students who come in for flexible classes that work around their school and college schedules. The students aren’t just getting digital literacy, they are being prepared for the future. Moreover, to give the students practical exposure, pod also provides them with internships, freelancing opportunities, and a platform to showcase their talent. Just like Aniket, who now helps manage the growing number of students and has become a mentor to many. He assists in classes that cover everything from basic computer skills to advanced courses like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Also, every Saturday, the pod hosts personality development sessions where students practise presenting in front of others, learning public speaking, and building confidence. The Emotional Impact Aniket’s story is just one of many, but it’s filled with sheer hope and transformation. His journey from a curious learner to a confident mentor shows that with the right opportunities, anyone can succeed, no matter their background. ApniPathshala has played a crucial role in this transformation. Children who once had no access to technology are now digitally skilled, independent, and ready to face the world. Aniket’s story serves as a source of inspiration for other students, who will follow in his footsteps, equipped with the
A Guide to Launch Your Learning Pod with Apnipathshala
Welcome to the journey of launching your very own Learning Pod with ApniPathshala! With over 50 pods launched and running throughout India, we are here to support and encourage you to start your own pod. So that you can make a change in your community and create an impactful educational environment. Even if you are a passionate educator or an individual who wants to make a difference in their community, we will help you launch your very own POD. Who Should Launch an Apni Pathshala Pod? So, who’s the right person to start one of these pods? Honestly, if you care about education and want to make a real difference in your community, this could be a great fit for you. You don’t have to be a tech whiz or an education expert. What you really need is the passion to help kids in your area get a better education Maybe you’re a community leader, a teacher, or just someone who’s got a bit of extra space and a big heart. If you’ve got a room in your house, a community centre, or even a classroom that’s not being used, you’ve already got a good start. Apni Pathshala provides everything else—the computers, the learning plans, and the support. All you need to bring is the desire to make a difference. What are the requirements to open the pod? First things first—let’s talk about the space you’ll need. To launch a successful Apni Pathshala pod, you’ll need a room that’s at least 20 feet by 10 feet. This isn’t just about fitting in the equipment; it’s also about creating an environment where students can learn comfortably. Think of this space as the heart of your pod—a dedicated area where computers, learning, and inspiration all come together. Next up is the infrastructure—basically, everything you need to keep the pod running smoothly. Finally, let’s talk about the people who will make this pod come to life. By meeting these requirements, you’ll be setting the stage for a successful and impactful learning pod. Application Process for Launching an Apni Pathshala Pod Steps to Apply for Launching a Pod 3.Wait for a Response: After you share the email, the team will take some time to review it. They receive a lot of applications, so be patient. Documents and Information Required for Application Before you start filling the application, it’s a good idea to gather some important documents and details. Here’s what you’ll likely need: – Proof of Ownership or Lease: You’ll need to show that you have a dedicated space available for the pod. This could be a room in your house, a rented space, or a community center. – Basic Infrastructure Details: Be ready to provide information about the room’s size, the number of electrical sockets available, and your internet connection speed. Remember, they require a minimum of 10 MBPS. Expected Timelines and Approval Rates Now, here’s the part where patience comes in. Apni Pathshala gets tons of applications each month, so it can take some time to hear back. Typically, they approve about 1 out of every 5 applications, so while there’s a bit of competition, don’t get discouraged! Once you submit your application, expect to wait a few weeks for a response. If your application is approved, you’ll move on to the next steps, like setting up your pod with the equipment they provide. Contact Details and Support for Application Queries Got questions along the way? No problem! Apni Pathshala is there to help. You can reach out to them through their official website’s contact page or email them directly. If you’re stuck on a particular part of the application or just want to make sure you’re on the right track, don’t hesitate to ask for help. They’re just as invested in your success as you are. Setting Up Your Pod Receiving Equipment Once your application is approved and you’re ready to launch your Apni Pathshala pod, the first step is receiving all the necessary equipment. This is an exciting moment because it’s when everything starts to feel real. Here’s what you can expect to receive: – 10 Selligion Praho 2 Computers – 10 Monitors – 10 USB Webcams – 10 Wired Keyboards and Mic: – 10 Wired Headphones This equipment is designed to create a complete, functional learning environment where students can access the best educational resources available. – 12-Month Usage: The equipment provided by Apni Pathshala is on loan for a 12-month period. During this time, it’s your responsibility to keep everything in good working order. This means regular maintenance, careful handling, and ensuring that the equipment is used solely for educational purposes. – Equipment Care: Apni Pathshala expects you to take good care of the equipment so that it can be used by other pods after your 12-month period. Any misuse, such as overclocking or using the computers for non-educational activities, could result in penalties or the early removal of the equipment. By following these guidelines, you help ensure that the equipment can continue to benefit students long after your pod’s initial year of operation. Conclusion As we wrap up, let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible benefits and impact of launching an Apni Pathshala pod. By creating a space dedicated to learning, you’re not just providing students with access to computers and the internet—you’re opening doors to a brighter future. These pods are more than just rooms filled with equipment; they are hubs of opportunity where children from underserved communities can explore, discover, and grow. Don’t hesitate—take that step today. Your community is ready for this, and with your help, we can build a future where every child has access to the education they deserve. Let’s make it happen, together.
Scratch: Empowering Maharashtra’s Students
Unlocking potential through peer learning: where students thrive and grow together.