Jagannath Sahoo is the President and COO of SBI Foundation.
India’s rural education system has undergone significant transformations in recent years, thanks to various initiatives from both the government and the private sector. These efforts focus on improving infrastructure, enhancing access to quality learning resources, and integrating modern educational techniques to ensure that rural students have opportunities comparable to their urban counterparts. However, despite these advancements, challenges such as teacher shortages, digital disparities, and inadequate educational resources persist, making it essential to adopt holistic solutions.
The Evolution of Rural Education in India
The education sector in rural India has seen a surge in initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes. Programmes focusing on experiential preschool education, digital literacy, STEM learning, and teacher training have collectively enhanced classroom environments. Government schemes such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasise inclusive and equitable education, promoting universal access to learning resources.
Infrastructure development has played a crucial role in this transformation. Schools equipped with internet connectivity, smart classrooms, and access to digital devices have enabled students in remote areas to narrow the gap with urban educational standards. Despite this progress, a significant divide remains, highlighting the need for continued investments and innovative approaches.
A transformative move is underway, due to the active involvement of young professionals committed to bridging the educational gap between urban and rural India. Through grassroots interventions, imaginative instructing strategies, and community-driven activities, they are effectively forming a more impartial and comprehensive instruction framework. Their efforts are not just addressing immediate gaps but also paving the way for long-term improvements in rural education. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the participation of young professionals from various fields, including technology, engineering, health, arts, and many more, in rural education initiatives. These individuals are volunteering their time and expertise to support educational programmes in local areas.
Challenges in the Rural Education Sector
Despite advancements in education, rural areas continue to face significant challenges:
- Teacher Shortages: Many rural schools operate with a single teacher responsible for multiple grades. This heavy workload can lead to a decline in teaching quality.
- Digital Divide: While 47.29 per cent of urban schools have internet access, only 18.47 per cent of rural schools do. This limited connectivity restricts students from accessing online learning platforms, digital libraries, and interactive educational tools.
- Insufficient Learning Materials: Many rural schools lack laboratory equipment and innovative teaching aids. This shortage hinders students’ ability to engage in practical and hands-on learning experiences.
- Dropout Rates: Economic constraints and social factors often force children to leave school to support their families. Girls, in particular, encounter additional obstacles due to gender-based societal norms.
- Limited Extracurricular Opportunities: Unlike urban schools, rural institutions often lack access to arts, sports, and vocational training, which are essential for holistic development and skill-building.
- Lack of Awareness of Higher Education Pathways: Many rural students are unaware of scholarship programmes, entrance exams, and alternative career paths, which limits their potential for upward mobility.
The Role of Young Professionals in Transforming Rural Education
However, a transformative move is underway, due to the active involvement of young professionals committed to bridging the educational gap between urban and rural India. Through grassroots interventions, imaginative instructing strategies, and community-driven activities, they are effectively forming a more impartial and comprehensive instruction framework. Their efforts are not just addressing immediate gaps but also paving the way for long-term improvements in rural education. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the participation of young professionals from various fields, including technology, engineering, health, arts, and many more, in rural education initiatives. These individuals are volunteering their time and expertise to support educational programmes in local areas. This trend is particularly significant, given that local government schools often operate on limited budgets and struggle to attract specialised teachers. Several organisations have emerged, led by young professionals, aiming to transform rural education.
Initiatives Led by Young Changemakers
Ashwini Shelke and the Shahalakshya Charitable Trust
Ashwini Shelke, Founder of the Shahalakshya Charitable Trust, embarked on her journey in community empowerment in 2014-15 when she made the bold decision to leave behind a stable teaching job and her six-month tenure at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to join the SBI Youth for India Fellowship. Assigned to the Local Good Governance project in Madhya Pradesh, she gained invaluable insights into governance and grassroots challenges. Inspired by this experience, Ashwini envisioned creating a platform to make a meaningful impact, leading to the establishment of Shahalakshya Charitable Trust. Founded on December 15, 2017, with the motto “सfयनागरक, सक्षमसमाज, उनतरा” (Active Citizens, Empowered Society, Progressive Nation).
The Trust’s library is regularly utilised by school students, providing them with valuable resources for learning and research. Additionally, academic competitions are organised to showcase talent and raise awareness of historical events and current issues. Committed to student safety and empowerment, the Trust conducts career 
guidance sessions, safety workshops, and mentorship programmes to support young learners.
Beyond these initiatives, the Trust actively promotes safety and health awareness among young women and engages in organic farming projects to encourage sustainable practices and environmental stewardship within communities.
The Trust has since undertaken various initiatives to enhance rural education, including teacher training workshops, digital literacy programmes, and infrastructure improvements in underprivileged schools. By engaging with local communities and collaborating with educational institutions, Ashwini and her team have made significant strides in improving learning outcomes for rural students.
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship Programme is a transformative initiative that empowers young individuals to make a lasting impact in rural communities. Fellows immerse themselves in local villages, gaining firsthand experience of the challenges faced by rural populations. This deep engagement fosters innovative problem-solving and promotes sustainable development interventions.
Shravani Ladkat and the Eco-Circular India Foundation (ECIF)
Shravani Ladkat, an SBI Youth for India Fellow from 2016-2017, worked extensively on rural development issues in Talukaprapda, Valsad District, Gujarat. She collaborated with 11 Anganwadis to address critical challenges such as malnutrition, education, and seasonal environmental disruptions.
Key stakeholders, including Anganwadi workers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), play a crucial role in implementing grassroots policies. However, their ability to fulfil these roles can vary. The effectiveness of these stakeholders depends significantly on adequate training, motivation, and support.
During her fellowship, Shravani actively engaged in rural areas to tackle various challenges, with a particular focus on enhancing early childhood education and cognitive development. Her experience in Talukaprapda provided valuable insights into the difficulties faced by Anganwadis in delivering quality education and promoting 
holistic child development. She worked with 11 Anganwadis to create educational solutions that addressed malnutrition and seasonal disruptions, ensuring that children had access to an enriching learning environment.
Shravani’s project, the Eco-Circular India Foundation (ECIF), aimed to strengthen early childhood education by equipping Anganwadis with the necessary resources and training. Her key interventions included:
– Distributing 20 boxes of educational toys among the 11 Anganwadis to foster cognitive and motor skill development in young children.
– Developing a structured curriculum and cognitive development assessments to support Anganwadi workers in providing engaging and effective learning experiences.
– Organising training sessions for Anganwadi workers and parents on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) to establish a strong foundational learning framework.
– Conducting awareness programmes in schools to educate students on the importance of nutrition and early learning interventions.
– Leading the beautification of the Hati Phaliya Anganwadi in collaboration with students from the College of Engineering Pune, creating a child-friendly learning space.
– Working with the Gram Panchayat to secure INR 2 Lakh for necessary repairs at Anganwadi centres, ensuring safe and conducive learning environments.
Over the past decade, the efforts of young changemakers have demonstrated that rural India is not just a place of need but also an opportunity for progress and transformation. Through dedicated initiatives and innovative interventions, these professionals are reshaping the future of education in remote areas. As more individuals join this movement, they pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship: A Catalyst for Change
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship Programme is a transformative initiative that empowers young individuals to make a lasting impact in rural communities. Fellows immerse themselves in local villages, gaining firsthand experience of the challenges faced by rural populations. This deep engagement fosters innovative problem-solving and promotes sustainable development interventions.
Through partnerships with grassroots organisations, the Fellowship facilitates impactful projects across 12 thematic areas, including health, rural livelihoods, food security, environmental protection, education, water, technology, women’s empowerment, self-governance, social entrepreneurship, traditional crafts, and renewable energy. By collaborating directly with local stakeholders, Fellows contribute to meaningful, community-driven change.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining and Expanding Impact
It is inspiring to see how the dedication and creativity of young professionals can reshape the future of education in India’s rural communities. As more individuals join this movement, they contribute to a brighter and more equitable future for generations to come. Many projects serve as pathways into the social sector, providing participants with a head start in their careers.
Over the past decade, the efforts of young changemakers have demonstrated that rural India is not just a place of need but also an opportunity for progress and transformation. Through dedicated initiatives and innovative interventions, these professionals are reshaping the future of education in remote areas. As more individuals join this movement, they pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship and similar initiatives offer invaluable platforms for young individuals to make a lasting impact. By investing in rural education, we empower students and lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient India. The journey toward educational equity is ongoing, but with continued collaboration and commitment, we can create a future where every child, regardless of their location, has access to quality education and limitless opportunities.