India’s public education system is the central nervous system of education, housing over 65 percent of the country's students in the elementary grades. Despite housing the most significant chunk of India’s future, the quality of education delivered in these schools remains concerning, particularly for students from the underserved communities. According to the National Achievement Survey by NCERT in 2017, half of the children attending primary school are not achieving grade-appropriate learning levels. The crisis is not limited to academic performance; instead, over time, it has evolved into a multidimensional barrier affecting children’s cognitive development, social integration, and overall school experience.
These challenges are exacerbated by gaps in the school infrastructure and a lack of resources to cater to the students' developmental needs. Most schools lack basic amenities such as proper uniforms, school stationery supplies, and extracurricular activities. Furthermore, limited exposure to diverse learning environments has eroded their confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Cumulatively, these challenges have cast a shadow on India’s forthcoming prosperity.
Our initiative, PRAGATI, aims to become a beacon of light in addressing the gaps and disparities within public education systems by addressing both immediate resource needs and making lasting improvements.