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Pathshala 3.0 Brings Learning, Livelihood, and Confidence to Rural Purulia Purulia, West Bengal
Across the rural landscapes of Purulia, a quiet yet meaningful transformation is unfolding. Communities traditionally dependent on agriculture, daily wage labour, and small informal work are now experiencing renewed momentum around education, skills, and opportunity through Literacy India's Pathshala 3.0 initiative. Through its community centres in Lowakui, Pratappur, and Sarbari, the project is enabling access to technology-supported education, vocational skilling, and life-skills development for children, youth, and women. Beyond academics, Pathshala 3.0 is nurturing curiosity, creativity, and scientific thinking through smart classrooms, STEM activities, library engagement, science experiments, educational excursions, and concept-based experiential learning making education joyful, relevant, and participatory. Youth employment readiness remains a key focus. Learners are supported with digital literacy, MS Office training, personality development, entrepreneurial exposure, and facilitation for microfinance and local market linkages helping translate skills into sustainable livelihoods. While challenges such as irregular attendance due to economic pressures, limited parental literacy, foundational learning gaps, and restricted market access persist, the programme is actively addressing them through parent engagement, mentoring support, expanded digital learning, and stronger placement and enterprise linkages. Pathshala 3.0 in Purulia represents more than an education initiative it is a pathway to dignity, confidence, women’s empowerment, and sustainable rural livelihoods, enabling communities to shape their own futures. Across the region, the project has recorded a footfall of over 2,000 beneficiaries spanning all three locations. Through daily programme activities and community-based interventions, it has contributed to improving farmers’ incomes, promoting the use of modern tools and techniques, and encouraging natural farming practices. The initiative has also supported artisans’ livelihoods by reviving heritage crafts and facilitating Chhau folk dance training, while enabling community members to access skill-based courses such as ANM training to develop future healthcare professionals. Overall, the project has created a meaningful impact across more than 60 villages in the Purulia district. Speaking about the initiative, Captain Indraani Singh, Founder, Literacy India, said, “Pathshala 3.0 is not just about education it is about restoring confidence, enabling livelihoods, and nurturing dignity within rural communities. In Purulia, we are witnessing how access to learning, skills, and opportunity can transform aspirations into real pathways for self-reliance, especially for women and youth. Our commitment is to ensure that every community learning centre becomes a space of hope, resilience, and sustainable progress for generations to come.” Since 1996, Literacy India has positively impacted millions of children, youth, and women through integrated education, skill development, and livelihood programmes. In Purulia, Pathshala 3.0 continues this commitment by transforming community learning centres into vibrant spaces of opportunity, resilience, and hope strengthening families and nurturing the next generation of confident rural citizens.
Pathshala 3.0 Brings Education, Livelihood Skills and Confidence to Rural Purulia
In rural areas of Purulia, West Bengal, the Pathshala 3.0 initiative by Literacy India is creating meaningful opportunities through education, skill development and community empowerment. The program works through community centres in Lobaikandi, Pratappur and Sabari, providing children, youth and women with technology-based education, vocational skills and access to livelihood opportunities. The initiative focuses not only on education but also on building self-confidence, promoting women’s empowerment and creating sustainable rural livelihoods. More than 2,000 beneficiaries have been reached across three locations. The program also helps young people develop practical skills and supports community members in preparing for professional opportunities through vocational training. Pathshala 3.0 has created a positive impact across more than 60 villages in Purulia district. By combining education, skill development and livelihood support, the initiative is helping rural communities become more confident, self-reliant and capable of creating better opportunities for their future.
Pathshala 3.0 Brings Education, Livelihood and Confidence to Rural Purulia
Pathshala 3.0 is bringing meaningful change to rural communities in Purulia by creating opportunities for education, livelihood development and self-confidence. The Literacy India initiative is helping children, young people and women access technology-based learning, vocational training and practical life skills through community centres. The program combines education with STEM activities, science experiments, educational tours and activity-based learning to make education more engaging and practical. It also focuses on developing skills that can support future employment and entrepreneurship. Through these efforts, Pathshala 3.0 is helping rural communities build confidence, explore new opportunities and move towards greater self-reliance. Publisher: Not clearly visible in the provided clipping, so I have not added a publisher name to the heading.
A Mission Towards Spreading Literacy in the State
Literacy India launched a unique awareness programme called “Jagrukta” to promote literacy and raise awareness among underprivileged communities. Supported by a team from the National School of Drama, the initiative used street plays and nukkad natak to communicate important social messages on literacy, public health and hygiene, environmental awareness, population control, AIDS and community harmony. The programme was planned to run for two and a half years, covering more than 40 villages across the state and involving around 500 street plays. Children from Literacy India’s projects were also encouraged to participate in these performances, helping them develop confidence and communication skills while spreading awareness in their communities. The initiative followed a community-focused approach, with village surveys used to understand local issues before creating relevant plays. Through this innovative combination of education, theatre and community participation, Literacy India aimed to create greater social awareness and encourage positive change at the grassroots level. Publisher: Not visible in the provided newspaper clipping, so I have not added a publisher name to the heading.
Captain Indraani Singh: A Mission to Educate Children and Empower Women
Captain Indraani Singh, Founder of Literacy India and a former senior Air India pilot, established Literacy India with the vision of educating children and empowering women. What began as a small organisation with just five children in Gurgaon grew into a wider initiative serving communities across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Haryana and the Delhi metropolitan area. Through Literacy India, she has worked to create opportunities for education, literacy and empowerment among underserved communities. Her contributions to social causes and literacy have received several recognitions, including the Godfrey Philips Special Award for Bravery in a Social Cause, the International Women’s Congress Lifetime Achievement Award, recognition in the Limca Book of Records, and the Civil Society Hall of Fame Award for her work in flying and literacy.
‘An Ace Pilot’: Captain Indraani Singh — Education Times
Monday, July 7, 2008 Captain Indraani Singh is recognised as Asia’s first woman commander and a pioneering pilot with Indian Airlines. Alongside her successful aviation career, she has dedicated herself to social development and literacy through Literacy India. Her journey reflects determination, professional excellence and a strong commitment to creating opportunities for others. She has used her experiences and achievements to inspire people, particularly through her work in education and community development. The article highlights her remarkable career in aviation as well as her passion for literacy and social change.
Literacy India Launches ‘Awareness’ Programme
Literacy India has launched an ‘Awareness’ programme in New Delhi to spread awareness about various social welfare issues. The programme is being supported by the National Skill Development team. Through street plays and other awareness activities, the initiative will focus on education, sanitation, health, science, environmental protection, pollution control, AIDS and communal harmony. Literacy India, established in 1996, primarily works to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged children in rural areas. The organisation said the programme will also educate people about social evils and encourage them to think about possible solutions.
Literacy India to Open Schools for Underprivileged Children
Literacy India has decided to work with local communities to establish a school for underprivileged children in villages. The initiative aims to provide primary education to children who do not have access to basic educational facilities. The organisation will also support their overall development and help ensure that disadvantaged children can receive proper education. The school will focus on not only primary education but also practical learning and skill development to help children become responsible and self-reliant citizens.
Electrolux India Partners with Literacy India to Open School for Underprivileged Children
Electrolux India has partnered with Literacy India to establish a school in Chouma village, Palam Vihar, for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative aims to provide primary education and help children develop into responsible citizens. The school will also identify talented students and support them in pursuing higher education at better schools. Along with basic education, students will receive vocational training to improve their skills and future opportunities. The initiative is intended to contribute to Literacy India’s efforts to reduce illiteracy.
Kapil Dev to Inaugurate Vidyapeeth School
Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev will inaugurate the Vidyapeeth School in Palam Vihar, Gurugram, operated by Literacy India. The school aims to provide quality education to children from underprivileged backgrounds. During the inauguration, students will present a performance based on the theme of the National School of Drama under the direction of Dr. Pasha Sen. Literacy India also promotes vocational education and cultural activities in schools to develop children's talents and help them become responsible members of society.
Radisson Brings Joy to 100 Underprivileged Children
Radisson organized a special event for 100 underprivileged children, giving them an opportunity to enjoy a memorable day. The children were treated to a wholesome meal and participated in various fun activities and games. They also received gifts and enjoyed the celebrations to their heart’s content. The initiative aimed to bring happiness and create a joyful experience for the children.
'Forty Thieves' is coming to Kolkata with Bengali daughter Captain Indrani- Aaj Kal
Captain Indrani Singh is heading towards Kolkata, towing forty little 'thieves' by Soumen Dutt. The people of Kolkata will get to know them on December 21. Captain Indrani Singh, the first female commander of an Airbus 300 in Asia, may have a non-Bengali connotation in her name, but she actually claims to be Bengali. The daughter of a Bengali mother and a Rajput father, the expatriate Indrani said, "Rabindra Sangeet is my refuge in my free time." The plane that this Bengali daughter flies is not only the widest and largest, but also the most technologically advanced. She is so dedicated to her profession that she once left a southern chief minister behind to fly on time. Later, she wrote him a letter explaining the importance of time. Not only in flying, but Indrani is an adventurous adventurer in every sense. She has just returned from a bicycle expedition from Delhi. She is preparing to scuba dive in the Red Sea next year. Her next dream is sky diving. In her spare time, she regularly paints. She exhibits her paintings. She lives in Delhi with her husband Captain Kirat Singh. In this family, the cute Kunal was born about seven years ago. Kunal One day, while working as a human being, his philosophy of life changed. It came to mind how many children are lying on the streets and in slums, neglected and neglected. A little companionship, a little love can change their future. He founded a voluntary organization based on this thought. 'Literacy India'. Famous personalities like Kapil Dev, Rajmohan Gandhi, Sai Paranjpe stood by him. In the beginning, there were ten children in this institution in Shurgaon. In five years, the number has increased to 150. In a makeshift house, under the open sky, these children are educated by 'volunteer' teachers from various schools in the vicinity. Mechanics, laborers, working people. These poor children get their hands dirty in computers, environment and health protection. They spend their free time playing sports, drawing, singing, playing music, acting. Captain Indrani is coming to Kolkata on December 21 with these children aged 5 to 14. That evening, they will perform 'Alibaba and the Forty Thieves' at the Gyanmancha. National School of Drama's Shrivardhan Trivedi and Il Amitoj are the directors of the play. Music director is Arjun Sen. Songs are sung by Palash Sen and his 'Euphoria' group.
NSD Team Joins Literacy Drive — Hindustan Times
Literacy India, a non-profit organisation supporting government literacy programmes, has launched the ‘Jagrukta’ (Awareness) programme in collaboration with a 10-member team from the National School of Drama (NSD). Through street plays, the programme aims to spread awareness about literacy, public health and hygiene, the environment, population control, AIDS and communal harmony. The initiative also seeks to encourage people to take greater responsibility for issues affecting their communities.
Children Present a Play at PVR Pathshala
Children from the PVR Pathshala programme presented a stage play at the DLF mall. The event provided the children with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and confidence through a theatrical performance. The programme reflects efforts to encourage children's participation in cultural and educational activities.
Pilot Project Takes Off: Educating Underprivileged Children — Delhi Newsline
Literacy India has launched a pilot project aimed at providing education to underprivileged children. The initiative, led by Capt. Indrani Singh, seeks to bring children into classrooms and provide them with basic education and vocational training. The programme focuses on helping disadvantaged children gain skills and opportunities that can improve their future prospects.
Pilot’s Project Brings Education to Underprivileged Children — Gurgaon Plus
Captain Indrani Singh, a pilot and social worker, is working through Literacy India to improve educational opportunities for underprivileged children. Her initiative focuses on providing education and vocational skills to children from disadvantaged communities. Literacy India supports these efforts through projects such as PVR Pathshala and other programmes designed to help children become more confident, skilled and self-reliant.
School for Underprivileged Children — Literacy India
Literacy India, a city-based social organisation, has opened a Vidyapeeth school in Chauma Village, Palam Vihar, to provide education to underprivileged children. The school was initiated by Indrani Singh, the driving force behind Literacy India, with the support of former cricketer Kapil Dev and Dr. Palash Sen. Electrolux India will provide corporate support for the school. It will offer primary-level education to poor children, while talented students will receive scholarships to pursue higher education. The school’s launch also featured a variety of programmes presented by the children.
Underprivileged Children Showcase Their Theatrical Skills — HT Gurgaon Live
Literacy India, an NGO working to promote literacy among underprivileged children, recently organised a musical play featuring children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme provided the children with an opportunity to develop and showcase their theatrical skills. The performance demonstrated their creativity and talent while giving them confidence through participation in theatre.
Soaring High in the Air: From Pilot to Social Worker — The Hindu
The article profiles Indrani Singh, the first Indian woman to command an Airbus A300, highlighting her remarkable career in aviation and her commitment to social work. Nearly two decades into her flying career, Singh reflects on how flying became a natural choice for her despite the limited number of women entering the profession when she began in the 1980s. She describes flying as a profession that requires complete alertness, quick decision-making and responsibility for the safety of passengers. Her experiences include handling serious situations such as bird strikes, hydraulic failures and multiple engine failures, which strengthened her faith and confidence. Alongside aviation, Singh has dedicated herself to improving the lives of underprivileged and migrant children in Delhi and Haryana. Together with retired Air Marshal Denzil Keelor, she started Literacy India, an organisation focused on education, empowerment and employment. The organisation works to improve access to education for disadvantaged children and also addresses issues related to women's livelihoods. Singh believes education is particularly important because many children from poor communities do not understand its long-term value. She has worked to motivate both children and teachers and has become an inspirational figure for young students. Her approach is practical: she believes that simply appearing before children in her pilot's uniform can inspire them to dream bigger. She is encouraged by the fact that some young girls among the children she works with are now interested in pursuing careers in aviation. The article also highlights Singh's personality, determination and attitude toward challenges. She does not dwell on her achievements and says that confidence helped her overcome the subtle barriers she encountered as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated profession. Her colleagues came to respect her after seeing how professionally she handled emergencies and demanding situations. Despite having accumulated nearly 9,000 hours of flying, Singh continues to devote considerable time to working with underprivileged children while managing her professional and family responsibilities. She believes that meaningful work requires persistence and dedication. Her journey from aviation to social service demonstrates how professional success can be combined with a strong commitment to education, community development and inspiring the next generation.
Literacy India Thanks APJ Abdul Kalam for Supporting Child Hope — Hindustan Times
Literacy India’s “Child Hope” initiative promotes education for underprivileged children. The organisation thanked former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for encouraging the initiative by attending a play staged by Literacy India children. The campaign highlights education as a means of creating better opportunities and a brighter future for disadvantaged children. The initiative was supported by Indian Airlines.
Children’s Street Play Aims to Spark Interest in Education
Literacy India organised a street play in New Delhi to encourage children’s interest in education and raise awareness about its importance. The play was presented by children and focused on the value of education, particularly for underprivileged communities. The programme also highlighted the role of theatre and creative activities in educating and engaging children. The initiative was organised with the support of Amar Ujala.
Actors Help Underprivileged Children Overcome Stage Fear — HT City
Literacy India invited theatre artists Shrivardhan Trivedi and Rahul Kumar to work with underprivileged children and help them develop confidence through theatre. Trivedi, known for Sansani, and Kumar, known as “Millimetre” from 3 Idiots, interacted with the children and participated in staging a play. The experience helped the children overcome their initial fear and nervousness, giving them greater confidence to perform before large audiences.
A Global Adventure for Oakton’s Lee — Pioneer Press
Oakton Community College President Margaret B. Lee travelled to India as part of a six-member delegation of U.S. educators invited by the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Ambassador Karen Hughes. The visit was organised to strengthen educational and cultural ties between the United States and India and to promote greater international understanding among students and educators. During the visit, Lee and the delegation met Indian government and education officials and visited schools and educational institutions. The group discussed international education, student exchanges, scholarships and opportunities for young people to study abroad. Lee emphasised the importance of preparing students to understand different cultures and to compete in an increasingly interconnected world. She also spoke about the need to encourage more international students to study in the United States while giving American students greater exposure to other countries. One of the most memorable parts of Lee’s visit was her experience with Literacy India, an organisation founded by Captain Indrani Singh that works to provide education and opportunities to underprivileged children. Lee visited a school serving disadvantaged children and was deeply impressed by the organisation’s work. She described the children and their determination to learn as one of the most meaningful experiences of her trip. The article highlights how Literacy India works to improve the lives of children from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds through education, vocational training and other opportunities. The organisation also seeks to help children develop skills that can eventually lead to employment and greater independence. Lee was particularly inspired by the effort to give children opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to them. The delegation also learned about India’s diverse culture, history and educational challenges. Lee observed that India has a large and growing population of young people and that education could play an important role in addressing many of the country’s social and economic challenges. She noted that improving access to education can create opportunities for individuals while also contributing to the development of communities. Captain Indrani Singh was presented in the article as an inspirational figure. After building a career as an airline pilot, she devoted considerable time to social work and to helping underprivileged children. Her work through Literacy India demonstrated how professional success could be combined with a commitment to improving society. The visit ultimately reinforced the importance of education, international cooperation and social responsibility. Lee returned from India convinced that educational opportunities can help young people overcome difficult circumstances and build better futures. She also believed that greater international understanding among students could help create a more connected and cooperative world.
Hopes Soar, the Sky Will Be Within Reach
The children of extremely poor families are learning theatre along with their studies. Some of them have also worked in films and television serials. Literacy India has been working to bring awareness among children through street plays. Five children from the organisation have also acted in the film Blue Umbrella. Monu, Rahul, Kamal, Dolisram and Urmila never imagined that one day they would appear on the silver screen. Rahul Bhardwaj played the role of the little boy in Vishal Bhardwaj’s film Omkara. He has also worked in Amal. Rahul, who looks like an ordinary young boy, says that earning money through films is not his main objective. He says, “I have invested the money I earned in my future education. My father’s financial condition was not such that I could study in an English-medium school.” These children do not want to stop after appearing in films. They hope to achieve their goals. Manisha, who has worked in nearly ten television serials, also never expected that she would one day appear on television. Now she has the opportunity to work in films and believes that she should dream big. She says, “I had never imagined that I would get the opportunity to work with people whom I had only seen on television. Today I am getting the opportunity to work with them.” Manisha feels that actors also have responsibilities. She says that perhaps if a child from a middle-class family had received such opportunities, he or she might have achieved even greater success, but these children do not think in that way. They know that when they grow up, they will have to stand on their own feet. These children are learning the basics of theatre through the guidance of their trainers. They also hope that after becoming successful, they will help other children like themselves. According to the article, many of these children come from difficult economic circumstances. Some have fathers who work as labourers, while others struggle to meet even their basic needs. Despite these difficulties, they are continuing their education while learning theatre and participating in stage performances. Literacy India is providing these children with opportunities to develop their talents, gain confidence and dream of a better future. Through theatre, films and other cultural activities, the children are learning valuable skills and gaining exposure that can help them build a better life. The story highlights how education, theatre and opportunities can help underprivileged children overcome difficult circumstances and pursue their dreams.
Literacy India is also associated with Palash
Dhanbad: Palash is also associated with Literacy India, an organisation working for villages. He says that he feels sad that there is still a lack of proper arrangements for weak and orphaned children. Literacy India is working to bring such children into the mainstream. He says that artists should also come forward to help the organisation, because through plays and other activities, children can be made aware of social issues. He believes that in this way, the evils prevailing in society can be eliminated. Palash says that there is a need to provide proper opportunities for the development of children.
Shooting For The Sky- India Today
Capt. Indraani Singh MOTHER OF MANY CAUSES From being the first woman to command an Airbus A300 to heading an NGO for slum children in Gurgaon, she has shown that one can be a wife, a mother and a lot of other things all at once - and still find time to paint.